Public Safety Telecommunicator - Trainee

Public Safety Telecommunicator

The purpose of this classification is to receive and respond to calls coming into the County's emergency 911 communication system. This classification is an entry-level, trainee position. A Public Safety Telecommunicator's work is expected to progress along a continuum of responsibility beginning with participation in an in-house training program and ending with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of a Public Safety Telecommunicator, Senior in a fully competent, responsible, and independent manner. All work is performed under close supervision of senior officers. Some essential functions require completion of certification or training modules.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of certain duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Participates in in-house training and attends training courses as assigned to learn the basics of emergency communications as well as policies and procedures pertaining to local operations; studies manuals, policies, and other materials; shadows senior officers to observe work and learn processes; and demonstrates proficiencies and understanding of training modules and work components as required. Receives calls on the County's emergency 911 system, including emergency TDD calls, and language lines: obtains information from callers; works to keep caller calm; maintains conversation with caller to obtain/verify pertinent information, to administer pre-arrival instructions in accordance with Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) guidelines, and to provide comfort until assistance arrives; re-establishes calls on 911 hang-ups; monitors status of response; confirms address of incident and references the MSAG and maps; and contacts wrecker services and utility companies as needed. Receives non-emergency calls: provides information, answers questions, takes messages, and/or transfers/connects calls to appropriate staff, department, extension, service, or agency; provides the general public with directions/referrals, answers to citizen complaints/concerns, and other information requested regarding the community or situation. Logs incoming calls and dispatch information into an automated system; utilizes Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and CAD terminals; enters information pertinent to incoming calls, dispatched agencies, response time and actions taken; modifies, locates, maintains, saves, and/or clears files/records within database; and records information manually into appropriate logs when computer is out of service. Contacts various other departments to resolve problems such as malfunctioning streetlights, downed street signs, road hazards, water/gas line breaks, roadway debris, or power outages. Monitors multiple radio frequencies and cameras while answering/processing telephone calls or other radio frequencies and responding to in-person requests for services or records; monitors alarm systems at specific locations. Assists other jurisdictions as requested; contacts Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Family & Children's Services (DFACS), Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), and/or surrounding law enforcement agencies for assistance when needed. Handles inquiries on driver's licenses (OLNs), vehicle identification numbers/tags, warrants/summons, stolen articles/property, wanted/missing persons, and guns. Notifies appropriate personnel, supervisors, and/or command staff of critical emergency situations, weather-related information from weather radar, and/or problems with communications, GCIC, or other computer equipment. Maintains assorted logs detailing daily activity, including wrecker service, warrants, CAD system dispatching, messages, GCIC/NCIC entries/retrievals of information, facsimiles, and teletypes. Performs various administrative support activities: enters, updates, and retrieves information from databases; enters law enforcement information into databases; maintains communication logs; queries data bases upon request; researches warrant information, driver's licenses and tags; submits information to appropriate staff; replenishes various forms, changes computer paper, and shreds confidential material; disseminates information to various departments; taking repossession and vacation notices; completes, prepares, processes, and/or files a variety of forms, teletypes, legal documents, requests, reports, correspondence, and other documentation associated with the daily routine of the position; and maintains files and administrative records. Operates a GCIC terminal, Cad terminal, telephones, telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), fax machines, shredders, a personal computer, utilizes geographical information system (GIS), and general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of emergency communications software, word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software; Cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and its officers/representatives when activities are related to investigations within County jurisdiction. This classification is designated as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol. Performs clerical support tasks, which may include, but shall not be limited to, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, locating telephone numbers and addresses, researching and contacting business/residence callouts, or contacting magistrate court/judge as needed; performs housekeeping tasks. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; supplemented by little or no previous experience or training.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Typing speed of 35 words per minute required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.
• MUST BE U.S. Citizen for POST requirements.

Supplemental Information

Hiring Process for 911 Center: Submit a completed application online application. Application will be sent to the 911 Center for review. If you are selected to continue the process you will be sent an additional packet of information to complete and will be contacted to schedule the next step in the process.

Steps:

• Successfully complete a typing test.
• Successfully complete CritiCall Testing, which measures the underlying skills needed to be a Telecommunicator. (Allow one day)
• In-person interview. (Allow one day)
• Complete a lie detection examination and criminal history check. (Allow one to two weeks to arrange and complete)
• Successfully pass a rigorous background check. (Allow at least two weeks in most cases)
• Successfully complete a psychological evaluation. (Allow one to two weeks to arrange and complete)
• Successfully complete a medical examination, to include a vision and hearing assessment. (Allow one day)
• Successfully complete a drug test. (Allow one to three days)
• Total estimated time for the entire application process is at least 30-45 days. Depending on the number of applicants that are being processed there may be a longer wait between steps.
• Candidates not selected for employment will be notified by e-mail of our decision. In the event you are not accepted for employment at this time, you will be eligible to reapply after one year from the date of the notification letter.

Benefits provided by Forsyth County to full-time employees:

Personal Leave Accrual

Observed Holidays

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Basic Life & AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance – Short Term and Long Term

Retirement Plan (401K)