Telecommunications Officer - Dispatch

Job Opportunities Use the Government Jobs tab to search through your municipality's employment opportunities. Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of the latest career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Me® button. The City of Luling is accepting applications for a full-time Telecommunications Officer (Dispatcher). About the Role The Telecommunications Officer is an office-based public safety position responsible for operating the Police Department's telecommunications and dispatch systems and serving as a critical link between the public, police officers, fire and EMS personnel, public works crews, and other emergency response agencies. This position requires constant contact with the public and requires tact, professionalism, courtesy, resourcefulness, and mature judgment when handling stressful, sensitive, and emergency situations. The Telecommunications Officer must be able to quickly obtain accurate information, prioritize calls, dispatch appropriate personnel, maintain communication with field personnel, and accurately document all activity. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Operates the Police Department's telecommunications system, including multiple radio channels, telephone lines, emergency service radios, teletype systems, and other communications equipment. Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, EMS, public works, and other services. Obtains accurate information from callers and dispatches the appropriate personnel or emergency resources. Dispatches police officers and maintains communication with officers throughout calls for service to promote their safety and welfare. Receives, logs, prioritizes, and distributes incoming messages and requests for service. Monitors alarm systems and responds appropriately to alarm notifications. Receives and processes information through applicable DPS, TLETS, TCIC, and NCIC systems. Conducts authorized searches of criminal justice information systems and retrieves information for the Police Department and other authorized law enforcement agencies. Enters and maintains appropriate information in TCIC/NCIC and other applicable databases in accordance with state and federal requirements. Enters calls for service, incident information, and reports into the Department's CAD/RMS system. Maintains accurate daily radio traffic logs and other required telecommunications records. Tests and monitors Lifeline or similar emergency notification systems and determines the appropriate first responders to contact when an emergency activation occurs. Answers after-hours City office calls and responds to utility emergencies, reconnect requests, and other City-related calls as required. Creates work orders and dispatches Public Works personnel for after-hours utility emergencies and other applicable requests. Provides assistance and information to other law enforcement and emergency service agencies as requested. Communicates effectively with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and other emergency response personnel. Responds professionally to inquiries from members of the public, particularly during evenings, weekends, holidays, and other periods when City offices are closed. Collects and documents fines, bonds, utility payments, and miscellaneous fees as assigned. Maintains appropriate records and documentation for payments received. Provides backup data entry and administrative support for special projects. Reports telecommunications equipment failures, system outages, and TLETS/DPS network downtime as required. Maintains confidentiality of criminal justice information and other sensitive information. Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police or Telecommunications Supervisor. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of telecommunications and emergency dispatch procedures. Ability to operate multi-line telephone systems, police and emergency service radio systems, computers, CAD/RMS systems, and related software. Ability to quickly obtain, interpret, prioritize, and accurately communicate information. Ability to remain calm, professional, and focused during stressful or emergency situations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong listening and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively with members of the public, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, public works employees, and other governmental and emergency service agencies. Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, reports, and database entries. Basic typing, filing, data entry, and computer skills. Ability to follow established policies, procedures, regulations, and instructions. Ability to use maps, ordinances, regulations, technical manuals, computer systems, and other reference materials to obtain information needed to resolve problems and answer questions. Ability to exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions with limited direct supervision. Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive and protected information. Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing stress, crisis, anger, fear, or other emotional circumstances. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Must meet all applicable requirements for certification as a telecommunications operator in Texas. Ability to successfully complete required TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator training and certification requirements. Ability to successfully complete required DPS TCIC/NCIC training, including the applicable 40-hour course, within the required timeframe. Must be able to obtain and maintain all required TCOLE, DPS, TLETS, TCIC, and NCIC certifications and access requirements. Ability to operate telecommunications equipment, computers, and related software. Strong typing, data entry, filing, and computer skills. Certification Requirements Must obtain and maintain all certifications required for the position, including applicable: TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator certification DPS TCIC/NCIC certification and training TLETS access and certification requirements Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD/TTY) or equivalent emergency communications training Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled communications and dispatch environment. The position operates within a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week public safety operation and may require working days, nights, weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional shifts. The position requires prolonged periods of sitting, monitoring multiple communications systems, operating computer equipment, answering telephones, and maintaining continuous attention to incoming calls and radio traffic. Although the position is primarily office-based, the nature of emergency communications can involve significant mental and emotional stress. The Telecommunications Officer may regularly interact with individuals experiencing emergencies, injuries, crises, fear, anger, or other stressful circumstances. Public Safety and Safety Responsibilities The Telecommunications Officer plays a critical role in protecting the safety and welfare of police officers, emergency personnel, and members of the public. The position requires the employee to: Maintain accurate and timely communication with field officers. Promptly dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Obtain and document complete and accurate information from callers. Provide timely and accurate information to responding personnel. Monitor officer communications and respond appropriately to requests for assistance. Follow established emergency dispatch procedures and departmental protocols. Financial and Equipment Responsibilities The Telecommunications Officer is responsible for the proper operation and care of assigned telecommunications equipment, computers, radios, and other departmental equipment. The position may also be responsible for moderate amounts of cash and checks received for fines, bonds, utility payments, and other fees collected after normal City business hours. All funds must be properly documented, secured, and accounted for in accordance with City procedures. Reporting Requirements The Telecommunications Officer is responsible for accurately maintaining and preserving required telecommunications records, including: Daily radio traffic logs Calls for service CAD/RMS records TLETS records TCIC/NCIC records DPS-required documentation Other reports required by the Police Department or Chief of Police May also be required to compile racial profiling data and other statistical or operational reports as directed. This is a full-time position with full City benefits. The City of Luling is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr The City of Luling