Communications Technician

Description

Full-time and part-time positions available

This is responsible communications work for receiving and dispatching emergency calls for the City of Westerville, Fire/EMS calls for Blendon Township, and mutual aid requests from neighboring agencies. Providing appropriate post-dispatch/pre-arrival instructions such as CPR, in order to provide necessary assistance to the caller/patient and control the situation prior to the arrival of emergency responders.

Answers calls from landline 9-1-1 as well as serving the northeast quadrant answering point for wireless calls in Franklin County, the seven digit emergency lines, and additional lines available to the public and after business hours other lines from various City departments.

Conducting appropriate interrogation, controlling the call to obtain and evaluate the information provided to determine what assistance is needed and what type of response should be sent.

Maintaining LEADS terminal and its security, making entries and cancellations into LEADS/NCIC in an accurate manner being certain that information is current and complete.

SUPERVISION

The work is performed under the general supervision of a communications supervisor. The employee must be able to communicate clearly and effectively under extremely stressful conditions, listen attentively to radio transmissions for long periods of time, and attend to information requests from numerous parties, in compliance with state, federal, and local rules and regulations regarding emergency communications and release of criminal history information.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK

(May not include all duties performed.)

Answers calls from landline 9-1-1 as well as serving the northeast quadrant answering point for wireless calls in Franklin County, the seven digit emergency lines, and additional lines available to the public and after business hours other lines from various City departments.

Conducting appropriate interrogation, controlling the call to obtain and evaluate the information provided to determine what assistance is needed and what type of response should be sent.

Maintaining LEADS terminal and its security, making entries and cancellations into LEADS/NCIC in an accurate manner being certain that information is current and complete.

Dispatching emergency responders (Police, Fire, EMS) based on call type and nature of emergency.

Maintaining continuous communication with Police officers and Fire personnel during emergency responses.

Dispatching non-emergency responders (Service, Electric, Parks & Rec) after hours, based on call type and nature of requested service.

Monitoring emergency services radio frequencies and support radios for other city departments.

Act as an answering point for other city departments after their hours of normal operation (nights, weekends, and holidays).

Act as a point of contact for outside resources when needed (Columbia Gas, AEP, Red Cross, etc.).

Act as a point of contact for city personnel when call-ins may be requested by a particular department.

Maintaining non-emergency contacts for public assistance.

Reply to requests for sensitive information from other law enforcement agencies, Westerville PD records, and Clerk of Courts.

Acting as calltaker, answering incoming emergency calls for service; determine the nature, location, and other pertinent details of the emergency through appropriate interrogation; provide pre-arrival instructions to ensure caller safety and assist victims when possible; complete information entry of offense and complaint record for every call; take phone messages.

Acting as dispatcher, maintain constant contact with officers and fire personnel on duty via radio, mobile computer terminals, and cell phones; dispatch emergency responders as needed based on established priorities; monitor status and location to verify responder safety during calls in progress; relay critical and necessary information on calls in progress to ensure responder safety.

Acting as administrative dispatch, log additional information regarding calls in progress; use LEADS appropriately to check drivers license status, vehicle registrations, and search LEADS/NCIC files for possible outstanding warrants; use LEADS to send messages or teletypes to other law enforcement agencies regarding entries for wanted persons, stolen vehicles, stolen property, and missing persons; appropriately enter or delete records from LEADS/NCIC; run and release computerized criminal history information in an appropriate and secure manner; maintain a record of all LEADS/NCIC transactions and requests for sensitive information; access information from CAD and LEADS; respond to overflow calls when primary call-taker is engaged in an emergency call; answer additional lines as needed; handle outgoing calls as requested.

Monitor the appropriate radio channel for their position, police, fire/EMS, and administrative.

Monitor other city department radio frequencies, Parks & Rec, Electric, Service.

Monitor cameras for police and fire facilities and alarms for some city offices.

Monitor secure doors within the police building such as entry/exit for the jail and the sallyport.

Monitor additional frequencies for neighboring government agencies.

Monitor power outages and weather related emergencies.

Dispatch Box15 and NAS-T hazmat response for participating agencies.

Ensure radio equipment, CAD system, phones, and other needed equipment is functional including the EMA tornado siren and LEADS terminal and printer.

Use the Vesta Communicator system to notify appropriate emergency personnel of ongoing incidents or requests for those personnel to respond to the scene.

Coordinate mutual aid responses with the requesting/responding agency.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

Graduation from high school or G.E.D. and 1 year experience in the use of communications equipment or computers; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

Some knowledge of emergency services radio operations and equipment.

Some knowledge of the methods and procedures of modern radio communications.

Some knowledge of streets and locations and the geography of the city and adjacent areas.

Some knowledge of rules and regulations regarding the release of criminal history information.

Some knowledge of rules, regulations, and proper procedures for use of state and national crime computer systems.

Some knowledge of state and local laws and codes.

Some knowledge of emerging technologies such as VoIP andNG9-1-1that impact Communications

Some knowledge of liability issues relevant to emergency communications

Ability to handle sensitive public contacts and to deal tactfully, courteously and authoritatively with the public in person and over the telephone

Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine appropriate courses of action

Ability to prioritize and coordinate requests for service

Ability to respond to emergency calls in an effective, efficient, and calm manner

Ability to enter/type data into a computer terminal

Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and to pass on oral and written information

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other public safety agencies, and the general public

Ability to work unusual hours, holidays, and flex shift assignments.

Ability to handle sensitive public contacts and to deal tactfully, courteously, and authoritatively with the public in person and over the telephone.

Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action.

Ability to prioritize and coordinate requests for service.

Ability to respond appropriately to emergency calls effectively, efficient and calm manner.

Ability to enter/type data into a computer terminal.

Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and to pass on oral and written information.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other public safety agencies and the general public.

Ability to work unusual hours, holidays and flex shift assignments.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to obtain and maintain EMD certification and certification from the State of Ohio to operate the criminal computer system and the LEADS computer system.

Continuing education and compliance with standards for semi-annual testing of TTY/TDD competence