Telecommunicator

Department/Division: Police Department

Job Type: Full Time

Pay: $23.40 Per Hour and Benefits, 2.5% Increase for Acquired EMD Certificate 

Position Summary

Under the administrative direction of the Police Chief or designee, this individual receives, monitors, transmits, and relays calls for emergency services; operates emergency telephones, radio, and related teletype equipment; maintains records of all communication transactions; and obtains and processes confidential records and related information commonly used in criminal investigations and related situations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receives calls for emergency fire, police, ambulance, paramedic, and related services; relays emergency calls to appropriate agencies for response.
• Receives non-emergency calls
• Provide pre-arrival instructions for medical emergencies (Emergency Medical Dispatching)
• Prepares and maintains a complete record of calls received and communications related to each call.
• Operates telephone, radio, and teletype terminal; obtains and processes confidential information used in criminal investigations.
• Monitors all public safety radio channels; maintains information regarding the location and activities of public safety personnel; responds to requests for information and /or assistance from public safety personnel.
• Maintains a log of vehicle services as public safety personnel call in information.
• Performs other related duties assigned by the Chief of Police or his designee.

Supervisory and Administrative Responsibilities

• Clear speaking voice free from speech impediments.
• Ability to perform duties effectively and efficiently under emergency stress situations.
• Ability to be certified as a Law Enforcement Agency Data Systems (LEADS) Operator.
• Ability to operate modern telecommunications equipment accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to maintain confidential records and reports.
• Ability to react courteously, calmly, and effectively to citizen requests and calls for emergency services.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, detailed logs, records, and reports.
• Ability to work a rotating shift or a steady shift as assigned.
• Ability to learn and follow established federal, state, and local laws governing public safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to learn, operate, and be certified as an enhanced 911-system operator.
• Ability to write legibly and spell correctly.
• Ability to effectively listen and communicate.
• Ability to prepare and compile departmental data for use in various types of reports.
• Ability to work independently, confidentially, and efficiently without direct or continued supervision.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the general public and fellow employees.
• Ability to pass vision and hearing exam with or without accommodations.
• Appear and testify in court when subpoenaed.
• Run the voluntary overtime and mandatory overtime “turn sheets”.

Qualifications

Education

• Ability to pass an oral interview to determine communication skills.
• Requires a high school diploma or general equivalency degree.
• Must be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch, LEADS, and CPR.

Experience

• Experience in dealing with the general public on a one-on-one basis.
• Working knowledge of the geography of the City of Mt. Vernon.
• Ability to organize duties and produce results in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Strict confidentiality in daily duties.
• Ability to successfully pass a background security and credit check.

Work Schedule

Telecommunicators are scheduled to work per the bargaining unit agreement.  Evening, night, holidays, and weekend work are part of a scheduled workweek.  

Physical Requirements

• Use non-verbal auditory sources of information.
• Regular and consistent attendance at work. 
• Maintain physical fitness level to perform all essential job functions.

Residency Requirement

All City Employees are required to reside within Jefferson County or one of the following adjacent counties: Franklin, Hamilton, Marion, Perry, Washington, or Wayne.

Additional Information

FLSA Classification

Non-Exempt

Pay Schedule

Biweekly (every other Friday)

Union Status

Covered by a collective bargaining agreement