Communications Officer

Job Title

This position is responsible for assisting in the dispatch of emergency services.

This job is a safety sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Barrow County Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace.

Major Duties

• Answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls for service; determines nature of the call and the type of assistance needed.
• Utilizes the Computer Aided Dispatch System to record, track, log, and assign calls to appropriate personnel.
• Relays information over county-wide emergency communications radio system to appropriate emergency response personnel according to department policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Assists callers in high-stress situations such as domestic violence, suicide threats, medical emergencies, burglaries and robberies, auto accidents, and other incidents.
• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously such as talking to callers on the phone or radio and typing information into the computer.
• Receives, monitors, and dispatches radio traffic for law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services, and other agencies.
• Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations according to established departmental guidelines.
• Enters data into and obtains data from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) networks.
• Calls business and the public as a support function to obtain or relay information to/from officers.
• Provides locations and directions to officers and the public using various mapping tools.
• Participates in annual training classes and courses to maintain certification.
• Participates in coordinating emergency response and assistance from external agencies.
• Notifies appropriate personnel and/or supervisor of critical situations, weather related information, and problems with communications or computer equipment.
• Performs related duties.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of GCIC/NCIC rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of laws pertaining to emergency communications such as FCC regulations.
• Knowledge of county roadways, landmarks, businesses, and other geographical information within the county.
• Skill in interpersonal communications.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in judgement and decision making regarding scope of work.
• Skill in performing duties during stressful situations.
• Skill in working with Computer Aided Dispatch System.
• Skill in mentoring others.
• Skill in computer operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain GCIC/NCIC certification, must be obtained within 12 months.