Communication Officer (911 Dispatch)
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fcva/jobs/3500730/communication-officer-911-dispatch
Location
Winchester, VA
Job Type
Full-Time
Department
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
Job Number
22
Closing
2/26/2023 11:00 PM Eastern
Description
Do you want to make a difference in your community? Would you find it rewarding to be a crucial link in the Public Safety chain? If you can answer yes to these questions, then you may be a good fit for the Frederick County Department of Public Safety Communications. Communications work is difficult but rewarding, allowing employees to truly make a difference in the lives of fellow citizens.
You will receive extensive paid training to gain the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for this important role. You will answer 9-1-1 emergency and other calls from the community as well as dispatching Fire/Rescue and Sheriffs’ department resources. This position requires a combination of public service commitment and strong technical skills that can be learned on the job during the training period. In addition to our comprehensive paid training program, benefits include full health and dental benefits, paid life insurances, Virginia Retirement System retirement plans, and paid time off. Opportunities are available to advance to Communications Officer II, III and Emergency Communications Supervisor.
Public Safety Communications Officers, under general supervision, operate a complex communication system for the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and Frederick County Fire & Rescue; responds to emergency and administrative calls and dispatches public safety and public service personnel and equipment. This position works under basic supervision of the Operation Shift Supervisor.
Essential Functions
The requirements for this position include, but are not limited to, those outlined below. All job qualifications and physical requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. It is the employer’s discretion to add or change the duties or requirements of this position at any time.
- Answers emergency and non-emergency calls requests for service for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical assistance;
- Prioritizes and dispatches emergency responders and appropriate resources;
- Relays pertinent information to public safety personnel (law enforcement, fire, medical) via radio in a concise, organized, and understandable manner; monitors radio traffic and provides immediate information and assistance;
- Utilizes the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to maintain status and awareness for variety of public safety and personnel (law enforcement, fire, medical), resources and incidents; documents update and changes in the CAD system as required; and notifies key supervisory and management personnel on critical incidents;
- Coordinates with other agencies, citizens, and businesses to gather information, make referrals, or dispatch assistance;
- Conducts computer searches through local, state, and national databases for possibly wanted persons or stolen property and interprets and provides information to the requesting field responder; confirms stolen property, wanted persons, and missing persons; enters data into Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) as requested; sends and receives teletypes;
- Supports the relationship between communications and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, Frederick County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and Frederick County Communications information;
- Punctual and regular attendance to work;
- Must be able to workdays, nights, holidays, and irregular hours on short notice;
- All applicants will be required to participate in a background investigation to include criminal history check, history of drug use and a polygraph examination; and,
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Education:
Graduation from high school, or equivalent GED required.
Experience:
One (1) year of related experience in a customer service environment, which may require data entry or word processing.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the geography within the Frederick County service area including, but not limited to streets, highways, boundaries, thoroughfares, landmarks, businesses, and locations of law enforcement and fire stations and districts. Understands state and federal laws, regulations, and statutes governing dispatch for emergency services. Handles multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency situations. Closely follows verbal and written instructions and procedures. Operates standard and specialized public safety hardware and software to enter information with speed and accuracy. Deals tactfully and courteously with public, handles stressful situations and angry people, and obtains information from hostile and emotional callers.
Certificates, Licenses and/or Registrations:
Successful completion of all required certifications within two (2) years of employment. Certifications include: (1) Virginia Basic Telecommunicator, (2) VCIN full access, (3) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and (4) International Academies Emergency Dispatch.
Requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application; and,
- Candidates must successfully complete all portions of pre-employment screens such as but not limited to written exams, criminal background screen, polygraph and physical examination.
Supplemental Information
Training Period:
Within six months from the date of hire, a new Communication Officer must complete a training program to include in-house training, CPR, EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch), Basic Communications Officer Academy and VCIN/NCIC (VA Criminal Information Network, National Crime Information Center) certification.
Physical Demands and Working Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Work performed is primarily an office classification in a call center/dispatch environment, although occasional standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, to enter, and to retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and radio. Positions in this classification occasionally (daily, weekly, or monthly) bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees may occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and minimal direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Work is performed in a fast paced, call center environment; incumbent must remain alert and responsive while coordinating stressful situations in a fluid and dynamic work environment. Employee may be required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call as a regular part of the job.
Automatic Disqualifiers
- Past or current gang affiliation;
- Dishonorable discharge from any military service;
- Untruthfulness and/or the intentional withholding of information on any application, interview, or paperwork associated with the position. Examples of intentional withholding of information would include deliberate inaccuracies and/or incomplete statements.
Note:
This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of background disqualifiers. Applicants who are successful in the initial testing will undergo a thorough background investigation, including polygraph examination. Areas of concern will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis within the context of the full investigation/review. Examples of areas of concern may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Reduction of charges as a result of a plea agreement or other form of sentencing disposition prior to a conviction in any of the aforementioned criminal history category;
• Crimes committed as a juvenile, including undetected crime;
• Patterns of reckless and/or irresponsible driving;
• Illegal drug use or possession that does not fall within the parameters defined in the County’s HR Policy, including the use or possession of prescription drugs without a proper prescription. Illegal drug is defined as set forth in the Federal Controlled Substance Act, 21 U.S.C. §800 et al. and by the Code of Virginia;
• Less than honorable military discharge, erratic work record, or unfavorable employment references;
• Pending litigation or prosecution for criminal offenses must be resolved prior to consideration for employment;
• Some minor offenses are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors (e.g. littering) but would not result in automatic disqualification. Convictions of this nature would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in the context of the full investigation/review.
All new employees are placed on a six month probationary training period. All positions are subject to a criminal background and driving record check for any convictions that relate to the job duties and responsibilities. The County’s EEO Utilization Report has been available at www.fcva.us/jobs.
