The Emergency Communications Officer serves as a vital support for the public who want emergency support and assistance and is a primary point of contact for all callers requesting emergency services.
This class works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The functions listed below are those that represent most of the time working in this position. Additional duties may be assigned by management related to the type of work of the position as deemed necessary.
- Responsibility for answering emergency and non-emergency calls. Ability to communicate effectively with different callers to obtain information to dispatch police, fire and/or a medical response unit using a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
- Operate a multi-line radio and telephone system, telephone device for the hearing/speech and impaired (TDD), numerous computer databases and map.
- Ability to translate information to the appropriate codes or signals.
- Maintain logs, files and operate computer equipment to enter, retrieve and transmit information regarding outstanding warrants, vehicle registrations, driver licenses and criminal histories in accordance with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and departmental policies and procedures.
- Ability to process a citizen’s call for assistance to determine priority level.
- Operates a manual system in the event of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System fails.
- Coordinates and relays information from callers to officers, municipalities police departments, fire, and medical personnel.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex documents.
- Respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
- Be able to complete all required/related training.
- Performs other duties and other related work as instructed or assigned.
Supervisory Functions:
There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- No previous dispatch experience necessary.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be able to pass Background Investigation and Drug Screening Test.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
- Must possess a valid South Carolina Driver’s License and Social Security Card.
- NCIC Certification must be obtained within six (6) months of employment.
- Pass Basic Telecommunications Officer Certification from the South Carolina Criminal
Justice Academy or equivalent certification from Association of Public Safety Communications (APCO).
- Completion of FEMA Certifications; ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, and 800 and a sound understanding of NIMS/ICS Operations.
- Requires Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification.
Reasoning/Math/Language Skills:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and effectively to inquiries and complaints, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Physical Demands:
- Must work in a high-volume Emergency Communications Center monitoring multiple phone lines and law enforcement calls.
- Must be able to operate a computer keyboard and work around moderate noise levels.
- Perform sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involve exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
Work Environment:
Works in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather conditions or discomforts associated with noise, dust, or dirt. Working conditions are moderately quiet with limited exposure to loud situations. Materials
used are a Computer, Radio, and Standard Office Equipment.
American with Disabilities Act Compliance:
Orangeburg County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Orangeburg County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified person(s) with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
