Communications Dispatcher

General Statement of Duties and Job Objectives Successful applicants hired under this recruitment will be responsible for performing fast, efficient and accurate receiving and dispatching of calls and messages from and to public safety units and personnel in the field. Duties involve the operation of complex communications equipment including microprocessor controlled radio and telephone control consoles and computer terminals to dispatch emergency public safety units as requested or necessary. Essential Functions Operate radio and telephone control consoles in dispatching public safety resources and routing of other emergency calls to the appropriate agencies. Receive emergency call information; dispatch call to appropriate units or departments; maintain information on units activities; access computer terminals to obtain, transmit and record information such as vehicle license numbers, drivers information, warrants and stolen vehicle information; enter record information via computer terminal; maintain status of equipment to maintain control and record the activity of the dispatched units. Relay and receive information from other public safety organizations; notify other service agencies such as road maintenance, public works, signal and light maintenance and animal control. Facilitate coordination of Communications Center services; provide and receive information on emergencies dispatched to and from co-workers. Maintain accurate record of information and calls received or dispatched. Enter information into computer terminal as required. Report to Communications Supervisor or Communications Manager the need for radio, telephone or equipment repairs. Study and maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, industrial plants, public buildings and the general geographic locations of cities, towns and landmark of Linn County. Maintain record of time and nature of unusual or significant events, and other pertinent information facilitating efficient communication dispatching. Develop and maintain effective, harmonious and reasonable work relationships with others. Maintain regular and predictable work attendance. Other duties as assigned. Other Functions Any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of the duties listed under essential functions or that arise as other functions. The balance of the various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may change from time to time based upon management’s decisions on how to best allocate resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing does not constitute a change in the essential functions of the job classification. Knowledge, Skill and Ability Knowledge of techniques, procedures and methods used in the operation of a Public Safety Communications Center and the dispatching process, including two-way radio, computer terminal and multi-line telecommunications equipment commonly used in public safety dispatching. Knowledge of the terminology and procedures used by police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services in communications dispatching. Knowledge of the function of other public service agencies and community agencies available in the area of emergency services. Ability to make prompt and appropriate decisions based on available information. Ability to dispatch public safety equipment in a quick and efficient manner. Ability to relay information exactly as received. Ability to react quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation and to adopt an effective course of action. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly in a well modulated and pleasant voice. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instruction. Ability to deal tactfully with the general public, co-workers and others with whom they come into contact in the performance of duties. Experience, Education and Training Graduation from a senior high school or possession of the equivalent GED Certificate. Physical Demands and Work Environment Work is generally performed indoors in an office and is essentially sedentary in nature. Work requirements include the ability to see, talk and hear; sit for long periods of time, use hands to finger, handle or operate objects or controls, reach with hands and arms and lift or move thirty (30) pounds. Necessary Special Qualifications Be a citizen of the United States. Be 18 years of age or older. Be of good moral fitness, as determined by a thorough background investigation. Be free of any conviction for any felony; any misdemeanor involving violent behavior; or unlawful use, possession, delivery, or manufacture of a controlled substance, narcotic or dangerous drug. Pass a written and oral interview as prescribed by the Sheriff’s Office. Be willing to work weekends, holidays, varying shifts and extra hours. Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Requirements United States Citizen within one year of employment At least 18 years of age at the time of employment Declared by a physician as able to perform the physical duties required by the occupation Of good moral fitness, without legal conduct involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, and conviction of drug and/or sex crimes. Must successfully complete all required training standards established by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and/or DPSST within one year of hire. Required Certifications Be able to be certified as a Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training – DPSST. Minimum standards of employment as a Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher are located at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training website. Be willing to work weekends, holidays, varying and rotating shifts and extra hours. Felony, Criminal Activity Disqualifiers Felony convictions Misdemeanor convictions for domestic violence, currently named as the respondent in a restraining order, crime of dishonesty, or crime that resulted in serious physical injury to another Illegal manufacture, transport, or sale of a controlled substance Any repeated convictions of an offense, indicating disrespect for the law, lack of good moral character or disposition toward violence and disorder Discharge from employment where such discharge indicates poor behavior and/or an inability adjusting to discipline A dishonorable discharge from the armed forces Persons convicted of petty larceny Drug Use Disqualifiers No arrests or convictions for any felony or any misdemeanor crimes involving the unlawful use, possession, delivery, or manufacturing of a controlled substance, narcotic or dangerous drug. Additional Disqualifiers Must pass a thorough background investigation, psychological exam, medical exam including drug screen, and integrity interview that establishes strong moral character. Any conduct that could compromise the integrity of the employee, other employees, the Sheriff’s Office or the County will be closely evaluated. The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr