Listing Summary

POSITION:  Communications Technician I / II / III
DEPARTMENT:   911 Communications
REPORTS TO:   Communications Team Leader

JOB SUMMARY

This is specialized work in receiving, processing, and dispatching calls and messages in the Communication Center on a shift basis.  Work involves fast, efficient and accurate receiving, dispatching and processing a variety of both emergency and routine calls and messages and maintaining routing, clerical and fiscal records and reports. All work is performed in accordance with Communication Center rules and regulations. Oral instructions are received from reports and records submitted. 

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:

•    Communications Technician I (GPS 11)
o    Entry Level

•    Communications Technician II (GPS 13)
o    Total of two (2) years of experience as a full time communications officer; one (1) year with Covington – Newton County 9-1-1.
o    Ability to independently perform duties as a call taker and able to work all radio dispatch positions.    
o    Basic Communications Officer Certification through Peace Officer Standards and Training Council
o    Must obtain CPR certification within twelve months and maintain throughout the course of this assignment with the department.
o    Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Certification
o    GCIC/NCIC Terminal Operator Certification
o    NIMS 100/700 

•    Communications Technician III (GPS 16)
o    Total of four (4) years of experience as a full time communications officer; two (2) years with Covington – Newton County 9-1-1.
o    Ability to independently perform duties as a call taker and able to work all radio dispatch positions.   
o    Knowledge and potential to lead the team in the absence of the team leader.  
o    NIMS 200/800 completed and passed within twelve months.
o    Supervision Training
o    Mental Health and Wellness/Stress Management
o    Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
o    Approved and implemented Community Service Project 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Receives emergency calls.
•    Asks caller to describe the nature of the emergency and asks follow up questions as necessary.
•    Takes down location and personal information of the caller.
•    Dispatches available emergency units to the proper location.
•    Keeps callers on the line when necessary.
•    Advises callers on proper course of actions, calms down, and documents their condition until emergency units arrive.
•    Maintains logs of all calls and dispatched units.
•    Enters call information and records into database
•    Accurately process and transmit information over a radio system
•    Provides emergency medical instructions and pre-arrival instructions to callers during crisis
•    Able to maintain control of an emergency call without assistance from a supervisor 
•    Shift work, must be able to work rotating 12-hour shifts (include days, nights, weekends and holidays)
•    Keep up with the location and safety of all emergency units, while simultaneously maintaining the radio and taking emergency calls
•    Other duties as assigned

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

(A)    Applicants must be 18 years of age or older with a High School diploma or equivalent.

(B)    Applicant must be able to pass a Dispatcher’s skills assessment, Physical exam, Drug screen, Criminal background check, psychological exam, and voice stress test

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

•    Exhibits ability to remain calm in a crisis.
•    Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations
•    Ability to secure necessary and pertinent information from persons under emergency situations.
•    Demonstrates excellent listening skills.
•    Communicates clearly and effectively.
•    Pays close attention to detail.
•    Exhibits strong organizational abilities.
•    Is capable of determining which emergency situations require the most immediate attention.
•    Demonstrates the ability to multitask efficiently.
•    Possesses mental and emotional strength necessary to deal with stressful situations for long period of time.
•    Is capable of articulating instructions clearly in writing and speech.
•    Knowledge of the geography of the city and county.
•    Ability to operate communications equipment, including a radio transmitter.
•    Ability to maintain simple clerical records.

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 objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.    

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED   
Employees in this class are responsible for operating radio transmitters, 911 console and accessories, telephones and computer equipment and other general office equipment under general supervision.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative 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 is usually moderate.

The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.