Police Telecom Operator

Job Overview

The Police Telecom Operator will perform responsible radio communications work receiving and dispatching calls for FBISD. Work involves answering and logging calls, monitoring several radio channels assisting the public, entering records data into computer, and performing a variety of departmental-related clerical tasks.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor radio communications on assigned shift, receiving messages, dispatching officers as required
• Log information regarding calls and maintain files
• Operate TELES/NLETS teletype system, receiving, transmitting data as required; ensure security and appropriate utilization of the system
• Enter information into district dispatching system
• Input data into hard copy and data base files; retrieve data for narrative and statistical reports
• Prepare reports as requested or assigned
• Perform general clerical tasks for the department, e.g., processing supplemental payroll, ordering supplies, processing communications
• Answer phone inquiries, provide information, transfer call or take message as applicable; receive and distribute mail; provide information
• Operate typewriter, computer keyboard, utilizing assigned word processing, spreadsheet and data base programs; may use other computer programs. File correspondence, records, documents alphabetically or by other assigned categories
• Operate a variety of business office equipment as required, e.g., photocopy and fax machines, scanners, calculators etc
• Assist and/or serve as back-up to other clerical/secretarial staff

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

• High School diploma or GED including or supplemented by courses in typing and office practices
• Telecommunications Operator Certification preferred
• Minimum of 1 year office clerical experience, preferably related to assignment that involved extensive telephone or base radio communication
• Good knowledge of radio operations and equipment, telecommunications etiquette, and the methods and procedures of modern radio communications
• Good knowledge of school locations and the geography of the County
• Good knowledge of business office procedures, practices, and equipment, business English and office terminology
• Good knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the procedures, policies, and practices of the Police Department
• Ability to handle sensitive police-related school incident reports; to deal with parties tactfully, courteously, and authoritatively in person and over the radio and telephone; and to respond to calls, appropriately, effectively, efficiently and calmly
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate numerous requests for service
• Ability to enter/type data into a computer terminal
• Ability to work unusual hours and flex shift assignments
• Ability to type/operate keyboard at approved rate of speed, operate personal computers and data terminals, and to complete routine memos and letters from general instructions, utilizing a wide range of application software programs and hardware available at assigned site
• Ability to maintain hard copy and data file records associated with assignment and prepare reports from such records
• Ability to organize, categorize and file documents according to standard procedures
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; to quickly learn office procedures related to assignment
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including telephone and/or radio-transmission dispatching communication
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with fellow employees, central and school-based staff, students, parents, colleges, and the public, tactfully and courteously, and to work harmoniously with other employees
• For some positions, bilingual communications/interpreter skills, both written and oral, are a desirable, preferred or required skill

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands 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. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.

The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.

Additional Information

• Time sensitive and emergency incidents often involve contact with those under stress, resulting in potential stress to incumbents. Work is subject to frequent interruptions, requiring skillful prioritizing. Work involves exposure to normal, everyday risks involved in police-related centers. Some activities are subject to completion within strict time lines, and involve the potential stress associated with time-sensitive completion of tasks.