Communications Officer/Dispatch

Salary: $42,500.00 - $49,000.00 Annually
Location : SO
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2222
Department: Emergency Management
Opening Date: 10/16/2024
Closing Date: 11/8/2024 4:00 PM Mountain
Description
ITLE: Dispatcher/ Communication Officer I
FLSA: Non-Exempt
DEPT: Emergency Management
REPORTS TO: Communication Center Manager
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Communications Manager and Shift Supervisor, receives incoming emergent and non-emergent calls to the 24-Hour Communications Center. Obtains pertinent information, analyzes the calls and determines urgency and the appropriate need for a response. Dispatch's first responders: law enforcement, fire, ambulance personnel or other agencies as needed. Maintains radio contact with responders, monitors updates and logs down information as it is relayed.
Provide a "lifeline" to all emergency responders. The information that is provided to them is necessary for appropriate actions and is often vital to the responder's safety.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Collects and distributes pertinent information to the appropriate departments or personnel in a timely and accurate manner.
• Offers guidance and support to the local community.
• Must be able to interact effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Maintains composure under pressure and makes critical decisions in emergency situations .
• Operates highly complex computers and communications equipment. Using a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, document all corresponding information.
• Provides emergency medical guidance, learned through Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training, over the phone under extremely stressful circumstances.
• Maintains a variety of logs relating to public safety and telecommunications activities. Provides navigation assistance to emergency responders and callers by interpreting a variety of maps.
• Seeks and retrieves pertinent data from various databases and ensures effective communication as required.
• Operates a multi channel radio console and communications headsets. Relaying necessary information to first responders.
• Maintains radio communication with first responders on assignment and monitors their status and locations.
• Operates interoperability radio systems and implementation of radio patching and paging. Utilizing it to dispatch multiple emergency responses teams as necessary.
• Sends, receives, records and disseminates teletype information from the state and national computer networks regarding Colorado Crime and National Crime Information (CCIC/NCIC).
• Tracks and files warrants, stolen vehicles, weapons, articles and missing/endangered persons that have been entered into the CCIC/NCIC computer system.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Proficiency in operating standard office equipment, including computers, software applications, printers, scanners, fax machines, etc.
• Read incoming and outgoing electronic messages, maintaining productive communication, internal, external or otherwise from the Communications Center.
• Multi-tasks efficiently while handling frequent interruptions.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication abilities, ensuring effective and clear interactions. Works well under stress and uses good judgment in emergency situations.
• Ensures the secure storage and controlled distribution of sensitive and confidential information.
• Learn the geographic features and location of Huerfano County.
• Participate in mandatory classes, meetings and training sessions as directed by management.
• Conduct other tasks as required or necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Briefs upcoming shifts of current circumstances and personnel on duty.
• Must be able to work well independently and under continuous public scrutiny.
• Foster and sustain productive and professional connections with colleagues and superiors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed indoors.
• Physical effort is required to tolerate high levels of stress and remain observant in front of computer screens for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, hold, grasp, turn objects and use fingers to operate computers and keyboards.
• The work requires the ability to speak professionally and to use vision and hearing.

UNUSUAL DEMANDS:

• Availability to work holidays or weekends, rotating days off, shifts up to twelve hours and overtime as required. Schedules may change on short notice.
• Overnight/out of state travel may be required for training.
• Work is subject to frequent interruptions and inflexible deadlines.
• Testifies in court, interpreting certified voice recordings and CAD records for court cases.
• Ability to perform duties in a smoke-free environment.
• Subject to random drug screening throughout employment.
• Upkeep and maintain the cleanliness of your work space and the Communications Center.

The aforementioned duties are intended only as a general guide and illustrate the various working conditions and proficiencies required. The job description mentioned herein is not exclusive nor all inclusive. Duties and responsibilities of similarity and within the scope of the mission of the Communications Center may be implemented expressly or implied as the objectives of the Communication Center evolve and change to serve the social expectations of the citizens, the community or legal requirements demanded.
QUALIFICATIONS :

• Must be 18 years of age at time of hire.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Valid Colorado Driver's license.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalency.

Special Certifications:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification. Obtained prior to EMD training
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training Certificate. Obtained within the 12 week Certified Training program.
• Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certificate. Obtain Operator Security Number (OSN) within the 12 week Certified Training program
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA - IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 and IS-247.C) Certificates. Obtain within the 12 week Certified Training program.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Prior knowledge of Law Enforcement and operations.
• Previous emergency communications experience in operating telephones, radio consoles, and computer terminals to receive, record and transmit emergency communications.
• Ability to empathize with others and provide a calm and professional response even when under extreme duress.
• Organizational skills, ability to prioritize job duties, often in an environment where multiple emergencies occur simultaneously.
• Adequate typing ability and speed of 40-45 words per minute..

Upon the satisfactory conclusion of the Certified Training program, the probationary period for Dispatcher/Communications Officer I will be assessed after one year to determine eligibility for promotion to Dispatcher/Communications Officer II.
Huerfano Offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, holidays, vacation, pto and sick leave.
For part-time employees benefits may vary.