Communications Officer

Communications Officer

Under the supervision of the Communications Director, this position is responsible for work handling communications relay for law enforcement, fire, and other emergency service units as needed. Work involves responsibility for radio, emergency and non-emergency telephone lines, KCJIS, computer, in-person, and written communications, relaying information that is both public and confidential in nature. Personnel in this position must be able to act with limited supervision. Work is reviewed by supervisor(s) through reports and observations. Starting Pay with no experience is $18.87 per hour. Pay is determined based on prior experience. Experience credit is also given for honorable military service.

Essential Functions of Work:

• Answer and direct telephone calls both emergency and non-emergency in manner.
• Accurately enter information into CAD and RMS systems.
• Relay vital information to patrol officers, fire personnel, and/or summon the proper authority.
• Maintain accurate radio logs, telephone logs, and computerized department inventories.
• Accurately complete warrant, case, and photographic files, and type reports.
• Utilize state and federal telecommunications systems (NCIC/KCJIS) to send and receive teletype messages; respond to requests from authorized personnel for criminal record checks, warrants, wanted persons, etc.; check for stolen vehicles and parts; and process criminal history records checks.
• Frequent contact with other city departments and continual contact with the general public.
• Assist customers at the counter by receiving/disbursing specific fees and obtaining copies of accident/incident reports and other documents.
• Perform basic clerical duties, including filing, scanning, copying, and faxing documents.
• Serve as the front-line operator of the City's mass notification system.
• Monitor, update, and respond to the police department's social media pages.
• Periodic checks on the prisoner(s) in the holding cell and monitoring city security video.
• Completion of at least (15) hours of continuing education training annually to maintain proficiency and certifications.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Some knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing criminal activities.
• Ability to use a computer, communication equipment, and other office duties.
• Frequent problem-solving includes but is not limited to citizen complaints, equipment malfunction, and call prioritizing.
• Frequent decision-making includes but is not limited to dispatching proper emergency units and classifying calls.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience is not required. One to three years of public safety communications experience is desirable.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment security clearance check conducted on a local and national level, and the ability to maintain a good moral character sufficient to testify credibly in a court of law.
• Must successfully complete all job-related training and certifications as required by state and federal statutes and departmental procedures within the first six (6) months of employment.

Physical Requirements:

• Mental alertness is very important because of the need to make fine discriminations and decisions concerning impending danger. Incumbents must maintain a physical and mental state of fitness and readiness that will enable them to handle stressful situations. Some contact with dangerous and potentially dangerous people, equipment and weather conditions may occur.
• Work conditions may vary by shift, prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Vision Requirement: 20/40 corrected
• Occasional maximum lift of 25 lbs from floor to waist; frequent forward reach; occasional crouch/bend; constant hand coordination; occasional stand; and occasional walk.