Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Communication Supervisor, the Dispatcher receives emergency and non-emergency calls for information and assistance via telephone, radio, and teletype. This position is responsible for dispatching police, requesting fire and EMS service and maintains a constant status of information on all police, fire, and emergency medical service units. Incumbent is expected to recognize instances which are out of the ordinary and which do not fall within existing instructions; the employee is then expected to seek advice and further instructions. Required to perform all similar or related duties.

Essential Job Functions

• Attendance, physically present to work.
• Answers multiple phone lines including police, fire and EMS emergency and non-emergency lines; sends out Valley-wide communications
• Dispatches appropriate responders using radio, mobile computers, and telephones in accordance with Communication Center protocols and regulations.
• Ensures that current data is entered into the Communication Center's computer system in a detailed and accurate manner; enters warrants manually into the Center's record logbook and files them in accordance with department guidelines.
• Conducts checks of DMV records, NCIC/TCIC and criminal history records.
• Research information and contacts people for officers on calls using in-house computer, internet, and other agencies.
• Maintain various department logs as required
• Conducts TTY test device for the hearing impaired in accordance with Federal ADA regulations
• Operates a variety of office equipment (i.e. personal computer, fax machine etc.) and office software including word processing and spread sheet applications.
• Required to work extended hours on weekdays or weekends during and after natural disasters.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Must successfully pass a TCOLE mandated background.

Must successfully pass the state required tele-communications course within 12 months of employment.

Must have a valid Class "C" Driver's License and must be a U.S. Citizen.

Accredited High School Diploma or GED.

One (1) to three (3) years related work experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Applicant must pass pre-employment background check and drug screen at City's expense.

Must successfully complete Emergency Management and Incident Command Training within first three months upon hire.

Bilingual English/Spanish required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of public safety emergency telecommunications practices and procedures as well as state and federal regulations; knowledge of police and fire department functions and services provided.

Knowledge of the geographic layout of the city.

Proficient oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in data processing and organizational skills.

Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute.

Must maintain high regard for confidentiality as employee has regular access at the departmental level to a wide variety of confidential information, including records, criminal history checks, criminal investigations, and court records.

Use of independent judgment when choosing the appropriate practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines to apply in each case.

Ability to remain calm and react quickly under extreme pressure.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Performs working in sitting position for extended periods of time, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. Occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs.)

May work beyond normal business hours on a 24/7 basis in accordance with work schedules or in the event of unforeseen absences. Position may intel shifts of 12 hours or more depending on circumstances.

Works in well lighted office setting with exposure to stressful, life threatening or emergency situations. Employee is exposed to mental stress especially when dealing with emergency telephone calls.

Additional Information

Under general supervision of the Communication Supervisor, the employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently with-out specific instruction. The supervisor provides additional, specific instruction for new, difficult, or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods. The employee is expected to recognize instances which are out of the ordinary and which do not fall within existing instructions; the employee is then expected to seek advice and further instructions. Reviews and checks of the employee's work are applied to an extent sufficient to keep the supervisor aware of progress, and to ensure that completed work and methods used are technically accurate and that instructions are being followed.

Employee does not exercise any supervisory responsibility over other department employees.

Employee has regular access at the departmental level to a wide variety of confidential information, including records, criminal history checks, criminal investigations, and court records.

Well defined or detailed rules, instructions, and procedures cover all aspects of work. Judgement involves choosing the appropriate practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines to apply in each case.

Work consists of simple routine or repetitive tasks and/or operations with few variations in established procedures.

Involves everyday discomforts typical of offices. The noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are pleasant with frequent exposure to stressful emergency situations. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours on a 24/7 basis in accordance with work schedules or in the event of unforeseen absences. Position may intel shifts or 12 hours or more depending on circumstances.

Relationships are constantly with co-workers and the public involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts in response to emergency situations. Other regular contacts are with service recipients and employees of outside organizations such as other law enforcement or emergency management departments. More than ordinary courtesy, tact, and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with hostile, uncooperative or uninformed persons.

Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgement may include missed deadlines, adverse public relations; jeopardize programs, danger to public safety, damage to property or buildings, personal danger to public safety employees and legal repercussions to the City.

Duties of the job present little potential for physical injury to the employee. Risk exposure is similar to that found in typical office setting with employee exposed to stressful situations. Employee is exposed to mental stress when dealing with emergency telephone calls.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned to this position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.