Position Title
Public Safety Telecommunicator
Description of Responsibilities and Duties
- Positions assigned to this banded class perform technical communications work in support of public safety operations. Hired employees must maintain confidentiality and discretion in the course of conducting business; work individually and/or with others; and adapt to change and circumstances. May require shift, weekend, holiday and/or overtime work. May require the ability to multi-task in high-stress situations.
- Primary call taker – Operates the telecommunications console, multi-line telephone and P25 radio equipment for the purpose of receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, as well as, reports of alarm activity from alarm monitoring agencies. Most frequently received calls are from the public requesting police, fire, medical or other emergency/nonemergency services. Accurately obtain and relay information. Solicit needed information from callers under stressful circumstances. Provide clear, accurate, timely, and thorough information to callers, as appropriate based on their emergency or request.
- Dispatch officers and monitor activities of all field personnel – Determine the nature and location of an emergency and deploy police, fire or emergency medical units as necessary; prioritize and dispatch first responders and backup units to emergency and nonemergency calls for service in accordance with established procedures. Maintain contact with all units on patrol or assignments while consistently disseminating information and updating their status/location. Conduct radio checks, identify officer involved when radio duress signal activated, or make other inquiries as needed to insure officer safety.
- Record, log, retrieve, and compile information/data bases – Insure all audio and digital recording and playback equipment is functional. Record all calls for service using a computer aided dispatch system. Complete inquiries using Division of Criminal Information terminal, P2P software, and any other mechanism provided in the Communications Center. Complete all reports requested dealing with communications center data bases. Prepare surveillance playback upon request of officers. Other related data functions, as needed.
- Conduct individual and mass emergency notifications – In emergency situations make timely notifications to designated UNCSA administrative staff or community members, as well as, to the entire campus when needed. Use the UNCSA Outside Emergency Notification System, ALERT System, e-mail, phones and other mechanisms according to procedure.
- Other duties in support of the Police Department activity as assigned: clerical, receptionist, field a variety of general service information calls on behalf of the university, inputting facilities work orders, assisting with parking questions and decal distribution, driver verification checks, and more, etc.
School/Department Information
The Department of Police and Public Safety is responsible for: law enforcement, criminal investigations, parking enforcement, parking fine collection, emergency first response, community policing, security escorts, security surveys, motorist assists, educational presentations, and special event services, among other duties. The Communications Center supports ALL Police and Public Safety activity on a daily basis. The Communications Center receives emergency calls and general calls for service for the police department and the university in general, and dispatch appropriate resources for the requested service, complete detailed documentation for official record of service requests and dispatch response actions, and monitors officers’ patrol activities for safety, back up and additional resources.
Description of Work
Positions assigned to this banded class perform technical communications work in support of public safety operations. Work involves receiving emergent and non- emergent calls, monitoring alarms, obtaining and relaying information, prioritizing calls/alarms and coordinating response procedures, dispatching appropriate public safety personnel, and maintaining public safety communications logs and databases. Employees are responsible for operating a host of complex telecommunications and computer equipment, including multi-line phone systems, multi-channel police consoles, Emergency notification equipment, records management databases and Division of Criminal Information terminals. Work requires knowledge of applicable Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations, an understanding of public safety operations, and skill in the operation of telecommunications technology. May require the ability to multi-task in high-stress situations. Maintains confidentiality and discretion in the course of conducting business; works individually and/or with others; and adapts to change and circumstances. May require shift, weekend, holiday and/or overtime work.
Work Schedule and Hours
Hours will vary based on departmental need.
Maximum of 24 hours per week.
Required Qualifications
High School diploma and sufficient experience to demonstrate ability to work under pressure. Additional Education and Experience will be necessary for progressive steps (Journey and Advanced). Requires certification as a Division of Criminal Information computer operator or the ability to achieve certification within 45 days of employment. May require Basic Telecommunicator Certification in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Preferred Qualifications
High School diploma and sufficient experience to demonstrate ability to work under pressure. Additional Education and Experience will be necessary for progressive steps (Journey and Advanced). Requires certification as a Division of Criminal Information computer operator or the ability to achieve certification within 45 days of employment. May require Basic Telecommunicator Certification in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Technical Knowledge
Displays organizational awareness and an understanding of the general operations and procedures of applicable federal, state and local public safety organizations. Applies thorough knowledge of telelcommunications, information technology, general operations and infrastructure. Thorough knowledge of campus/area layout.
Data/Information/Records Administration
Able to apply established formats. Ensure quality control of logs and data systems. Correctly uses input codes. Knowledge and understanding of filing and records systems. The ability to compile data and create basic reports.
Communication (Oral/Written)
Expertly listens to callers. Applies independent judgment in responding to calls. Speaks clearly, calmly and distinctly. Effectively uses language and tone to calm distressed callers and to provide aid and assistance via phone until help arrives. Uses established communication techniques such as codes and telecommunications language.
Office/Telecommunications Technology
Demonstrates expertise in using equipment. Subject matter expert and fully functional in all applicable technology. Understands and applies features of programs and databases.
Problem Solving/ Crisis Management
Accurately identifies problems, issues and possible solutions. Ability to provide immediate guidance and information in response to caller’s needs. Understands when to refer emergent calls to 911 center.
Classification Title
Public Safety Telecommunicator
