Public Safety Communications Officer I

Public Safety Communications Officer I

• $2,500 Bonus

The City of Alexandria is in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the City's square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities. If you are interested in working for the vibrant Cityof Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for the Public Safety Communications Officer I (PSCO I) position.

An Overview

The Public Safety Communications Officer (PSCO) I employees work various shifts, weekends, and holidays and serve as call-takers for all emergency and non-emergency telephone calls. Work is under the lead director of a Public Safety Communications Supervisor.

A PSCO I serves as the first line of communication for emergency and non-emergency telephone calls with the public. The position involves answering emergency phone calls, ranging in nature from noise complaints to serious crime reports. A PSCO I receives, categorizes, and monitors calls and dispatch radio communications to Police, Fire, and/or EMS units. This is a high-tension, high-stakes position that requires quick thinking, first-rate customer service, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain composure.

What You Should Bring

Strong, clear, and efficient verbal and written communication skills are fundamental to this position. You should have an outstanding ability to work with the public and maintain excellent relationships within the department and City. Because PSCO I's operate Computer-Aided Dispatch software, a thorough understanding of technology is necessary for this job. Strong knowledge of the city's geography and the ability to read maps. These public safety professionals need a thorough understanding of police terminology, policies, regulations, and procedures, much of which will be learned upon hiring via thorough department-provided training.

The Opportunity

• Operates automated calling system to answer, screen, and process incoming calls for service.

• Enters call information into the computer-Aided Automated Dispatch System and monitors the

• response of Police, Fire, and EMS units.

• Provides information to the public and law enforcement agencies within departmental guidelines.

• Provides callers with life-saving instructions until assistance arrives.

• Transfers or directs callers to the appropriate personnel, department, or other law enforcement.

• agencies.

• Documents events with all pertinent information received.

• Contributes to team training efforts, including the development and evaluation of new personnel.

• Always maintain the work environment and equipment in a safe and clean condition.

• Assists with training activities, logs, reports, and data analysis.

• Performs related work, as required.

About The Department

The Department of Emergency and Customer Communications (DECC) ensures the effective delivery of routine and emergency calls for service to the City of Alexandria public safety departments. Our highly trained staff of professionals always strives to provide the best service possible to the public. Our employees are the most dedicated you will find anywhere, going above and beyond the call of duty to serve. Alexandria's 9-1-1 center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). Alexandria's 9-1-1 center is one of only eight in Virginia to hold such accreditation. If you would like to review more about our department, please click the following link Emergency and Customer Communications.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

High School Diploma or GED; United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States (The Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) requires all persons defined as a terminal operator to be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past ten (10) consecutive years before applying for certification).

Preferred Qualifications

One year experience in customer service and/or call center environments. Bilingual in English and Spanish or any other foreign language.

Notes

The hiring salary range is $48,185.54 - $58,899.36. *$2,500 bonus upon hiring.

We are continuously accepting applications until positions are filled. The first round of review will take place two weeks from the posting date. Subsequent rounds will be conducted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment checks and medical testing including but not limited to a criminal history records check, fingerprinting, drug screening, vision and hearing exam, psychological and polygraph testing, as well as position-specific competency and aptitude screening.

This position is considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work regardless of the emergency (i.e., weather, transportation, or other disasters).