Communications Officer II

Description

The Melbourne Police Department offers a salary competitive with other local law enforcement agencies. The current starting salary range for Communication Officers is $47,442.46 to $53,344.20 annually ($22.80 - $25.64 hourly). Upon successful completion of the training period, candidates will receive a minimum 5% pay increase. Salary ranges are evaluated annually, and wage adjustments are approved by City Council. The City also provides a 4% shift differential pay for communication officers assigned to evening and midnight shifts after successfully completing training, as well as incentive pay for specialty teams.

Applicants with less than 2 years' experience qualifies for a $2,500.00 sign-on bonus.
Applicants with a minimum of 2 years' experience working in a PSAP or 911 Center may qualify for a $5,000.00 sign-on bonus.

Under the general supervision of the Communications Shift Supervisor, the Communications Officer II must successfully complete all phases of the required training program to serve as a critical link between the public and emergency responders by receiving, prioritizing, and relaying emergency and non-emergency information for the City’s public safety services. Responsibilities include answering 911 and non-emergency calls and taking appropriate action; processing and dispatching telephone and radio communications; monitoring alarm and emergency systems; managing high-stress public interactions; and ensuring accurate transmission and documentation of information in accordance with established procedures, policies, and guidelines. Work is reviewed through direction, observation, conferences, and evaluation of results obtained. This position is characterized by the continued development of academic and professional knowledge as required by the Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunication Program and the professional standards of the City of Melbourne Communications Center. Performs other duties as required.

Examples of Duties

• Attends the next available State of Florida Department of Health accredited 911 Public Safety Telecommunication Course. Maintains an academic level which complies with the standards established by the accredited training facility and the Florida Department of Health.
• Successfully completes and attains Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunication Certification as required by Florida State Statue 406.465.
• Successful completion of a two week Communication Orientation
• Receives telephone communications and transfers them to appropriate person, department or agency.
• Aids and assists the public with general information.
• Takes messages.
• Receives telephone communications and transfers them to appropriate person, department or agency.
• Aids and assists the public with general information.
• Maintains required logs and related records.
• Receives and accurately registers complaints in Computer Aided Dispatch System.
• Operates manual system in the event of a CAD failure.
• Assists officers/fire personnel and other department personnel within the means provided in the Communication Center.
• Operates FCIC/NCIC Computer
• Communicates with the news media.
• Operates 911 and related equipment, to include non-emergency phone and T.D.D. (Telephone device for the hearing impaired)
• Operates other related equipment, i.e. FAX machine, copy machine, two-way radio, etc.
• Interpret maps and provide clear/accurate directions.
• Monitors alarms in the Communications Center (booking alarm, 911 alarm, generator alarm, stake out alarm, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED. Must provide documentation prior to being hired.
• Dispatcher, or telephone operator experience or progressively responsible work experience involving public contact and a fast-paced environment.
• Emergency dispatch experience is beneficial.
• Must pass the Critical testing with a minimum scores of 3500 KPH, 35 WPM, and overall score of 80% or higher.
• Applicant must meet all Florida Department of Health requirements to be certified as a 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

• Must have a valid driver’s license. Applicants who possess a valid out of state driver’s license must obtain a Florida license within 10 days of employment.
• Must meet Criminal Justice Systems (CJIS) and Melbourne Police Department background investigation requirement and maintain compliance throughout employment.
• Candidate must be able to achieve certification of the Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunication testing and be certified with in one (1) year of employment start date.
• Applicant must be able to achieve FCIC/NCIC certification within six (6) months of employment and maintain a valid certification through employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to type with speed and accuracy while conversing with callers.
• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks in an efficient manner.
• Knowledge of geography of the City's surrounding area.
• Knowledge of modern practices, procedures, and equipment with in the Communication Center operations.
• Knowledge of the principles of telephone, computers and related communications equipment.
• Ability to operate a telephone, or Teletype equipment, to include Teletype radio channel quickly and accurately under non-stress and stressful work conditions.
• Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations.
• Ability to discern several conversations simultaneously, disseminate appropriate information, prioritize actions and respond in an effective manner
• Ability to condense and organize large amounts of information into readable, sensibly typed remarks in a timely manner and recall numerous acronyms and type codes essential to efficient and accurate call processing.
• Ability to make timely and appropriate decisions under emergency circumstances based on technical standards, criteria and policies.
• Ability to remember numerous details and quickly re-call essential information
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in a well modulated voice.
• Ability to operate a variety of machines and equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and to detect complete and accurate information from the general public when they may be in a distressed or confused state.
• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks in an efficient manner.
• Ability to accurately maintain data files.
• Ability to work various schedules including days, evenings, midnights, weekends, and holidays.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to hear and understand conversation of the English language spoken in a normal tone of voice and in a low or high pitch, whisper or loud voice and with an accent.
• Ability to read and understand printing and cursive writing in the English language. Read a computer screen.
• Ability to work effectively while under stress.
• Ability to write cursive or print in a legible and easily understood manner.
• Must have physical dexterity to operate a computer keyboard.
• Ability to learn and apply complex tasks and retain the knowledge to complete the tasks without assistance.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time in excess of four (4) hours at a time.
• Ability to carry items which may weigh between one (1) and fifteen lbs. for a distance of ten feet or less.
• Ability to bend, squat or stoop to retrieve items from floor level.
• Ability to lift items one (1) to fifteen lbs. to shoulder height.
• Ability to report to work on short notice or work extended hours when necessary.
• Ability to work with equipment that emanates microwaves, generate static electricity and radio waves and generate a constant low-level noise.
• Ability to talk on a telephone or radio and type on a computer keyboard at the same time.
• Ability to speak in a clear, concise and well modulated understandable voice in the English language.
• Obtain and record accurate information by means of conversation.