Communications - Lateral Telecommunicator

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to perform a variety of duties involved in receiving and dispatching calls for service in the police and fire communications center.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no supervision.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Dispatch police, fire, and EMS units to emergencies within assigned districts.

Maintain radio log, recording and status control devices.

Receive and extract information of an emergency nature, including caller information, nature of emergency, location, and phone number.

Receive and process complaints, assistance, and information requests from the public by either referring the party to the appropriate division or department or supplying the information.

Answer telephone requests from the public for information concerning City policies, procedures, and activities.

Input and retrieve a variety of public safety information using a computer terminal.

Perform entry, update, retrieval, and documentation from various files available via the NLETS/TLETS systems.

Use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.

Assist with training and evaluating new communications personnel as assigned.

Operate various types of office equipment including computer terminal/printer, 24-hour communications recording system, and telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD).

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

English language usage, including spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Basic mathematical principles.

Procedures, principles, and policies of police/fire and City organization.

Skill to:

Operate a variety of communications equipment including telephone, TDD, and two-way radio.

Type at a minimum speed of 40 words per minute.

Ability to:

Provide exceptional customer service to citizens.

Learn the geographic features and streets within the area served.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 

Maintain confidentiality of information.

Perform accurate and organized computations and tabulations.

Give emergency medical procedures by way of telephone, including CPR, using Emergency Medical Dispatch procedures with computer software or flip-charts.

Interact with City employees and the public in a tactful and courteous manner.

Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations, including de-escalation of upset citizens.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Work varying and extended hour shifts.

Sit or stand for an extended period of time.

Monitor and utilize multiple computer programs and radio talk groups.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Education/Training:

A high school diploma or GED is required.

License or Certificate:

A valid Texas Driver’s License is required.

Experience:

All candidates must have been previously employed as a Telecommunicator in a position with responsibilities similar to those of a Telecommunicator for the Abilene Police Department.

Police Administration establishes each applicant’s suitability for consideration for Lateral Entry.

Telecommunicator II

An active license or appointment, one (1) year of service under Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), all required courses, and Basic Certification is required.

Telecommunicator III

An active license or appointment, two (2) years of service under Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), all required courses, and Intermediate Certification is required.

Must be available for console and classroom training as needed for the division, and attend required courses associated with training

Telecommunicator IV

An active license or appointment, four (4) years of service under Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), all required courses, and Advanced Certification is required.

Must be available for console and classroom training as needed for the division, and attend required courses associated with training

Telecommunicator V

An active license or appointment, eight (8) years of service under Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), all required courses, Master Certification is required. 

Must be available for console and classroom training as needed for the division, and attend required courses associated with training

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Bloodborne Pathogens training, HazCom training, and HIPAA Compliance training are required within sixty (60) days of employment. First Aid/CPR certification and recertification are required following employment.

Ability to work periods of scheduled and unscheduled overtime to meet minimum staffing requirements.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

US citizenship is required.

No felony or Class A misdemeanor convictions.

No Class B misdemeanor convictions in the last 10 years.

No pending Class B misdemeanor or higher charges.

Sustained posture and intense attentiveness for prolonged periods of time.

Position involves high levels of stress.

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

_X_Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

___Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N =No

E=Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M=Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I=Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A=Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_M__Standing

_E__Sitting

_M__Walking

_A__Lifting

_A__Carrying

_A__Pushing/Pulling

_A__Overhead Work

_M__Fine Dexterity

_A__Kneeling

_A__Crouching

_A__Crawling

_A__Bending

_A__Twisting

_A__Climbing

_A__Balancing

_E__Vision

_E__Hearing

_E__Talking

___Other:  _____________________