Telecommunicator

Job Title

Telecommunicator Reports To: Lead Telecommunicator

Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt

Pay Grade: Police 1

Primary Purpose

The Telecommunicator receives emergency and nonemergency calls and reports, monitors video surveillance systems, and dispatches personnel according to district procedures. He/she also relays information based on the nature and urgency of the situation and respond appropriately to situations that may develop. The Telecommunicator performs a full range of radio-telephone operational duties in a 24-hour facility, and is subject to mandatory overtime hours.

All employees of Spring ISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED
• Have or obtain a Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) within one year of employment
• Must be able to work on a shift basis; must be able to work on weekends and on holidays; must be able to work overtime on short notice
• Pass a both a medical and psychological exam where the costs are paid by the applicant

Preferred

• At least one year of public safety call center experience
• Bilingual (Spanish)

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Effective telephone and communication skills, especially listening skills
• Ability to receive and give verbal instructions clearly and effectively
• Ability to concentrate on a task and remain alert during long periods of routine activity
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, make quick decisions, and apply established general parameters to specific situations
• Ability to read and interpret documents, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures manuals
• Proficient map reading skills
• Proficient skill in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and office equipment (e.g., computer, copier)

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Maintain confidentiality of information and data related to department and district operations.
• Operate telephone, multi-channel two-way radio, teletype, door and gate controls, camera system, alarm systems, radio recording system, and various other public safety related equipment.
• Gives and receives information such as options, technical direction, instructions and reporting results. May handle escalated issues passed on from coworkers or subordinates.
• Maintains good customer relationships. Takes routine or required customer actions to meet customer needs. Responds promptly and accurately to customer complaints, inquiries and requests for information and coordinates appropriate follow-up.
• Maintain continuous radio contact with police and security officers. Dispatch security personnel for intrusion or trespass, fire alarms, and emergency situations.
• Interpret and code data for transmission, transmit radio messages to field units, and dispatch police and security personnel and equipment.
• Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, departments, outside agencies, and to all others requiring notification.
• Calm distressed citizens on the phone; evaluate, prioritize and sequence incoming information and determine units to send to an emergency.
• Notify other departments of needed support services pursuant to established procedures or instructions of supervisors.
• Monitor district/campus activity using video surveillance equipment and alarm systems to detect emergency situations.
• Monitor computerized 9-1-1 system and emergency elevator phone lines.
• Identify and respond to developing situations alerting appropriate district staff, authorities, and emergency personnel according to established procedures.
• Coordinate with other enforcement agencies or departments to obtain additional help as needed.
• Notify maintenance personnel of after-hours systems alarms.
• Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages in accordance with district standards and federal, state, and local requirements.
• Compile, prepare, maintain and file all reports, records, files, and other documents as required.
• As requested, retrieves needed information regarding driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, warrants, etc. from a National Criminal Justice Information computer.
• Complies with all transportation and safety, federal, state and Spring ISD board policies and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working/Special Conditions

This position requires a person that is able to maintain emotional control under stress. The usual and customary methods of performing this job require the following: ability to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity work environment efficiently and effectively with frequent interruptions. Work in close proximity with others and often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting. Job may require prolonged periods of time sitting, reaching and repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer, copier, radio and telecommunication equipment or systems, video surveillance equipment, multiline telephone system. Prolonged irregular hours. Must be willing and able to work any shift, including nights, weekends and holidays as the dispatch center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.