Emergency Communications Officer*

Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y?
Respect. Equity. Accountability. Diversity…YOU!!!
This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Description

Duties include but are not limited to

• Receiving and prioritizing all incoming calls and texts to the 911 Operations Center (9-1-1 calls, emergency, and non-emergency calls received from citizens and allied agencies requesting service or information) while entering information into computer-aided dispatch system;
• Dispatching and coordinating public safety responses ranging from routine to critical; monitoring multiple radio frequencies; relaying emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field;
• Performing data entry, word processing, and related duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge or some combination of knowledge of basic dispatch codes, standard abbreviations and industry terminology commonly used by emergency medical services, fire department, and law enforcement agencies. Knowledge of safety and security, data entry, and map reading. Knowledge of relevant rules, regulations, and procedures, including safety procedures such as CPR and First Aid. Knowledge of electronic databases and related software applications such as CentraCom, Open Fox, RMS, Live Mum, Virginia Criminal Information Network, National Crime Information Center, etc., various systems such as Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, intrado 9-1-1- telephone system, telecommunication systems, etc. Demonstrated skills with answering calls within ten (10) seconds; using multiple pieces of equipment at once such as answering a phone and viewing six computer screens; relaying and retaining information; typing 85 words per minute (wpm); oral and written communication. Ability to show empathy and compassion; follow standard procedures and established practices; and multi-task.

• High School Diploma or GED
• As assigned, a minimum of one year of communications or dispatch experience or two years of related experience
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of experience in fast-paced customer service environment
• Strong verbal and written communication and listening skills
• At least one (1) year experience in a 9-1-1 environment
• Two-way radio and or communications experience

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents must pass an initial skills assessment and, as assigned, are required to be VCIN/NCIC certified. Incumbents must pass a critical skills examination and a suitability assessment.
• Incumbents must pass an extensive background investigation to include local, state and federal criminal history checks, medical screening, psychological evaluation, and polygraph examination.
• The emergency center is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As assigned, incumbents must be available to work:
  • Day, evening or midnight shifts
  • Up to a 12-hour regular shift
  • Weekday and weekends
  • Holidays
  • Mandatory overtime
• Incumbents are considered to be essential personnel and must be available to report to work during inclement weather, disasters, and emergencies.
• As part of a Uniformed Operation, employees must wear the appropriate uniforms.

• 
  Employees are required to successfully complete all state-mandated certification programs, including but not limited to, the NCIC/VCIN certification, Department of Criminal Justice Service Telecommunications certification within Department established time frames.

• 
  An applicant cannot have been convicted of any offenses that will deny the applicant from being able to possess the Virginia Criminal Information Network, National Crime Information Center certification per the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy CJISD-ITS-DOC- 08140-5.8.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Richmond Values Veterans-We are an Official V3 Certified Company.

With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice".
The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.