Emergency Communications Specialist

Under general supervision, provides 24-hour emergency/non-emergency dispatch services. 

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Answers, evaluates and prioritizes incoming emergency and non-emergency phone calls on multiple phone lines; processes and utilizes the radio system to ensure proper deployment of police, fire and EMS emergency units; responsible for the precise and accurate retrieval and dissemination of information.

Evaluates all incoming criminal, medical and fire-related calls to ensure proper police, fire and medical response.

Gathers all necessary information vital to officer response and safety.

Responsible for retrieving, interpreting and relating information to and from the computerized dispatch system.

Performs crisis intervention with distraught callers during high risk situations until appropriate emergency field units arrive on scene.

Operates computer equipment and queries, enters, cancels and modifies information into the state and national crime computer system as required.

Prioritizes citizen requests for emergency services, and dispatches personnel.

Maintains contact, status, and location of police and fire field units.  Initiates further emergency action as required.

Maintains accurate Emergency Communications Center call status records.

Ability to problem solve and refer non-emergency citizen calls to appropriate agency.

Maintains confidentiality of information consistent with applicable federal, state and city rules and regulations.

Monitors surveillance cameras throughout the department, including booking area, court security, and holding cells, and requests assistance when necessary; operates door access control panels for secured areas of police building.

Monitors and responds to police building and other city facilities’ alarm systems.

Works a varying schedule, shift, holidays, and/or weekends.

May be required to work overtime.

May be responsible for maintaining city geography and jurisdiction knowledge, any new street, business and jurisdictional changes.

May assist field units on locating addresses and streets, providing additional call service information and any other needed information as requested.

May provide training to departmental and non-departmental individuals as requested.

May train new personnel on job responsibilities of Emergency Communications Specialists.  May lead ongoing training classes for existing personnel.

May be responsible for managing manpower and resources for police, fire and EMS units.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or GED; one year dispatch experience.  Bilingual preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

Must be able to obtain and maintain Colorado certification of CCIC/NCIC operation, Emergency Medical Dispatching certification (EMD), CPR, and First Aid certification within six months of employment.

May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.

Successful completion of City of Thornton CritiCall test.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.

Knowledge of city of Thornton Police Department Standard Operating Procedures.

Knowledge of city of Thornton Fire Department and EMS pertinent directives, guidelines and standards.

Knowledge of the operations and standard operating procedures of a law enforcement agency.

Knowledge of basic report preparation, writing and record keeping.

Skill in understanding basic criminal classifications and civil situations.

Skill in analyzing complex situations and coordinating appropriate responses.

Skill in preparing clear and concise verbal instructions in an emergency situation.

Skill in the operation of a 2-way radio.

Ability to operate or monitor various security devices such as video monitors, alarm systems, and intercom/paging equipment.

Ability to monitor video screens, alarms, and secured areas.

Ability to attend continuing education training to include off-site training programs.

Ability to testify in court by subpoena as required.

Ability to effectively and efficiently interview people in a state of crisis via telephone or Teletype Device for the Deaf (TDD).

Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Ability to courteously respond to emergency situations and needs.

Ability to comprehend and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to establish and maintain control of situations as they develop, and react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

Ability to uncover important and relevant information about a problem through conversation, questioning or discussion.

Ability to read maps and provide directions.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.

Ability to work days, nights, weekends and holidays as essential personnel.

Ability to relate and interact with others in a positive manner that results in cooperation, motivation, positive morale, mutual respect and common benefit.

Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.

Ability to spell accurately.

Ability to use standard office  and dispatch equipment, computer equipment, CAD and software, including word processing, data base management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, other law enforcement and fire agencies, community members and the general public.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

This is a safety-sensitive position. While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to finger, grasp, talk, hear and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity. Ability to maintain composure and work under stressful conditions in a fast paced environment.

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.