Communication Specialist

The City of Appleton is seeking a full-time Communication Specialist. This is a responsible front line service position, which involves moderately complex work methods and problems. Work involves performing a wide variety of administrative, customer service, building security and clerical functions which require the application of sound judgment and self-initiative in the interpretation of policies. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Administrative Support Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Screens non emergency phone calls to determine if an emergency exists and/or if an officer response is needed.
• When the circumstance requires it, handles emergency situations on the phone and in the lobby.
• Monitors in excess of 60 cameras and 35 duress/door alarms within and around the building. Issues visitor passes according to department security policy. Operates controls for the sally port, booking room doors and secured lobby doors.
• Takes complaints and completes reports not requiring an officer's response.
• Monitors and performs two way radio communications.
• Upon state certification, utilizes the State of Wisconsin TIME computer system Monday - Friday 6 AM - 10 PM. Responsible for entry and cancelation of APD warrants, missing persons, stolen vehicles, etc.
• Performs bookkeeping tasks that involve revenue collection. Must reconcile accounts for various city departments and counties. Opening and closing procedures.
• Updates lists, manuals, forms, statistical data, and schedules used regularly by police employees.
• Works with and is responsible for a vast amount of confidential information.
• Runs criminal history checks and on-line database inquiries on all confinements and referrals to the District Attorney's Office; as well as all employment candidates, ride-along applicants, and solicitor/bartender applicants for the City of Appleton.
• Data entry of various police reports in multiple databases.
• Interprets current city ordinances & state statutes for the general public.
• Responsible for paging out the SWAT team, CRASH teams, Translators, and Transport teams.
• Approves/denies overnight parking requests.
• Buffers complaints for all departments within the city.
• Compiles and distributes daily, weekly & monthly reports.
• Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Answers designated phone lines and relays messages for officers and other department employees via voicemail.
• Index accident reports.
• Coordinates use of meeting rooms within the department.
• Issues animal licenses.
• Explains various city & state forms/permits to the general public. (e.g. DOT & DNR registration forms, accident reports, parking permits) and refers to online resources.
• Operates in house paging system.
• Performs miscellaneous staff support functions as required in a timely fashion.Considerable related experience; graduation from high school, plus additional training of one to two years of college, business or technical school, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Considerable knowledge of business English, spelling, vocabulary and arithmetic.
• Considerable knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite programs (primarily Excel, Word and Access).
• Ability to think and act promptly in emergency/pressure situations while performing multiple, essential job functions simultaneously.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with laws and regulations and take appropriate action.
• Ability to prioritize based on the severity of the issues at hand and to continue to re prioritize with constant interruptions.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to retain a wide range of information.
• Ability to work as a team in a fast paced environment maintaining effective relationships with coworkers, supervisors and peers.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the general public.
• Ability to work independent of direct supervision in an effective and efficient manner.
• Skill in operating telecommunications equipment, surveillance cameras, audio/video recording devices, computers, printers, telephones, teletypes, photocopiers and other standard office equipment.