JOB SUMMARY
To serve as the primary contact between emergency services agencies (police, fire, and EMS) and the citizens of Fort Smith and Sebastian County within a consolidated 911 Emergency Communications Center (RVCC). Processing information given by citizens and relaying it to the proper emergency service. Also to provide communications between this department and other agencies.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Note: All City of Fort Smith positions require the employee to provide good customer service to both internal and external customers, maintain positive and effective working relationships with other City employees, and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive. Must show cooperation and respect to fellow employees and supervisors at all times. All other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or department director.
- Operate appropriate radio channels.
- Answer emergency and non-emergency phone lines.
- Operate various computer applications.
- Monitor status of police, fire, and EMS personnel.
- Respond to a variety of requests from personnel/citizens/other agencies.
- Must be able to maintain constant awareness of multiple computer screens, radio communications, and telephone calls.
- Telecommunicator III responsibilities include training new employees during the policy mandated communication training program.
- Telecommunicator III employees must be able to respond and work any incident or event as a tactical dispatcher.
- Regular attendance and timeliness are required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
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, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications
Telecommunicator I (G34)
- High School diploma or GED is required prior to appointment.
- Valid driver’s license is required prior to appointment.
- The incumbent must obtain Level I and II ACIC/NCIC Certification within twelve (12) months of employment.
- Must attend a 40-hour public safety telecommunicator certification course from an accepted provider (ALETA Basic Telecommunicator Course (BTC) - APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator 1 (PST-1) IAED Emergency Telecommunicator Course (ETC) - NENA Telecommunicator Core Competencies -PowerPhone Public Safety Telecommunicator (TR-1)) within 6 months of employment.
- Must show proficiency, measured by a performance evaluation of “meets minimum standards”, in each section of on-the-job training, as determined by standards set forth in communications training policy, through daily observation and evaluation reports within eight (8) months of employment.
- Must have a performance evaluation of “Satisfactory” or higher within twelve (12) months of employment
Telecommunicator II (G35)
- High School diploma or GED is required prior to appointment.
- Valid driver’s license is required prior to appointment.
- Minimum of one (1) year experience in public safety communications.
- Hold ACIC Level I & II certification or equivalent from another state.
Telecommunicator III (G36)
- High School diploma or GED is required prior to appointment.
- Valid Arkansas driver’s license is required prior to appointment.
- Minimum of two (2) years in public safety communications.
- Certified as Communications Training Officer (CTO) through APCO, NENA, or similar provider as approved by department director.
- Must be trained in tactical dispatch techniques or be able to obtain training within 12 months of appointment.
- Minimum of forty (40) credit hours in advanced public safety telecommunication, instructor development, supervision, emergency management, or leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s degree from accredited college or university in Emergency Management, Public Safety Administration, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Management, or related field.
- One (1) year or more of Emergency Medical Dispatch experience or certification.
- Telephone Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (T-CPR) certification.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The incumbent must be able to perform all of the duties and functions as defined in the job description for the City of Fort Smith. The incumbent must be able to type proficiently, multi-task, make important decisions quickly, and handle incoming calls and process information promptly, while under stress. The incumbent must work well with others and have excellent communication skills in both oral and written forms. The incumbent must maintain a professional, pleasant demeanor during any radio or telephone communications as outlined in the City of Fort Smith Employee Handbook. Organizational skills and close attention to details are required to successfully perform this job. The incumbent must have thorough operational knowledge of the use of a personal computer system, as well as various software packages. Must be receptive to training and take instruction easily.
POSITION DESIGNATIONS
This position is designated as essential during inclement weather events. City services will be maintained during inclement weather, such as heavy snow or ice storms and all essential employees are expected to report to work due to the critical functions of the position. This position is not able to work remotely.
This position does have the potential to drive as part of their regular job duties.
This position is designated as a safety/security sensitive position and is subject to random DOT drug and alcohol screenings and/or non-DOT drug and alcohol screenings (a safety/security sensitive position is one in which a momentary lapse in attention may result in injury or death of another person).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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 must frequently stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. without restriction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Scheduled work days may be anywhere from eight to twelve hour shifts. Incumbent will be expected to work any days, or any shifts. They will also work holidays, unless it’s a normally scheduled day off. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions provided that accommodations comply with the City of Fort Smith's Alternate Duty Policy.
The noise level in the work environment while within the police department is usually moderate.
HIRING PROCESS
You must successfully complete the following steps in the hiring process for 911 Telecommunicator in order to be considered for hire.
1. Completed application
2. Typing/practical test
3. Interview
4. Background check
5. Conditional job offer (includes physical, drug screen, and psychological evaluation)
6. Start date
EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS
This position requires the below screenings prior to employment:
- Complete criminal and personal background investigation.
- Fingerprint arrest/warrant history check.
- Upon conditional offer of employment, a psychological examination administered by a licensed health professional with the purpose of determining incumbent’s emotional stability. A polygraph or voice-stress analysis screening will also be administered. Failing either examination will result in disqualification for employment.
- Upon hire, will be required to pass Criminal Justice Information Security (CJIS) certification training.
