Communications Officer

Communications Officer Communications Officer $24.59 / hour or $51,154.90 / year (no prior experience as a 911 Dispatcher). Lateral candidates are eligible for 100% credit for up to 10 years of prior service as a 911 Dispatcher. Evening & Night Shift Differential Pay - $1 / $1.5 per hour. Built‑in overtime due to rotational shift schedule. Communications Officers work an assigned 12‑hour shift (7:00 AM – PM or PM to AM) rotating 3 days on > 2 days off > 2 days on > 3 days off pattern. This position is designated essential and must report to work during times when the local government/agencies are closed. Employees are subject to call‑back and hold‑over to maintain minimum staffing 24/7. Responsibilities Receive and prioritize non‑emergency and E911 calls from the public for law enforcement, fire, rescue and other emergency services; dispatch emergency personnel and public safety officials; receive incoming phone calls to the communications center. May be assigned to work any of four functional areas: VCIN, Call‑taking, Sheriff’s Office Radio or Fire Radio. Interpret and prioritize E911 calls for appropriate actions; determine the nature of the call and type of assistance needed; route calls for expedient handling. Dispatch appropriate units using E911 radio and telephone systems; provide information on location, type of emergency and any other relevant information; provide geographical information, including subdivision names, cross‑streets, landmarks, etc.; give pre‑arrival instructions by telephone as needed. Operate a variety of emergency service communications systems; utilize two‑way radio system in accordance with federal and state laws and guidelines; document all malfunctions in communication system and related equipment; report errors in mapping and/or database. Communicate with a variety of public safety officials, personnel and medical personnel. Monitor and conduct tests of the County’s natural warning and alarm systems. Maintain records of calls; log all dispatches, recording time of call and dispatch, dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests. Maintain confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations. Participate in continuous training program to improve communications and skills. Verify warrants and access computer systems to provide information to law enforcement personnel; enter information on stolen property and missing persons in national and state computer; transmit computer responses on all hit confirmations. Answer administrative telephone lines for the Sheriff’s Office and Fire/Rescue after hours. Perform other related duties as required. Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by computer keyboard training required. Must type at a minimum speed of 35wpm. General knowledge of operating communications systems, radio and teletype procedures. General knowledge of the geography of Stafford County and important buildings. Skill in multitasking, decision‑making and critical thinking. Skill in verbal and written communications, active listening/hearing. Skill in teamwork, conflict resolution, problem solving and analytical thinking. Ability to type quickly and accurately, speak clearly and distinctly, and effectively operate all communications equipment. Ability to remain professional with the public under stressful conditions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public. Ability to be dependable, flexible, ethical, mature, respectful, empathetic and tolerant. Physical ability to operate two‑way radios, computers, typewriters, calculators, copiers, and to lift up to 20pounds occasionally. Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and to coordinate hands, eyes and feet rapidly and accurately with communication equipment. Special Requirements Must successfully pass a polygraph examination, full background investigation, pre‑employment psychological and medical exams including drug and alcohol screening. Must be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and eligible for naturalization. Must successfully complete Department of Criminal Justice Training and in‑house training in all four functional areas within 18 months of employment. Must possess or obtain Basic Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch, NCIC/VCIN, CPR/first aid and National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100 and 700 courses and certificates within one year of employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr