Dispatcher

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Communication Supervisor or designee, perform a variety of clerical and technical duties related to dispatch activities. Operate various communications equipment, answer and process emergency or non-emergency calls, and dispatch public safety units. Actively support and uphold the Tribe’s and Department’s mission and values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors emergency and general support radio frequencies.
• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls from outside agency dispatchers or law enforcement agencies via multi-line telephones, walk-ins, and radio systems.
• Records and routes emergency calls to appropriate authorities.
• Determines priorities of all calls and dispatches required units.
• Receives and processes radio calls from field units.
• Transmits messages via radio, telephone, computer, fax, or other communication equipment.
• Receives emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency services; determines the nature and location of the emergency, determines priority, and dispatches emergency units as necessary and by established procedures.
• Uses a computer-aided dispatch system or other various computer systems for data entry and general information retrieval.
• Creates and maintains a daily log of public safety communication activities.
• Establishes and maintains an effective filing and retrieval system according to established policies and procedures.
• Performs a variety of record-keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work; maintains a variety of documents relating to public safety activities; prepares related reports as requested.
• Works under pressure, exercises good judgment, and makes sound decisions in emergencies.
• Contribute to a team effort and accomplish related results as required.
• Establishes and maintains effective cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Inquire, interpret, verify, receive, and disseminate information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, and vehicle registration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to learn departmental policies and procedures for service requests.
• Ability to learn geographic features and streets within the area served.
• Ability to learn police codes, practices, and methods.
• Ability to effectively and courteously deal with the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of writing, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of the current practices and procedures involved in Police dispatch operations.
• Skills in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
• Skills in reading and interpreting maps and other navigational resources, and giving directions.
• Skills in communicating using telephone and two-way radio equipment.
• Skills in remaining calm and functioning effectively during emergencies and communicating effectively with persons in varying degrees of hysteria.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Ability to work independently within Tribal and Police Department policies, rules, and regulations
• Methods and techniques of telephone etiquette
• Methods and techniques of conflict resolution
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment
• Ability to Read and Speak the English Language
• Ability to complete training leading to certification to operate the ACJIS terminal
• Ability to define 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be able to accurately type materials at a reasonable rate of speed and demonstrate proficiency in grammar, spelling, and filing.
• Processing and record-keeping of expenditures, purchase orders, or invoices preferred.
• Must possess a valid State driver's license.
• Must never have been convicted of a felony or have been convicted of a misdemeanour within three (3) years preceding application, and must be willing to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.
• Applicant must be available to work rotating shifts (days, swings, and graves), weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Must be able to train in the process of doing drug/alcohol testing.
• Successfully pass an oral board and background investigation.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in a related field or trade school, professional or technical certification, specialized training is preferred
• 6 months of specialized work experience; 2 years of work experience in a related field 

NATIVE AMERICAN AND CURRENT EMPLOYEE EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE POLICIES ARE APPLICABLE TO ALL POSITIONS. MUST BE ABLE TO PASS PRE-EMPLOYMENT AND ONGOING RANDOM DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTS.