Telecommunicator I

Performs intermediate skilled human support work receiving and dispatching law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service calls, receiving and processing non-emergency service calls, assisting public with informational requests, preparing and maintaining records and files, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Telecommunications Manager.

Essential Functions

• Operates emergency communication system; answers and prioritizes all emergency and non-emergency calls; receives complaints and requests for service; obtains necessary information and dispatches medical, fire, and law enforcement personnel and/or advises callers of proper contact for assistance or information.
• Operates a computer terminal; transmits and receives information via Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) networks; enters medical, fire, and law enforcement calls into computer aided dispatch system.
• Monitors radio channels for medical, fire, and law enforcement agencies; maintains radio contact and monitors the safety of dispatched personnel; engages in emergency crisis intervention and provide emergency medical instructions as necessary; provides pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions.
• Enters, reviews, and maintains warrants, protective orders, stolen/missing items (vehicles, guns, articles, etc.) missing persons, wanted persons, teletypes, traffic citations, pawn lists, parking tickets, etc. into VCIN, NCIC, and RMS; inspects data entries, records, and files for accuracy and completeness.
• Answers non-emergency and after hours calls for various departments.
• Maintains accurate records of all calls including the nature of calls, actions taken and time involved.
• Assists police personnel by providing services and information.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Special Requirements

Obtain VCIN, NCIC, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Basic Dispatch, and CPR certifications within two years. Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Education & Experience

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

General knowledge of the methods of operating the communications system; general knowledge of radio and teletype procedures; general knowledge of the geography of the City and location of important buildings; general knowledge of law enforcement forms, terminology, and records; general knowledge of departmental programs, policies, and procedures; skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment; ability to multi-task; ability to perform a considerable volume of detailed work; ability to maintain files; ability to type accurately and at a reasonable rate of speed; ability to follow written and oral directions; ability to speak distinctly; ability to acquire and relay information accurately; ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility; ability to deal courteously with the public under stressful conditions and remain calm; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Physical Requirements

This work is sedentary and requires little to no exertion of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking and reaching with hands and arms; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).