Telecommunicator

Dispatcher

Performs the radio dispatching and clerical work necessary to support police officers, firefighters/paramedics and other emergency personnel. Work involves receiving non-emergency and emergency incoming calls, dispatching applicable personnel, and operating a computer terminal connected to the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and a variety of local, regional, and/or state emergency response databases. Work involves preparing and maintaining records and files. Employee works varying shift assignments and is responsible for being on call during emergencies.

Examples of duties include:

• Accurately receives/dispatches calls for police, fire, emergency aid/ambulance, animal control, and on-call city workers;
• Maintains a computer log of complaints and services requested; maintains knowledge of location and activities of various emergency response personnel;
• Receives and provides home, business, fire and medical alarms to law enforcement officials, firefighters and medics as requested; notifies key holders of activation of alarms;
• Monitors and operates TDD/TTY to communicate with hearing impaired callers and Language Line for callers that may need an interpreter;
• Maintains logs of vehicle repossession and wrecker rotations;
• Maintains paperwork related to the booking and release of prisoners;
• Maintains computer database;
• Works cooperatively with other agencies;
• Promotes positive public relations;
• Adhere to all City policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook, in particular:

1. Attendance Policy
2. All Safety Policies and Procedures
3. Appropriate business casual attire for office personnel and proper uniform attire for those departments that are so designated (Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments);

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional job functions include:

• Answers telephone and receives inquiries, providing information based on general knowledge of City programs and activities, or refers callers to appropriate personnel, as necessary; routes messages or pages off-duty officers.
• Monitors office equipment & dispatch office, coordinates report of equipment with the Administrative Services Lieutenant.
• Assists with the training of new telecommunicators.

Typical qualifications include:

• High School diploma or GED
• Ability to obtain Basic License as a Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications Operator within 12 months of employment as a Telecommunicator. Certification pay is paid to those who hold an Intermediate, Advance or Master License.
• Ability to obtain Certification as a Notary Public from the Texas Secretary of State's Office within 12 months of employment.
• Knowledge of the geographical layout of the County, including political subdivisions, location of streets, important buildings and other landmarks.
• Familiar with the operation of two-way radio equipment and related Federal Communication Commission regulations.
• Awareness of the operation and location of law enforcement and emergency service units.
• Skill in the operation of emergency communications equipment and computer systems and databases utilized by the Department.
• Proficiency in the use of common office machines including computerized data entry equipment.
• Ability to elicit information necessary for proper dispatching from persons who may be distressed.
• Competence in the exercise sound judgment in emergencies
• Capability to speak clearly, distinctly, and politely.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in all transactions and conversations with external and internal customers.
• Maintain clear, effective records and reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Emergency Operation Classification: TIER 1 – Essential: Employees with specific responsibilities that remain in the City on the job alternatively, at a designated location during an emergency.

This job position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical and dental insurance at no cost to the employee
• Vision insurance is offered at a very low premium
• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability and AD&D (payroll deducted)
• TMRS (Texas Municipal Retirement System)
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Paid Time Off
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• Longevity Pay
• 457 Plan and/or Roth IRA
• Health Reimbursement Account and/or Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HSA/FSA)

Part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.