Dispatcher/Clerk - Lateral

Dispatcher/Clerk - Lateral

This is a lateral hire position - candidates must have at least one year experience as a full-time Dispatcher in the State of Ohio with no more than one year of separation of employment; must be in good standing with most recent employer. This is a full-time, union position with benefits and time off, upon meeting eligibility requirements.

Job Title: Dispatcher/Clerk - Lateral

Department: Police

Immediate Supervisor: Communications Supervisor

Positions Supervised: None

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: Determined by collective bargaining agreement; Based on experience, $27.7394 up to $34.4439/hour

Job Responsibilities:

• Monitors and operates phone, radio and computer systems to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls from the public for police, fire, and EMS services;
• Monitors whereabouts of the City's police units and dispatches assistance where and when needed;
• Receives and responds to requests for emergency services via text message (SMS);
• Asks questions to interpret, analyze and anticipate the caller's situation as to resolve problems and assess the required assistance;
• Dispatches appropriate police, fire and EMS units to needed locations;
• Determines and assigns the level of priority of the call and enters the data into the computer system;
• Translates information to the appropriate codes for radio transmission and recordkeeping;
• Performs emergency medical dispatch and crisis intervention services as required;
• Dispatches and coordinates the responses of public safety other agencies as needed;
• Enters and modifies information into local, state and national computer databases;
• Utilizes LEADS in a compliant manner, as needed;
• Monitors and responds to a variety of technical systems and alarms throughout the community and monitors closed-circuit TV units maintaining surveillance for various locations;
• Utilizes TDD system for the deaf and hearing-impaired;
• Issues emergency notification to general public using City's various communications systems;
• Maintains required recordkeeping and performs job-related clerical work;
• Assists with training new Dispatchers as assigned;
• Notifies supervisor and IT Helpdesk of outages or needed repair service on equipment;
• Maintains a professional, efficient, and helpful approach to all tasks;
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality in all aspects of the job;
• Punctual in-person attendance;
• Works both independently and as a team member on assigned shift, under general supervision with considerable independence, in a confined area with limited breaks;
• Maintains alertness, sensitivity and good judgment during emergency situations; and
• Performs other duties as assigned based on operational needs.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED);
• Must have at least one year experience as a full-time Dispatcher in the State of Ohio with no more than one year of separation of employment; must be in good standing with most recent employer.
• Must meet the requirements established by the Twinsburg Civil Service Commission and the Ohio Revised Code.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of appointment.
• Must possess a valid State of Ohio driver's license by the time of appointment with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be a Citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• No felony convictions or conviction of an offense that would be a felony if committed in Ohio.
• Must be able to pass a background investigation and attain and maintain certifications for local, state and national criminal history databases and associated tele-communications systems.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instruction, general business periodicals, professional journals and technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to understand and apply basic mathematical concepts.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to recognize potentially unsafe conditions and behaviors and correct them in a positive and appropriate manner.
• Ability to learn and retain knowledge of: Department policies and procedures; Department goals and objectives; City geography; Radio communications and radio codes; Telephone system equipment and operations; Document preparation, requirements methods; LEADS operation; NCIC Programs; First Aid and CPR; Public relations; Interviewing and counseling techniques; Safety and security practices and procedures; Reporting techniques and procedures; Spreadsheet and database management; Office practices and procedures; Computer operations including word processing; Correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling; Management and supervision of subordinates, as assigned; Employee training and development methods, as assigned; Available community resources; Government processes and structures.
• Skills and abilities to: Deal quickly and efficiently with problems involving several variables and in familiar context; Operate communications equipment; Communicate effectively and accurately in written and oral form; Recognize dangerous and emergency situations and respond appropriately; Present a positive image to the public; Use tact when dealing with others; Respond to inquiries from public, officials and co-workers; Maintain accurate records; Gather, collate and/or classify information about data, people or things; Operate standard office equipment including computers, copiers and FAX machine; read and interpret maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and/or flexible hours, weekends, holidays and on short notice.
• Ability to develop and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisor, co-workers and the general public.
• Must maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; Prepare accurate and complete reports and documents.
• Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Majority of work environment will consist of normal office conditions however, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste and smell. The employee is regularly required to view computer screens and answer calls. The employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The City of Twinsburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates who receive conditional job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes, but is not limited to, marijuana (cannabinoids/THC).