Communications Officer

Under general supervision, receives and prioritizes non-emergency and E911 calls from the public for law enforcement, fire, rescue, and other emergency services.   Employee dispatches emergency personnel and public safety officials to emergency situations throughout the County. Employee also receives incoming phone calls to the communications center including emergency and non-emergency calls.
 
This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work regardless of weather conditions and/or when general County offices are closed. Applicants must be available to work Sunday through Saturday as needed.
 
Salary is commensurate on knowledge, skills, abilities and years of experience based on the Public Safety Step Pay Scale.
 

• Receives emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, rescue and other assistance; adopts appropriate course of action, in accordance with State and federal laws, local ordinances, policies, procedures, and protocols, as well as within established chain of command.
• Interprets and prioritizes E911 calls for appropriate actions; determines nature of call and type of assistance needed; routes calls for expedient handling.
• Dispatches appropriate Sheriff's department, fire and/or rescue units using E911 radio and telephone systems; provides information on location, type of emergency or any other relevant information; provides geographical information, including subdivision names, cross-streets, landmarks, etc.; provides pre-arrival instructions by telephone as needed.
• Operates a variety of emergency service communications systems; utilizes two-way radio system in accordance with federal and state laws and guidelines; documents all malfunctions in communication system and related equipment; reports errors in geobase and/or database.
• Communicates with a variety of public safety officials and personnel, medical personnel, and the media.
• Monitors and conducts tests of the County's natural warning and alarm systems.
• Maintains records of calls; logs all dispatches, recording time of call and dispatch, dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests; maintains confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations.
• Participates in continuous training program to improve communications and skills, including hazardous materials awareness, CPR, pre-arrival medical instructions, etc.
• Verifies warrants and accesses computer to provide information to law enforcement personnel; enters information on stolen property and missing persons in national and state computer; transmits computer responses on all hit confirmations.
• Answers administrative telephone lines for Crime Solvers, Criminal Investigative Division, Civil Process, Warrants Division, Sheriff's Office, and Fire/Rescue after hours.
• Performs other related duties as required.

High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by computer keyboard training, and must have served a minimum of one (1) year as a Communications Operator and six (6) months as a released operator and/or commensurate dispatch experience with an outside E911 agency.
 
Must possess valid certification in the following courses: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) communications Basic course and/or Emergency communications dispatch Course, Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Crime Information Center (VCIN/NCIC and CPR certification).
 
Must have a minimum typing speed of 35 wpm.
 
Must successfully pass a polygraph examination, background check, and drug screening.
 
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have DCJS Certification as a Communications Officer within two years.
• Must have ICS-200 and ICS 800 within one (1) year.

• Must have successfully completed all on-the-job training standards.
• Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch certification and Emergency Fire Dispatch certification. 

• Employee must receive an “Meets Standards” rating on their previous employee evaluation at the time of application.

• No disciplinary action within the past twelve (12) months at the time of application.