Dispatcher

SUMMARY OF WORK: Dispatches police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical technicians, public works personnel and other city employees to calls for service either by telephone, two-way radio or in person. Calls for service may be of an urgent or emergency nature. Enters and retrieves records and documents in computer databases and hard paper files. Performs criminal history and traffic records checks by means of a centralized computer system. Collects monies for fines, fees or bond.JOB CHARACTERISTICS:Nature of Work: This position performs duties of receiving and relaying information in a timely fashion that could have substantial consequences if done incorrectly. Works varied shifts throughout a 24-hour, 7-day, 365-day period, including nights, weekends and holidays. The duties include working under stressful and emergency circumstances. Relays sensitive information and adheres to standards of confidentiality. In addition, the employee maintains accurate records.Personal Contacts: Has daily contact with the public by telephone and or in person. Members of the public may be victims, witnesses and other related parties to crime or other critical events. Members of the public may, at times, express verbal hostility.Supervision Received: Position is mainly self-directed but does receive direction from supervisors.Essential Functions: Position requires ability to communicate orally and in writing; hear spoken words clearly; speak clearly; relay messages quickly and accurately; use a computer and keyboard; operate dispatch equipment including telephones, radios and paging devices; research and retrieve information from records and other documents; and document calls accurately. AREAS OF JOB ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE: • Prioritizes and dispatches routine and critical incident calls that come into the police department for all city services.• Takes information, usually a request for service from a city department, either by telephone or in person, compiles the information and relays it to the appropriate city department for response.• Answers and transfers telephone calls.• Keeps a detailed account of all activities by inputting information into a computer database.• Receives and receipts bonds, fines and or fees for city departments.• Performs criminal history, driver’s license and motor vehicle registration inquiries by manual search of hard files and by use of the Criminal Justice Information Network.• Copy and disseminate records and reports for other criminal justice agencies.• Directs the general public to the appropriate service agency in response to non-criminal matters.• Performs other related duties as required.JOB REQUIREMENTS:Knowledge: This position requires knowledge of radio equipment, computers, telephone etiquette, community resources, knowledge of the geographical area and other office machines.Skills: This position requires skills in typing, keyboarding, writing legibly, radio communications and operating other office machines.Abilities: This position requires the ability to: perform several duties at a time; remain calm in stressful circumstances; maintain confidentiality; relay messages quickly and accurately; communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow verbal and written instructions; establish effective working relationships with fellow employees, other city department employees, supervisors and the general public.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:The above knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:• A High School diploma or GED Equivalent.• Minimum one (1) year experience in telecommunications preferred.JOB PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:A communication technician will work on average 40 hours a week. The hours will vary and the shifts will be on a rotation basis.Evaluation of this position will be based primarily upon performance of the preceding requirements and duties. Examples of job performance criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:•Computer experience: Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Word•Filing skills•Good telephone etiquette•Good organizational skills•Good grammar and spelling skills•Must have the ability to work well with others.•Must be able to multitask. Be able to sit while reaching, handling the telephone, note-taking, computer, talking and being able to listen at the same time.•Must be able to intermittently stand and walk while talking and hearing.•Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.•May briefly assist or perform a task for demonstration purposes.•Requires the ability to communicate effectively and a working knowledge of the task being performed.•Must be able to access filing cabinets and be able to lift 50 lbs and carry record boxes, equipment etc.•Must be able to type proficiently.•Must have knowledge of ten (10) key.SPECIFIC DUTIES:•Will enter call information into a CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch System) system.•Will collect monies from city court fines and accident reports.•Will file reports, correspondence, documents etc.•Will enter biographic information into a computer system.•May organize files, card files and filing cabinets.•Will answer and transfer calls.•Will be able to properly operate fax machines and copy machines.•Will perform basic housekeeping duties in the front office.•Will correctly disseminate reports to the individuals, representative, attorney, and other law enforcement agencies.•Must be able to learn IMC computer dispatch/record system.•Must deal professionally and courteously with agencies and personnel.•May be required to search individuals brought into the police department.•Must be able to remain calm during stressful situations.•Must be able to prioritize duties and multitask.•May be responsible for learning, maintaining and instructing a specific task assignment.•Must maintain confidentiality.