SUMMARY
Communications Specialist operates the City of Siloam Springs emergency police, fire, EMS, and the 911 communication equipment under the guidance of the Public Safety Communications Supervisor. He/she will receive emergency and non-emergency phone calls, dispatch personnel and equipment, and provide pre-arrival instructions to citizens by performing the following duties.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.
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Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change to meet City needs or operational requirements. Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.
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Operates telephone console to receive incoming calls for assistance. Answers emergency and non-emergency calls from citizens and public safety officers. Obtains vital information, refers calls to appropriate agencies or Department, and contacts agencies for callers.
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Questions caller to determine nature of problem, location and seriousness of emergency response needed, and type and number of personnel and equipment needed.
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Transmits orders and receives messages from law enforcement units, fire department units, emergency response units, local and state agencies, wrecker services, utility workers, and others.
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Scans computer aided dispatch program to determine units available. Maintains a constant knowledge of pursuit procedures, emergency alert and disaster procedures, and determines correct course of action, priority, and number of units to dispatch.
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Operates NCIC/ACIC computer system, receives, and disseminates information concerning stolen vehicles, articles, and wanted/missing persons. Enters felony and misdemeanor warrants into ACIC/NCIC as needed.
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Types commands on computer keyboard to update files and maintain logs.
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Provides pre-arrival instructions following response protocols before police or fire personnel arrive on scene.
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Transmits and receives messages between divisions of own agency and other law enforcement agencies.
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Contacts police officers to verify assignment locations, monitors dispatched units and, when necessary, serves as liaison with caller.
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Questions caller observes alarm register that records location of incidents, and scans map of city to determine whether incidents are located within area served by City Departments.
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Determines type and number of units to respond to emergency.
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Records date, time, type of call and destination of messages received or transmitted.
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Maintains activity, code, and locator files.
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Tests various communications systems and reports malfunctions to maintenance units.
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Maintaining security of facility and monitoring incoming and outgoing persons, collect fines/bail bonds and issues receipts, search, photograph, and fingerprint incoming detainees.
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Issue detainee clothing and personal articles; accounts for money and property of incoming detainees and release said detainees when needed; complete medical background information sheet along with verifying any medications detainees may have and provide for care of detainees by dispensing meals and/or prescriptions.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None required.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Strong typing and data entry skills.
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Ability to multi-task using computers, radios, and telephones.
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Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing.
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Basic knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
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Basic skill in the operation of the equipment found in the communications center.
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Ability to effectively meet and deal with the public.
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Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
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Ability to handle stressful situations.
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Ability to meet department’s physical standards.
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Be a citizen of the United States.
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Possess a valid Driver’s License.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
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High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and at least one year of experience or training in basic office practices.
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Knowledge of emergency communications protocols.
Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements upon approval of the Chief of Police.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos in the English language. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
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Satisfactory completion of the ACIC/NCIC Dispatcher Course, Level I and II.
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Satisfactory completion of the Priority Dispatch Advanced EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) Certification.
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CPR Certification.
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Satisfactory completion of the APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I.
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Satisfactory completion of the APCO Fire Service Communications.
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Upon application, can be awarded an Intermediate, Advanced or Senior Certification as determined by department policy.
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Additional certifications may be necessary to fulfill roles or assignments.
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Must successfully complete a Communications Training Program administered by the department within one (1) year of hire date.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is exposed to outdoor weather conditions and works near moving mechanical parts.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The position involves regular and irregular hours needed to manage police services. Work hours may be extended in the event of emergency, disaster, manpower shortage, workload, or work-in-progress. Potential exposure to danger is possible, and the carrying of a firearm is required.
This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.
Safety sensitive position includes, but is not limited to, any job, assignment, rank, or title where any of the following apply:
Subject to drug and alcohol testing or restrictions promulgated by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation; involves carrying, repairing, transporting or keeping of firearms or ammunition; includes performing any medical or life-saving procedures, or responsibility for procuring, storing, transporting, dispensing or administering any drugs or medical supplies or equipment; involves working with confidential information, documents or material pertaining to criminal investigations; procuring, storing, transporting or otherwise working with hazardous or flammable materials, controlled substances, food or electricity; involves operating, repairing, maintaining or driving heavy equipment, machinery, aircraft, motorized watercraft or motor vehicles, or working in close proximity thereto; a momentary lapse of attention may result in grave and immediate danger to the public, self or fellow employees; requires engaging in any other activity in which the employee is responsible for his or her own or other people's safety.
Weather Essential position includes employees are declared to be all sworn police officers, all sworn firefighters, dispatchers, emergency road crew employees in the Street Department, and electrical personnel in the Electric Department.
Civility and Professionalism- The City of Siloam Springs is a team-based service organization. Maintenance of good internal morale is essential to the City’s success. An employee is required to maintain professional and ethical behavior and act with integrity in all matters. The City of Siloam is committed to providing a work environment that is free from bullying, harassment, intimidation, abusive language, gossip, employees spreading discontent or exhibiting any behavior that is disruptive to the workplace and contrary to the City’s mission.
Regular Attendance- Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at the City of Siloam Springs. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start working. Employees are also expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. Late arrival, early departure, or other absences from scheduled hours, that are not pre-approved or are excessive are disruptive and are to be avoided.
