Public Safety Dispatcher

Salary : $35,360.00 - $40,435.20 Annually
Location : Bi-State-Texarkana, TX
Job Type: Public Safety Dispatcher
Job Number: 00502
Department: Central Records & Communications
Opening Date: 05/15/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
GENERAL PURPOSE
The Public Safety Dispatcher's performs a variety of dispatch duties on behalf of the Texarkana TX Police and Fire Departments, Texarkana, AR Police and Fire Departments, Bowie County Sherriff's Office, and other agencies along with the Fire Departments.
The Public Safety Dispatcher also provides for the delivery of emergency and non-emergency services to the public; prepares dispatch records and documentation; operates various types of telecommunications equipment; and performs other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports to the Emergency Communications Supervisor.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None
SALARY RANGE
Starting salary - $35,360.00/Annually
After completion of training - $37,440.00Annually
Licensed within the first year - $40,435.20/Annually
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties shall include, but not be limited to:
Using the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, prepares, maintains, and submits various types of dispatch records and documentation.
Monitors incoming radio traffic; dispatches Police, Fire, and/or non-emergency response personnel to appropriate call locations.
Maintains communication with field units; monitors the locations and safety of field personnel.
Research and relays call information to responders.
Performs driver license, vehicle registration, criminal background, warrant checks, and make entries; processes wrecker requests.
Operates various types of telecommunications equipment, software programs and systems including TCIC, ACIC, NCIC, RMS, and CAD.
Inputs updates and verifies the accuracy of information in the TCIC/ACIC/NCIC systems.
Attends training and develops safety communications knowledge and skills along with continuing education.
Maintains compliance with established Public Safety Communications policies and procedures.
Answers overflow calls from the 911 Call Taker position.
Performs other related duties as assigned or required.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICTIONS
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
(a) Must pass skill assessment.
(b) Ability to apply knowledge to solve problems.
(c) Familiarity with Windows-based computer systems.
(d) Operate multi-line phone system.
(e) Able to multi-task.
(f) Able to communicate effectively and calmly during stressful situations.
(g) Able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language fluently.
(h) Able to type 33 wpm (Tested).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Able to work any 12 hour shift as assigned, including nights, weekends, holidays and frequent overtime.
Able to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive law enforcement material and operational security.
Able to pass skills testing, psychological exam, drug screen, background check.
Must be a US citizen.
No experience is required as this is an entry-level position.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Two-way radio; Computer; Telephone. Audio headsets
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 frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Exposure to high levels of stress and psychological challenges common to the delivery of emergency dispatch services is involved.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representing of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment ranges from moderately quiet to moderately noisy.
The City of Texarkana, Texas provides three weeks of paid vacation and three weeks of paid sick leave per year as well as 13 paid holidays per year.
Retirement benefits are through the Texas Municipal Retirement System with the City contributing at a rate of 2 to 1 and the employee contributing 7% each paycheck to TMRS. Employees are vested after five years and may retire after either twenty years of service at any age or at age 60 as long as they are vested.
Retirement benefits for the Fire Department are paid through the Firemen's Relief and Pension Fund and employees are eligible to retire after twenty years of employment.
A voluntary 457 deferred compensation program through MissionSquare is also offered to all City employees.
The City of Texarkana, Texas provides health, dental, and vision insurance to its employees at a minimal cost. Life insurance equal to one times your annual salary is offered at no cost to the employee with supplemental life and dependent life insurance also available but is paid by the employee. Insurance becomes effective the first of the month following thirty days of employment.
01
Do you have any experience dispatching Police, Fire or EMS?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you able to sit for extended periods of time?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds?

• Yes
• No

04
Are you able to type 33 words accurately per minute?

• Yes
• No

05
Are you able to work any shift, nights, days, weekends, holidays, rotating and frequent overtime?

• Yes
• No

06
Are you willing to be called back or held over to maintain minimum staffing levels?

• Yes
• No

07
Are you able to pass an extensive background check, psychological evaluation, credit check, pre-employment physical (includes vision and hearing screen, drug screen)?

• Yes
• No

08
Have you ever plead guilty, no contest or been on court ordered community service or probation or deferred adjudication for a Class A misdemeanor or felony?

• Yes
• No

09
If yes, explain in detail. Include charge, date, county, situation. If no, answer N/A.
10
During the last ten years have you been convicted, plead guilty, no contest or been on community service/probation or deferred adjudication for a Class B misdemeanor in this state, any other state or while serving in the military?

• Yes
• No

11
If yes, explain in detail. Include charge, date, county, situation. If no, answer N/A.
12
Have you had a military court martial that resulted in a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge?

• Yes
• No

13
If "Yes", explain in detail. If "No", answer N/A.
14
Have you ever left a place of employment while under an investigation?

• Yes
• No

15
If "Yes", explain in detail. If "No", answer N/A.
16
How do you adapt when required to multitask and prioritize in a high-pressure work environment?
17
By providing examples, describe your problem-solving and organizational abilities.
18
COMMENTS: If your "Yes" or "No" answer needs more clarification, please provide that information here and note the number of the question you are referencing.
19
Once your application is submitted, the next step in the application process is to fill out a Personal History Statement, which you will receive by email. This packet is lengthy, personal, and very detailed. Only serious inquiries will be considered. You will have 10 days from the day you receive the email to return the paperwork in order to be considered for the position. You will not be eligible to reapply for this position for 6 months if the packet is not returned in the 10 day period.
Required Question