Communications Officer

Overall Job Objective

POSITION SUMMARY

Communications Officers process and interpret emergency and routine requests for service for police, fire and EMS within the City of Bellaire from both, the public and first responders. They dispatch the appropriate emergency personnel while gathering an array of information via multi-line phone systems, 911 phone systems, multi-channel radios, computer aided dispatch systems, data terminals and camera systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Answers non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone calls; coordinates public safety response to all emergency situations in the City of Bellaire by assessing nature, scope, seriousness and complexity of an incident, and extent of response necessary; dispatches appropriate field units for police, fire, EMS and other city services; provides guidance to citizens in handling incidents until the arrival of emergency services; provides responding units with pertinent information to ensure safety of officers and civilians; documents all incidents in computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) and maintains various logs and paperwork, including prisoner paperwork; provide pre-arrival instructions for emergency medical calls, maintains knowledge of current emergency medical dispatch practices and CPR certification; utilizes and maintains certifications for use of NCIC/TCIC and other databases which access confidential information; researches information for officers involved in field incidents regarding suspect warrants and criminal history through national, state, regional and local databases; fields walk in traffic and general information inquiries for police department; releases tow slips; receives bond/fine monies for courts and arrested persons; monitors weather conditions as necessary; maintain clean and tidy workspace.

MUST HAVE ABILITY TO:

• Remain calm and objective.
• Adjust to frequently changing workloads.
• Understand geography and jurisdictional boundaries, thoroughfares, landmarks, public buildings, waterways, etc. in and surrounding jurisdiction.
• Prioritize simultaneous phone calls, radio transmissions and other associated operational communications in a fast-paced, demanding and dynamic environment.
• Listen, comprehend phone calls and public safety field unit radio transmissions accurately and evaluate information into appropriate actions to be taken in an expeditious fashion.
• Maintain highly accurate record of events, written logs and reports of actions taken that may be used in legal proceedings.
• Ability to use phone, computer and radio simultaneously, and monitor multiple computer screens.
• With great attention to detail, rapidly enter, read, write and interpret information obtained via computer systems and verbal conversations and retain information over long periods of time.
• Maintain positive customer service attitude with public, first responders and colleagues.
• Work shifts that span 24-hr period (days, evenings, nights), including weekends and holidays, unscheduled/mandatory overtime as necessary. Position is designated as essential personnel and is expected to report to work during extreme weather conditions or other vital events.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High school education or equivalent; ability to pass state required licensing; excellent organizational, communication and customer service skills; working knowledge of dispatch methods, practices and procedures used by police, fire and EMS departments preferred; ability to multitask in fast-paced demanding environment with a great attention to detail and an extraordinary degree of accuracy; knowledge of efficient office practices and procedures, accurate typing of 40 wpm. Must be able to work all shifts.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Telecommunications certification preferred, or must acquire certification within one year of employment. Public safety communications experience also preferred.