Emergency Communications Specialist I

Performs intermediate technical work on an assigned shift, dispatching law enforcement, fire, emergency medical service, and non-emergency calls for service and performs related work as apparent or assigned.  Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Emergency Communications Shift Supervisor.The following essential functions serve as a general guide for this position. Position functions are subject to change based on departmental needs and external factors, including, but not limited to, regulatory requirements.

• Operates emergency communication system, answers emergency and non-emergency calls, receives complaints and requests for service, obtains necessary information, and dispatches medical, fire, and law enforcement personnel or directs callers to proper assistance or information;
• Utilizes Emergency Dispatch protocol programs to categorize and prioritize emergency medical, fire, and law enforcement calls for service and provides post-dispatch and pre-arrival instructions to callers;
• Operates a computer terminal, transmits and receives information via Department of Criminal Information (DCI) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) networks, and enters medical, fire, and law enforcement calls into a computer-aided dispatch system;
• Monitors radio channels for medical, fire, and law enforcement agencies and maintains radio contact with dispatched personnel;
• Provides directions to responding units using a computer mapping system;
• Serves as liaison to various agencies, including on-call personnel, magistrates, medical examiner, public works, State Highway Patrol, etc.;
• Answers non-emergency and after-hours calls for various departments;
• Maintains communication logs and reports, including the nature of calls, actions taken, and time involved; 
• Performs pager announcements and tests for medical and fire departments;
• Monitors public and private fire and security alarm systems and activates monitors to dispatch fire and rescue squads as needed.
• Provides requested information to local attorneys and Sheriff’s Office;
• Attends training as necessary to maintain certifications;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED and moderate experience in general clerical work, including basic computer knowledge or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• General knowledge of emergency communications systems and operation procedures;
• General knowledge of radio, teletype, and CAD operations; 
• General knowledge of the geography of the county and the location of major buildings and facilities; 
• General knowledge of law enforcement forms, terminology, and records; 
• General knowledge of departmental programs, policies, and procedures;
• Ability to perform a high volume of detailed work with accuracy; 
• Ability to type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed; 
• Ability to speak distinctly; 
• Ability to remain calm and effective when dealing with the public in stressful situations;
• Ability to follow oral and written directions; 
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and personal computers, including working knowledge of applicable software packages;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, public safety agencies, and the general public.

Physical Requirements
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, hearing, use of hands and fingers, handling, feeling, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, pushing, pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; work requires vocal communication to express or exchange ideas information clearly and accurately, sometimes loudly or quickly; work requires hearing to perceive information at normal spoken levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications; work requires preparing and analyzing written computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to or environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements
Must successfully complete a pre-employment physical and psychological evaluation.
Must possess or obtain the following certifications within one (1) year of employment:

• DepartmentofCriminalInformation (DCI)Operator Certification
• CPR Certification
• EmergencyMedicalDispatch (EMD) Certification
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) Certification
• Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) Certification
• NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800  
• Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification