Public Safety Telecommunicator

Public Safety TelecommunicatorThe Public Safety Telecommunicator performs responsible communications work receiving, screening, prioritizing and processing emergency and non-emergency communications with the Sheriff's Office for services of law enforcement, fire, ambulance, medical helicopter, state patrol and related state and local agencies and services. Duties include operation of all dispatch equipment and numerous clerical/technical tasks recording and entering data conforming to data access and data privacy requirements.Duties and ResponsibilitiesReceives and evaluates communications including emergency/non-emergency phone calls, electronic communications, alarms, etc. Determines appropriate responder(s) and dispatches in accordance with guidelines, service area maps and type and urgency of call.Obtains relevant information from callers who may be under stress, angry, impaired, non-English speakers, in medical distress, or other situations requiring effective and calming communication.Maintains communication with callers and attempts to keep them calm and on the line while paging for assistance to necessary units and agencies.Operates and maintains the equipment of the Communication Center.Logs weather incidents and communicates with National Weather ServiesPrioritizes and dispatches calls to the appropriate agencies while assisting with other programs. Patches talk groups and channels for necessary groups.Requests auto launch and request communication channelsTransmits service requests to appropriate officer(s) or agency(s) and maintains communication with responders.Contacts tow companies and maintains tow sheet filesContact business keyholders when alarm companies call in alarmsContacts Red Cross and Salvation Army for local fire departments and duty officerContacts street, water and park utilities when services are neededContacts cell phone companies and other services to have pings on locationsContacts medical examiners when death occursContacts railroad companies when issues with railwaysContacts judges to request assistance with signing search warrantsContacts Chaplain for assistance with death notifications, death scenes or transient assistanceEnters and maintains information into local, state and federal databases ensuring accuracy and relevancy and adherence to system requirements and data privacy.Take information on daily burn permits.Monitors and acknowledges all emergency service units on duty including location, duty status, and activity status. Determines if status checks are required and whether to dispatch support.Controls access to private and confidential information within the computer files.Tests pagers, sirens, monitors and logs school and business fire drills in accordance with policy.Updates, maintains and logs all calls given to officers. Records and documents all events in hot calls such as high-speed situations and robberies.Completes and performs criminal background checks, license checks, or stolen property or missing persons by retrieving criminal history data from Federal and State resources, interpreting information, and distributing information in a timely manner.Checks probation status/ conditions and may contact probation agents as needed.Assists in the maintenance and updating of department files and records:Enters all stolen property and missing persons.Enters all warrants.Processes all warrants and completes warrant checks.Creates CIDS and will update data when available.Process animal control calls lost or at large animalsProcesses and maintains records for complaints for long grass, refuse, junk vehicles and parkingProcesses request for Gopher OneProcesses and enters gun permitsProvides information to deputies regarding warrants by accessing computer files.Creates Initial Complaint Reports (ICR), assign activity codes and enter relevant data.Refer calls to on-call child protection worker as indicated and/ or contacts on-call cvcc when needed.Greet and assist office visitors and provide information and/or refer to appropriate person.May be assigned as Dispatch Communications Training Officer (DCTO) for new hires. Oversee work performed by trainees, document with Daily Observation Reports and make appropriate recommendations to supervisor.Responsible for the proper documentation of all activity of the public safety answering point.Create and maintain a training book to meet the needs of the Freeborn County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center (Dispatch Communication Training Officers, only).Attend monthly training.Must auto page callback shifts.While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.Position RequirementsKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesExceptional oral communication skills. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly and hear, record and transmit information accurately.Considerable ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people including hostile, frightened, incoherent and impaired persons.Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow all data privacy requirements.Considerable ability to multi-task.Ability to handle several calls at once.Strong aptitude and skill in various software and data base operations.Knowledge of the county geographical area. Ability to read maps and receive and transmit directions.Considerable ability to maintain composure and effectiveness during times of stress or high activity.Considerable ability to operate various software, radio and phone operations.Considerable ability to speak and hear by radio and telephone while performing routine duties and responding to emergency situations.Ability to comprehend and retain a wide variety of policies and procedures.Ability to handle a variety of typical assignments and problems under moderate supervision within standard operating procedures.Work complexity includes the ability to handle many complex and significant variables, requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking in adapting policies, procedures, and methods to fit unusual and complex situations.Ability to maintain frequent outside and inside contacts to carry out organizational programs on matters requiring cooperation, explanation and persuasion.Education and ExperienceRequires High School Diploma or GEDLicenses/CertificationsMNJIS Basic Operator CoursePSPortalsXL CertificationNational Incidents Management CertificationEquipment and Tools ResponsibilitiesFrequently operates office equipment.Intermittently must operate County vehicles.Physical and Mental RequirementsThis job typically requires: sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. This position may encounter unexpected and prolonged workdays and stress and pressure from dealing with emotional issues and conflicts. This position is exposed to computer keyboards, video screens, confined spaces and prolonged sitting. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 20 pounds of force.The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Working ConditionsWork is performed in an office environment with work schedules covering 24 hours/day and 7 days/week. There may be travel required to other facilities, meetings training, etc.The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable Public Safety Telecommunicator accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Competencies Common to All County PositionsDevelop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all office and applicable County policies and procedures.Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.Represent