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PARALEGAL

City of Newport News -
Newport News, VA

Job Details

Qualifications

Report preparation
City street navigation
Computer operation
Phone communication
Computer literacy
Employee relationship building
English
De-escalation techniques
Emergency medical dispatch
Radio communication systems
Map reading
Public safety procedures
Typing
First aid and CPR

Full Job Description

JOB DESCRIP TION

PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Human Resources Department
POLICE DEPARTMENT 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200

Newport News, VA 23606
NEWPORT NEWS, VA Phone: (757) 926-1800

CITY OF OPPORTUNITY Fax: (757) 926-1825

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under close supervision, this position is responsible for receiving and responding to emergency and
non-emergency calls for assistance and information. Provides information and referral service for
police, fire, emergency medical services and other public safety related matters. Reports to a Public
Safety Communications Supervisor.

There are two (2) levels of Public Safety Communications Specialist distinguished by the level of
work performed and the qualifications of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Operates a multi-line and technology complex telephone console; alerting systems from other
agencies; and telecommunication device for the deaf and hearing impaired (TDD) to receive and
respond to a variety of emergency and non-emergency services and complaints; calms, reassures, and
verbally interrogates callers to interpret, analyze and anticipate the effect of situations in order to
resolve problems, provide requested information, or refer callers; translates information to
appropriate codes; determines and assigns level of priority and enters data to a computer aided
dispatch (CAD) system for radio dispatch.

Performs Emergency Medical Dispatch and crisis intervention and uses Emergency Medical Guide
cards or software to ask vital questions and provide pre-arrival instructions for emergency medical
calls; monitors and operates a radio console and various radio frequencies to dispatch and coordinate
public safety responses ranging from routine to critical; determines priority to dispatch calls;
identifies appropriate number and type of equipment or apparatus to dispatch; and manages
situations as conditions change; utilizes CAD system to document individual activities of public
safety responses.

Queries, enters, modifies, and clears information in local, state, and national computerized databases
such as the Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN), National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pertaining to arrest warrants, driver record and
history, stolen property, other similar data and transmits relevant information to field units.

Monitors and responds to a variety of technical systems and alarms to include fire, duress, and power
redundancy alarms, GPS equipped bait car, high crime area cameras, financial institution electronic
pursuit tracking system; fire station alerting and printing system, radio interoperability channels, and
local, regional, and national alerting and disaster notification systems.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Page 1 of 3 Revised: 02/01/2020

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE


Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and
operation of telecommunications systems. Knowledge of dispatch codes and other codes,
standard abbreviations and terminology utilized in communications operations and by police,
fire, and emergency medical personnel. Knowledge of various state and local agencies and the
services they provide. Knowledge of Teletype operations and procedures for accessing and
updating various computerized databases. 

Safety and Security – Knowledge of common safety rules, regulations, procedures and practices to
include basic first aid, emergency medical dispatch protocols and CPR. Knowledge of Emergency
Communications policies and procedures and Police and Fire Department policies and
procedures pertaining to Communications operations, disaster and special response plans. 

Customer Service – Thorough knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
services. This includes meeting established quality standards. 

Geography— Knowledge of jurisdictional boundaries, thoroughfares, landmarks, public
buildings, waterways; and the resources available to determine the location of incidents in the
City of Newport News and surrounding jurisdictions.

REQUIRED SKILLS


Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.
Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit. 

Critical Thinking — Uses logic and reasoning to identify potential solutions, conclusions or
approaches to problems. 

Judgment/Decision Making — Evaluates the situation at hand and then exercising appropriate
judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considering the relative costs
and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

REQUIRED ABILITIES


Communication – Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports
and logs. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally
and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy in a
confidential manner and verbally solicit and obtain relevant information through radio and
telephone communications. Ability to hear and retain detailed information. Ability to operate a
computer keyboard and to read and understand a variety of written materials such as directives,
policies, and procedures. Ability to deal effectively with a variety of individuals under highly
stressful situations and perform various tasks simultaneously. Ability to fluently speak, read and
understand the English language and to read maps.

Page 2 of 3 Revised: 02/01/2020 

Time Management – Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and
procedures. Ability to plan and organize daily work routine and establish priorities for the
completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Public Safety Communications Specialist I - Requires a high school diploma or an equivalent
combination of education and related experience.
Public Safety Communications Specialist II - Requires any combination of education and experience
equivalent to a high school diploma. Related work experience or education preferred. Requires a
minimum of eighteen months of experience as a Public Safety Communications Specialist I with the
City of Newport News. Persons with a minimum of two years of related emergency communications
experience with other jurisdictions may advance to this level upon completion of six months of
satisfactory service as a Public Safety Communications Specialist I with the City of Newport News.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal
history check; sex offender registry and credit check.

Requires satisfactory results from a medical, audio, psychological evaluation and pre-employment
substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.

Required to obtain and maintain CPR, Emergency Medical Dispatch certification, and a Level A
VCIN/NCIC Operator certification as a condition of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. 

Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10
pounds). 

Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS 

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. 

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Page 3 of 3 Revised: 02/01/2020

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