Communications Dispatcher - Entry Level and Lateral

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES/JOB OBJECTIVES: Responsible for performing fast, efficient and accurate receiving and dispatching of calls and messages from and to public safety units and personnel in the field. Duties involve the operation of complex communications equipment including microprocessor-controlled radio and telephone control consoles and computer terminals to dispatch emergency public safety units as requested or necessary.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: A person employed in this classification must possess the capability to perform the following duties to be considered for and remain in this position. The duties are essential functions requiring the critical skills and expertise needed to meet job objectives. Additional specific details of these essential functions may be provided by the specific office or department job announcement, if applicable.
1. Operate radio and telephone control consoles in dispatching public safety resources and routing of other emergency calls to the appropriate agencies.
a. Receive emergency call information; dispatch call to appropriate units or departments; maintain information on units activities; access computer terminals to obtain, transmit and record information such as vehicle license numbers, drivers information, warrants and stolen vehicle information; enter record information via computer terminal; maintain status of equipment to maintain control and record the activity of the dispatched units.
b. Relay and receive information from other public safety organizations; notify other service agencies such as road maintenance, public works, signal and light maintenance and animal control.
c. Facilitate coordination of Communications Center services; provide and receive information on emergencies dispatched to and from co-workers.
2. Maintain accurate record of information and calls received or dispatched. Enter information into computer terminal as required.
3. Report to Communications Supervisor or Communications Manager the need for radio, telephone or equipment repairs.
4. Study and maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, industrial plants, public buildings and the general geographic locations of cities, towns and landmarks of Linn County.
5. Maintain record of time and nature of unusual or significant events, and other pertinent information facilitating efficient communication dispatching.
6. Develop and maintain effective, harmonious and reasonable work relationships with
others.
7. Maintain regular and predictable work attendance.
OTHER FUNCTIONS: The classification covers the most significant essential functions performed by an employee in this position but it does not include other occasional work which may be similar to, related to or a logical assignment of this position. Any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of the duties listed under essential functions or that arise as other functions. The balance of the various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may change from time to time based upon management's decisions on how to best allocate resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing does not constitute a change in the essential functions of the job classification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY: Knowledge of techniques, procedures and methods used in the operation of a Public Safety Communications Center and the dispatching process, including two-way radio, computer terminal and multi-line telecommunications equipment commonly used in public safety dispatching. Knowledge of the terminology and procedures used by police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services in communications dispatching. Knowledge of the function of other public service agencies and community agencies available in the area of emergency services.
Ability to make prompt and appropriate decisions based on available information. Ability to dispatch public safety equipment in a quick and efficient manner. Ability to relay information exactly as received. Ability to react quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation and to adopt an effective course of action. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly in a well-modulated and pleasant voice. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instruction. Ability to deal tactfully with the general public, co-workers and others with whom they come into contact in the performance of duties.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Graduation from a senior high school or possession of the equivalent GED Certificate.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Be a citizen of the United States. Be 18 years of age or older. Be of good moral fitness, as determined by a thorough background investigation. Be free of any conviction for any felony; any misdemeanor involving violent behavior; or unlawful use, possession, delivery, or manufacture of a controlled substance, narcotic or dangerous drug. Pass a written and oral interview as prescribed by the Sheriff's Office. Be willing to work weekends, holidays, varying shifts and extra hours. Must pass a comprehensive psychological examination. Acquire and maintain the following certifications within one year of appointment: Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) Certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch and Telecommunicator Certification. Must possess and maintain a valid First Aid and CPR card[KG1] including instruction of the operation of Automatic External Defibrilators.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:Work is generally performed indoors in an office and is essentially sedentary in nature. Work requirements include the ability to see, talk and hear; sit for long periods of time, use hands to finger, handle or operate objects or controls, reach with hands and arms and lift or move thirty (30) pounds.

Hiring Process Details

Background Check: Finalists for this position will be subject to an extensive background investigation. Some issues that might cause an applicant to be withheld from further consideration include, but are not limited to the following:

• Felony convictions
• Misdemeanor convictions for:
  • Domestic violence (DV);
  • Currently named as the Respondent in a Restraining Order;
  • Crime of dishonesty; and/or,
  • Crime that resulted in serious physical injury to another.
• Illegal manufacture, transport, or sale of a controlled substance.
• Any repeated convictions of an offense, which indicate disrespect for the law, a lack of good moral character or disposition towards violence and disorder.
• Discharge from employment, where such discharge indicates poor behavior and/or an inability adjusting to discipline.
• A Dishonorable Discharge from the armed forces.
• Persons convicted of a petty larceny.

Drug Use Disqualifiers: No arrests or convictions for any felony or any misdemeanor crimes involving the unlawful use, possession, delivery, or manufacturing of a controlled substance, narcotic or dangerous drug. Must not use marijuana, or "natural medicines" as defined in Colorado Revised Statute 12-170-103. A history of excessive use of illegal drugs, or other offenses, could disqualify an applicant.

Additional Information: Must be able to read, write and speak English. Must pass a thorough background investigation, psychological exam, drug screen, and integrity interview that establishes strong moral character. Any conduct that could compromise the integrity of the employee, other employees, the Sheriff's Office or the County will be closely evaluated. The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace. The Linn County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity and Veterans Preference Employer.

Tentative Hiring Process:

1. Application screening and advancement to next phase for qualified applicants.
2. Criticall Testing
3. Captain's Interview - Informal 10-15 minute face-to-face or remote interview for eligible and invited applicants (possibly followed by a short facility tour).
4. Oral Board Interview - Formal face-to-face interview for eligible and invited applicants.
5. Conditional Job Offer of Employment extended to top candidate(s) only
6. Statement of Personal History
7. Pre-employment background investigation
8. Psychological Evaluation, Medical and Sheriff's Interview
9. Final Job Offer

Employment Type: Full Time Employment