911 Emergency Dispatcher

Under the direction of the Public Communications Supervisor, this position is responsible for receiving information from the public, Law Enforcement Officers, various law enforcement agencies and other agencies in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Performs tasks simultaneously, such as listening to the radio, entering information into the Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD), Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Criminal Justice Network (CJNET), and answering regular and/or 911 phone lines. Employees in this classification function in an entry level capacity while participating in in-house training programs to acquire specialized knowledge of the Communications Center. Upon acquiring essential knowledge, incumbents perform progressively more responsible duties and function under general supervision. Performs any other duties as directed. Monitors all radio channels for the agency in addition to all Fire and EMS channels for calls dispatched by the Sheriff's office within the city limits. Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service, and dispatches officers to calls. Answer phone requests for referrals and information and relays that information to the correct individual(s). Answers Officers radio requests and transmissions, and responds according to the department's policies, procedures, rules, and the regulations of the

FCIC/NCIC.

Assists the public by disseminating accurate and appropriate information, as dictated by the nature of the call. Responds to and performs follow-up on public inquiries, unit inquiries, and inter-agency inquiries regarding information to be obtained, relayed, and/or disseminated to proper entities. Acts as the Police Department's switchboard. Supplies telephone directory services for the department, its members, and members of the public. Interprets maps and provide clear directions when needed. Responsible for issuing spare keys and maintaining the key box for the department. Also responsible for specialized clerical and public contact work in receiving and transmitting messages for the department. Receives and accurately registers complaints in CAD; logs radio transmissions by inputting call information into CAD. Operates manual system in the event of CAD and/or computer failure. Searches for and retrieves information from in-house and remote databases. Runs FCIC/NCIC and Driver and Vehicle Information Database (DAVID) computer checks, teletypes other agencies for information and confirmations. Assists officers and other department personnel within the means provided in the Communications Center. Calls out agencies as needed, such as taxis, tow trucks, ambulance/fire, animal control, code enforcement, victims advocate, state attorney, probation office and the hospitals to notify them of pending situations that will require their assistance. Responds to walk-in citizens. Monitors equipment for malfunctions. Monitors cameras and alarms for Police Department, City Hall, Airport, evidence compound, and Communication Center i.e., generator alarm, fire alarm, booking etc., and dispatches the appropriate personnel when needed. Controls the doors to the booking, holding cells, hallways, entry/exit, sally port gates, and the parking lot gates. Maintains required logs and related records such as: tows, private property tows, private investigators, repossessions, keys etc. Maintains and tracks all officers and volunteers on duty. Communicates with the news media. Operates other related equipment, i.e., facsimile, copy machine, scanners, shredder, radios, TDD (Telephone Device Hearing Impaired), printer, computers, copiers, and telephone. Participates in in-house training to develop specialized unit knowledge for the purpose of acquiring progressively responsible duties. Assists other unit personnel in supporting efficient functioning of the work unit. Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; and six (6) months of experience in clerical, data entry, public contact, and/or customer service work.; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

Possession of or ability to obtain

FCIC/NCIC

training Certification within six (6) months to one (1) year of hire. Possession of a valid, State of Florida driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge and skills in the use of modern office equipment such as: telephones, computers, printers, radios, recorders, monitoring security cameras, facsimile machines, copiers, alarms, electronic doors, teletype equipment, to include FCIC/NCIC and radio channel quickly and accurately under heavy workload conditions. Knowledge of geography of the City's surrounding area, city and department's policies, and communication center's equipment and operations. Knowledge of office administration practices, concepts, and automation applications. Knowledge of municipal code, directives, and procedures and of city services and operations. Knowledge and principles of customer service and telephone etiquette. Skill in the use of computers and software/program applications, e.g., spreadsheet and word processing applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Skill in effective communication, both orally and in writing. Ability to type at least 35 words or more per minute with speed and accuracy, and able to accomplish multiple tasks in an efficient manner. Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations in accordance with departmental rules and regulations. Able to speak clearly and concisely in a well-modulated voice. Ability to process and enter information into the C.A.D system and maintain accurate data files. Ability to detect complete and accurate information from the general public when they may be in a distressed or confused state. Ability to work various schedules including days, evenings, midnights, weekends, holidays and during hurricanes. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, city personnel, and other public or outside agencies. Ability to accomplish multiple tasks in an efficient manner. Ability to complete assignments accurately and on a timely basis. Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations in accordance with departmental rules and regulations. Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions. Ability to work independently with multiple assignments.

ADA COMPLIANCE

The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

Walking:

Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

Lifting:

Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.

Manual Dexterity:

Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

Crouching:

Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

Standing or Sitting:

Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Visual Acuity:

Including color, depth perception, and field vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, wetness, humidity, fumes, temperature, and noise.