Emergency Communications Operator II - CTO

Job Summary

Responsible for performing telecommunications work under frequent stressful conditions. Work is in the receipt of emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public, law enforcement, and fire and rescue communities, as well as maintenance of radio communications with same emergency units. The Emergency Communications Officer II is distinguished from the Emergency Communications Officer I due to its function as a training officer and supervisory functions in the absence of the shift supervisor.

Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Answer phone calls on 911 lines and non-emergency lines for the Culpeper County Public Safety Communications Center

• Interview callers to obtain essential information and record data on incidents as they develop

• Analyze calls for priority level of emergency response and take or recommend an effective course of action to protect life and property by applying complex police and fire policies and procedures

• Broadcast calls for service to police/fire field units, order services requested by field units, dispatch and/or cancel field unit back-up assistance and monitor field units for service availability

• Operate sophisticated computer-aided dispatch radio and phone systems and accurately enter information into the computer, including brief descriptions of crimes, incidents, or other emergencies

• Prepare and maintain records and files; Prepare reports

• Act as the Shift Supervisor in the absence of the Shift Supervisor

• Responsible for all areas of training for the shift they are assigned, this includes but is not limited to New Hire Training and Continuing Dispatch Education

• Shall serve as the Communications Training Officer.

• Performs new hire training

• Follow training curriculum

• Teach new hires

• Complete a Daily Observation Report (DOR)

• Complete written evaluation and recommendation of performance and forward to the Training Coordinator

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides information and education to the public on EMS, public safety and related topics

• Perform related duties as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Education equivalent to a high school diploma supplemented by 3 years of experience in public service, emergency communications or related field. Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license. Must successfully complete criminal history background investigation, including fingerprinting to include no felony convictions, no serious misdemeanor convictions, all convictions shall be reviewed on a case-by case basis. Have at least one year of Emergency Communications dispatching experience. Recommendation from Shift Supervisor. A review of recent work history and monthly review by the Training Coordinator that reveals no attendance problems, infractions or major disciplinary actions.

Special Qualifications:

Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check. Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain NCIC/VCIN, CPR, EMD certification and Basic Dispatch certificates within one year of employment. Successful completion of APCO CTO training within six months of promotion. Successful completion of 1st line Supervisory Training within one year of promotion. Completed and passed: ICS 100, 200; NIMS 700,800; PST 1; CPR; EMD; APCO CTO; Fire Communications; Dispatchers Role in Homeland Security; NCIC/VCIN; DCJS Basic Communications School; and all other aspects as related to in-house training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advance knowledge of methods of operating communication systems, radios and teletype procedures

• Ability to operate complex computerized equipment rapidly and accurately while receiving information by telephone

• Ability to follow curriculum and train new employees

• Ability to work well in emergency situations

• Ability to speak distinctly and use correct telephone answering techniques

• Ability to hear and distinguish between several voices at the same time while acquiring and retaining information such as names, numbers and locations

• Ability to wear headset

• Ability and willingness to work any shift to which assigned

• Ability and willingness to work assigned weekends and holidays

• Ability to read maps and knowledge of county geographical area, road systems and the locations of landmarks

• Ability to multi task

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions

• Ability to deal courteously with public under stressful conditions including handling irate persons and emotional situations

• Skill in working under pressure of deadlines and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies and the general public

• Ability to quickly assess the severity of an emergency; and act quickly and decisively

• Ability to demonstrate understanding, compassion, and empathy, while exercising confidence and authority

• Ability to demonstrate initiative and time management skills

Working Conditions & Disclaimer

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Essential functions are regularly performed in a public safety emergency communications center setting, often under stressful conditions, primarily sitting for extended periods of time at a telecommunications console position utilizing radio, telephone, and computer equipment. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The employee is primarily scheduled for shift work hours which are typically 12 hour per day shifts, in 2-3-day increments. Work periods may have permanent or rotating days off, frequently requiring the employee to work holidays, evenings, or nights. The employee in this position is considered essential personnel, and is subject to working overtime, being held over, or called back for disasters, local emergencies, or special events. Frequent contact with the public, police, fire and emergency services.

Disclaimer

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

General Sign-off: The employee is expected to adhere to all County policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.