Police Communications Specialist (Dispatcher) - Lateral

Police Communications Specialist

ENTRY LEVEL APPLICANTS NEED TO APPLY AT THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH A LATERAL ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR FULLY FUNDED VACANCIES. The work schedule for Police Communications Specialists shall consist of four (4) consecutive workdays on duty, followed by four (4) consecutive days off (this represents an average of 182 12-hour shifts in a year for a total of 2184 hours). As a result, Communication Specialists receive 16 hours per month paid at the overtime rate (1.5x), as part of the regular work schedule. Positions in this class perform telecommunications duties for Issaquah and contract agencies. This position also provides auxiliary service for the Issaquah Public Works and Emergency Operations Center Departments. Positions in this classification receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, and provide information or dispatch police, or transfer the call to the appropriate agency for fire or emergency medical service units as needed. Incumbents make decisions regarding the priority of emergency calls, initiate a sequence of actions and then follow up on the actions that are taken. Communications Specialists also are responsible for monitoring building and jail security using the Simplex security panel and Sound Transit cameras. Communications Specialists also perform administrative or records keeping duties as assigned.

Equity Statement The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.

Essential Functions

• Operates remotely controlled, multi-frequency radio console to communicate with Police Officers, Public Works Operations workers, other Pubic Service Answering Points and emergency responders as appropriate. Demonstrates ability in using proper dispatch procedures. Maintains proper logs of actions as required.
• Receives calls on a multi-line phone console and E911 system, gathers necessary information and alerts appropriate responders; answers routine calls for service, questions and other administrative calls; refers to appropriate agency or person as necessary; operates computer systems including A Centralized Computerized Enforcement Service System (ACCESS ), Spillman Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management System ( RMS) and Positron Power Phone system.
• Monitors and responds appropriately to building fire alarms, phone alarms, generator alarms, jail and other panic alarms.
• Monitors and responds appropriately to building and jail security system including access control to and from the facility and sound transit cameras.
• Interprets state, county and city maps. Understands jurisdictional boundaries as necessary in handling public safety service requests.
• Maintains logs, Spillman record keeping entries, reports, vehicle impounds, weekend construction permits and mutual aid as received by the Police Department
• Assists in training new employees to the field in various aspects of the position.
• Enters, clears and maintains all active court orders, warrants, stolen vehicles, property and missing persons in the ACCESS and other systems and files.
• Accepts, safe keeps, and releases lost and found property.
• Safeguards record access log access to keys of the department and department vehicles
• Safeguards records of all petty cash
• Performs extensive personnel and record checks for other departments, outside agencies, military recruiting, etc.

Qualifications

Lateral applicants must possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D. and a minimum of one-year experience as dispatcher in a public safety agency; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job. Must be able to pass a Police background check and Polygraph. Licensing and Certifications: Within six months of Employment successful completion and certification of ACCESS level 2. Within the first 12 months of employment successful completion and certification obtained in Telecommunicator 1 and Telecommunicator 2 Course. A lateral employee may substitute with (or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills and knowledge) as administered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of various computer software programs, and the ability to learn new programs as necessary.
• Knowledge of other agencies in the area available to assist in operations.
• Working knowledge of and ability to comprehend the basic principles of and terminology applied to law enforcement, fire fighting, emergency medical services, and emergency management as applied to the operation of the communications center.
• Ability to maintain composure and control under adverse conditions and to cope with calls and contacts firmly, courteously, confidentially, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of citizens.
• Ability to type 40 wpm accurately.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with other employees and officials.
• Ability to work variable shifts including day shifts, swing shift, graveyard shift, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to comprehend the basic principles and techniques applied by officers in crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and other relevant aspects of law enforcement.