Dispatch Telecommunicator

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Dispatch Supervisor, this position will receive incoming calls for police and emergency assistance and dispatch necessary units; perform a variety of general support duties related to dispatch activities including record keeping, typing and filing; and monitor teletype communications. Cross-train in other non-sworn positions in the Police Department (job description of cross-trained positions will apply when performing those duties.)

SUPERVISION

RECEIVES direct supervision from the Dispatch Supervisor.

EXERCISES no supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

BACKGROUND QUALIFICATION: Due to the nature of this position and the need to enter Police Building facilities, applicants must be prepared to pass an extensive background check completed by the Belton Police Department .

Dispatch

• Answer emergency and non-emergency telephone lines at the Police Station.
• Gather information from callers including nature, severity, location, and status of emergencies.
• Assess need for response and dispatches services accordingly.
• Provide pre-arrival medical instructions on medical emergency calls.
• Assist Police Officers and first responders by relaying information regarding calls for service.
• Dispatch all ambulances as required and requested.
• Dispatch police units to all fire and ambulance calls within the city to assist.
• Enter, maintain, update and research information into TCIC/NCIC (Texas Criminal Information Center and National Criminal Information Center) and TLETS/NLETS (Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System/National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System) databases.
• Research and respond to inquiries from other law enforcement agencies and departments.
• Dispatch Animal Control and Code Enforcement as requested.
• Assign case numbers to officers over the radio.
• Answer maintenance service emergencies on weekends and holidays.
• Answer incoming phone calls, screen calls and route to appropriate person or office.
• Be prepared to answer all incoming phone calls for the Fire Department upon request from that department.
• Enter and respond to regional and broadcast messages.
• Answer all emergency calls efficiently and effectively.

Unit Status

• Maintain contact with all units on assignment, including status and location of police field units.

Data Entry

• Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.
• Enter and confirm warrants, pawn tickets, curfew violations, and criminal trespass warnings into appropriate computer systems.

Recordkeeping

• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work.
• Maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety and activities.
• Print information for Officer’s reports.

Equipment Maintenance

• Rest and inspect equipment as required.

Cross-Train

• Cross-train to perform other non-sworn duties as assigned (job description of cross-trained position will apply).

Other Duties

• Perform duties in support of other desks within the department.
• Assist with training new employees.
• Assist walk-in complaints, inquiries and requests.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

A High School diploma or equivalent is required. Experience in previous dispatch is preferred, but not required.

Licenses and/or certifications:

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Telecommunicator Certification is required, or the ability to obtain within 6 months from the date of hire.

Knowledge of:

• Rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.
• Standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules.
• Procedures, practices, and techniques used with the CAD and InPursuit systems.
• Geographic features and streets within the service area.
• Department regulations pertaining to the dispatch of personnel and emergency equipment.
• Operation of Public Safety receiving and transmitting system used in the City of Belton.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Modern office procedures, practices, and equipment.
• Organization and operation of the Police department, the city, and outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Principles and procedures of basic record keeping.

Skills and Abilities:

• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Work under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Type at speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Learn to operate dispatch, teletype and other office equipment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work various shifts as assigned.
• Be punctual and regular in attendance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a police department communications section environment.
• May be subject to frequent repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and extended vision to monitors.
• May be subject to occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, and lifting retrieving and replacing files and records.
• May be exposed to extended periods of sitting, viewing monitors and/or talking on the telephone or radio.
• May be exposed to irate and hostile individuals, emergency situations, and a high stress environment.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Shift Work is required.

Benefits include 100% employer paid employee only medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums. Paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave available. Participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System is required, as well as Social Security deductions.

The City of Belton is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation/At Will employer and does not discriminate on basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.