JOB
General Description:
Responsible for receiving, screening, and dispatching information over the communications system. The dispatcher is responsible for rapid and effective screening of calls, eliciting accurate information, and transmitting that information through a variety of radio, telephone, or intercom systems. The dispatcher is also responsible for a variety of clerical activities specific to the police department, and other work as required.
Work Experience/Requirements:
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High School Diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited school/institution.
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Must type 25 words per minute, as demonstrated in an exam.
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Trained in the handling of emergency calls is highly desirable, but not necessary.
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Skilled in the use of computer terminals is desirable.
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Must be able to obtain certification as “911 Public Safety Telecommunicator” by the State Of Florida within one year of date of appointment/hire.
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Upon completion of training, must pass test and obtain certification by the International or National Academy of Emergency Dispatch in Emergency Medical Dispatch (E.M.D.), Emergency Fire Dispatch (E.F.D.), and Emergency Police Dispatch (E.P.D.)
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Must be able to obtain C.J.I.S. Certification immediately upon being appointed/hired.
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Background Check: Applicants must pass a background investigation, critical assessment, psychological evaluation, physical/drug screening, and polygraph.
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Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
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Must be a United States Citizen.
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Shift Work: Positions are often 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Job Task, Policy, and Proficiency
TASK-
Complete assignments as directed - The member will successfully complete all assignments to specifications as directed and within the specified time frame and budget in accordance with agency policies.
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Maintain work areas - The member ensures that their work area is clean, organized, safe and presentable in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
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Participate in meetings/training and community relations activities if applicable - As applicable, the member actively participates in meetings/training as directed or as required and in accordance with established agency policies/procedures, and disseminates information received to agency members as appropriate. The member may also actively participate in community relations activities in order to promote and enhance the vision, goals, and objectives of the department in conjunction with the needs of the community.
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Attend pre shift briefings - The member is on time for and attends pre shift briefings, recording all pertinent information and directives, and providing superiors and colleagues with job/shift related information.
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Assist and coordinate emergency assignments - The member assists in the coordination of personnel and other agencies during emergency situations in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
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Process wrecker requests and maintain wrecker files - The member will receive and correctly process or forward all wrecker requests and the appropriate corresponding information to the designated supervisor. If applicable, the member will accurately maintain the wrecker files in accordance with agency policies.
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Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies - The member will receive and correctly process or forward all wrecker requests and the appropriate corresponding information to the designated supervisor. If applicable, the member will accurately maintain the wrecker files in accordance with agency policies.
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Utilize resources - The member locates appropriate resource materials, including as applicable, Plot maps, computer applications/databases, phone books, grid books and other appropriate sources/documents within a reasonable amount of time and provides inquiring person correct information in accordance with agency policies.
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Track and monitor officers/designated personnel - The member will accurately track, monitor, and document all officers and other designated personnel's activities as required during their tour of duty in accordance with agency policies.
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Route calls to the proper authority - The member will promptly route calls to the proper authority in accordance with agency policies.
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Respond and request assistance from another agency - The member promptly requests and/or responds to another agency for assistance in accordance with agency policy utilizing the most appropriate and efficient communication mechanism/system for communicating with the particular agency involved.
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Receive and enter complaints into CAD system - The member correctly completes CAD system entry for service calls in accordance with agency policies and procedures including as applicable but not limited to, calls for ID, on-views officer, calls for intoxilizer operators and agency supplements.
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Prioritize calls - The member will correctly discriminate between emergency / non-emergency calls and effectively prioritize calls for service according to agency policy.
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Operate telephone consoles/switchboard - The member operates the telephone console/switchboard, answering the calls in a courteous and professional manner, assisting callers as appropriate, determining the nature of the call and transferring the call to the appropriate personnel in accordance with agency policies.
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Run NCIC/FCIC inquiries - The member correctly operates NCIC/FCIC computer to standards mandated by state/federal authorities, receiving and disseminating accurate information to the authorized personnel in a timely manner consistent with agency policies. If applicable, the member accurately interprets retrieved criminal history information for documentation/records updating purposes.
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Retrieve/enter/verify information from local/agency system - The member correctly operates CJIS, ACISS, FAHIS, SACWIS, CAD Terminal, or any other local or agency system as applicable, accurately retrieving or entering information in a timely manner and in accordance with all applicable State laws /directives/ regulations / procedures and agency policies. If applicable, the retrieved information is disseminated to the authorized requestee via a child welfare attorney or other appropriate individual in a timely manner.
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Notify agencies of robberies and priority events - The member notifies surrounding agencies of robberies and priority events in a timely manner consistent with agency policies with the goal of promoting Officer Safety and enhancing apprehension potential.
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Maintain communication logs - The member maintains accurate and up to date communications logs pursuant to all applicable State regulations and agency policies.
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Process hit confirmation request - The communications officer will correctly receive, process, and complete requests for hit confirmation within 1O minutes and according to FCIC / NCIC and agency procedures and policy.
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Dispatch calls for service - The member correctly and promptly dispatches appropriate unit(s) to respond to calls for service based on priority, location, and resource availability. The member provides/updates the responding unit and/or supervisors with all available pertinent information consistent with agency policies.
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Page agency members - Given a request, as directed, or as needed, the member will page the appropriate personnel in a timely manner consistent with agency policies.
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Update records/reports/documentation/manuals/files - The member will ensure that all documents/records/reports/manuals/files are generated and/or accurately updated as required, properly filed, secured if applicable, and disseminated in a timely manner to the appropriate personnel consistent with agency policy.
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Maintain/update/review area of responsibility logs - The member will review and/or maintain all required area of responsibility logs by properly developing/updating/reviewing them in a comprehensive and timely manner, ensuring that all required and relevant data are accurately recorded in accordance with agency policies/procedures and/or applicable state and federal requirements. Logs are stored in a manner for efficient retrieval.
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Inform superiors of events and activities in progress - Accurate information addressing events or critical issues is accumulated and disseminated to higher authority without unnecessary delay.
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Liaison with intra/inter agency personnel - The member will initiate, develop, and maintain channels of communications and work effectively with inter/intra agency personnel in order to achieve objectives and goals and better serve the needs of the agency and/or community.
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Train new staff - As applicable, the member provides accurate and complete information and coaches new members or volunteers in order to ensure task performance is to standard and in accordance with agency policies.
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Perform duties during absence of supervisor/superior/co-worker - The member will possess sufficient knowledge and will correctly perform all the designated duties and assume all responsibilities as required in the absence of the assigned supervisor/superior/co-worker or during periods of work overload in accordance with agency policy, procedures and supervisory direction.
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Message return/follow-up - As applicable, the member will check their assigned mailbox, telephone/electronic messages and any designated bulletin boards according to the established schedule or designated frequency for each. The member will return any telephone messages in a prompt and professional manner and will respond accurately and appropriately to any information contained on the bulletin board or received via mail or newsletter.
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Contact with public - The member demonstrates a polite, helpful, courteous, proud, productive, and professional image when engaged in their assigned duties with the public consistent with agency policy.
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Operation and care of equipment - The member properly operates and cares for equipment to manufacturers specifications and I or within the specified parameters. If applicable, the member checks to ensure all assigned equipment is present and operational, and documents/reports any required repairs in a timely manner and in accordance with agency policies.
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Human diversity awareness - The member demonstrates an understanding, consideration, and respect of cultural, religious, and gender differences when interacting with the public, students and colleagues.
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Accepts supervision and direction - The member adheres to the chain of command, and accepts constructive criticism to improve job performance. The member responds to supervision, guidance and direction of superiors in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with agency policies.
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NCIC/FCIC entries - The member is knowledgeable of and adheres to FCIC/NCIC policies and procedures for conducting, documenting, and validating entries.
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Abide by Code of Ethics - The member will conduct him/herself In an ethical and professional manner, abiding by the established code of ethics as stipulated in the PGO Manual.
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Leave and Attendance - The member will follow all leave and attendance related policies/procedures, including, but not limited to submission of vacation and personnel requests and if applicable, the notification of supervisor regarding absence from work due to illness or untimely incidents, notification of supervisor concerning overtime hours worked, and notification of supervisor regarding after hours investigative duties performed if applicable.
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Grooming and dress - The member is appropriately groomed and attired so as to present a professional image in accordance with the agency policies and procedures.
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Knowledge of General Orders/Policy/Procedure manuals - The member has the ability to read, interpret, and follow procedural and policy manuals related to the job performed by the incumbent and demonstrate this knowledge via oral or written testing if required and in daily operations.
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Knowledge of dispatch codes - The member demonstrates the ability to interpret, understand, and respond to all dispatch codes.
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Communications multi-tasking stress/non-stress conditions - The member is able to simultaneously perform multiple communications tasks to standard under both stressful and non-stressful conditions.
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FCIC/NCIC/CJIS equipment operating skills - The member correctly and efficiently operates criminal information related equipment/computers in accordance with agency policies and state regulations if applicable.
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911 system operating skills - The member operates the 911 system correctly and within the specified parameters with regards to response time, etiquette, sensitivity, procedure, and routes the call to the proper authority.
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Information systems entry/retrieval skills - The member is able to accurately enter and/or retrieve information from job specific applicable computer systems in a timely manner. These systems may include, but are not limited to, CJIS, NCIC, FCIC, AS400, evidence control program, Personal Computers and/or local systems, and various accounting/inventory svstems etc.
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Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations - The member demonstrates sufficient knowledge of FCC rules and regulations governing the use and repair of electronic communication equipment to ensure compliance with Federal transmitter tolerances and to assure that all work performed complies with applicable standards.
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Computer/software/office equipment skills/knowledge - The member demonstrates adequate knowledge and skill in the use of office equipment and/or computer peripherals including as applicable: word processor, spread sheet, data-base, specialized computer program software/systems, printer, copier, and any other equipment required to perform position tasks.
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Knowledge of geographical jurisdiction - The member is able to correctly locate or provide accurate directions in a timely manner to any location within the agency jurisdiction, or, as applicable, within their respective school zone or area of responsibility.
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Time management skills - The member efficiently organizes, prioritizes, schedules, and manages daily work activities, tasks, and special assignments.
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Inter-personal skills - The member demonstrates congenial, respectful, and productive behaviors and attitudes towards others in working relationships and situations.
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Radio communications - The member utilizes the 2-way radio for official communications only, communicating in a clear, concise, and intelligent manner under all conditions and at all times.
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Problem solving - The member has the ability to look beyond surface issues to identify and analyze problems and develop effective responses and solutions to resolve such problems.
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Team building skills - The member demonstrates a conscientious effort in achieving and contributing to organizational goals as compared with individual goals.
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Verbal communications - The member conveys verbal information I instructions / directives / commands in a clear, concise, and intelligent manner.
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Written communications - Written communications are accurate, complete, concise, legible, and timely.
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General comprehension skills - The member has the ability to understand directions and instructions, formulate and translate plans into actions, and process verbal information, physical cues, and body language in order to effectively listen to individuals.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
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Knowledge of modern medical, fire, and law enforcement practices, procedures and methods.
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Knowledge of the proper legal functions of government agencies, sufficient to answer or redirect citizen inquiries.
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Knowledge of Fire and Police departmental regulations pertaining to complaint and dispatch activities.
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Knowledge of the roadways and political boundaries of the incorporated Town area.
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Knowledge of the organizational structure of Town departments and key personnel.
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Knowledge of Town facilities, local geography, landmarks and jurisdictional boundaries.
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Skilled in the use of computer terminals, advanced multi-line telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch system, records management systems, radio communication and related equipment.
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Ability to perform a variety of clerical duties including, but not limited to photocopying, filing and inventory control.
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Ability to train and supervise new Public Safety Dispatchers.
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Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
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Ability to communicate effectively with the public by means of the telephone or person to person contact.
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Ability to deal calmly and effectively with the public.
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Ability to keep simple records.
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Ability to hear accurately and speak clearly, using good diction.
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Ability to analyze information from a variety of sources, assesses a situation, use sound judgment in drawing valid conclusions and takes appropriate action in crises situations that may include life and death decisions.
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Ability to prepare and maintain accurate files, logs and other written or computerized records and report.
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Ability to spell correctly and write legibly using correct grammar.
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Ability to verify information and solve discrepancies.
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Ability to look up information in directories by index or cross reference.
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Ability to understand, retain and apply detailed and complex written, verbal and demonstrated procedures, information and regulations to a variety of situations.
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Ability to effectively prioritize duties when dealing simultaneously with several functions.
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Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing and maintain effective working relations with other employees, outside agencies, and the public by means of radio, telephone or person-to-person contact.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The following are some of the physical requirements associated with this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made by the Town to enable an individual to perform the essential duties/functions of the position.
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Must have ability to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, stand, hear, hands to finger dexterity, handle, feel or operate objects, read and write English.
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Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office equipment, such as but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier and fax machines.
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Work is performed indoors within a quiet to moderately noisy environment.
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Must be able to lift, carry and or push articles weighing up to 20 lbs.
Flexible schedule is required.
Starting Salary: $62,008.13, Excellent benefits.
The Town of Surfside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans’ preference will be awarded under applicable Florida Law. All resumes are subject to Florida Public Records Laws.
Send Application to:
Human Resources Department
9293 Harding Avenue
Surfside, FL 33154 Phone: (305) 861-4863
You may e-mail your resume and application to [email protected]
The Town of Surfside is an Equal Opportunity / Drug Free Workplace Employer. Veterans’ preference will be awarded under applicable Florida Law. All resumes are subject to Florida Public Records Laws.
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT (townofsurfsidefl.gov)
