Emergency Communications Specialist

STARTING PAY: $23.00 per hour

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for providing 24-hour emergency communications services.  This entails receiving and evaluating incoming emergency and administrative phone calls for emergency services including but not limited to police, fire, animal management and emergency medical services (EMS), triaging and dispatching those requests for service to the appropriate responder.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answers 911 and Administrative calls, gathering important information for citizens and responder safety.
• Answers emergent calls and inputs and distributes the information to appropriate responders.
• Answers non-emergent calls and input and distribute the information to appropriate responders.
• Provides life-saving instructions over the phone, giving people an increased chance of survival during medical and traumatic emergencies.
• Dispatches police officers to both emergent and non-emergent calls as needed.
• Dispatches Animal Control as needed.
• Performs criminal history checks on subjects, per officers’ request, confirming and faxing warrants when needed.
• Runs people, places and property through NCIC, per officers’ request.
• Accurately enter people, property, and vehicles as missing/stolen in NCIC.
• Updates responders via radio and computer.
• Research previous calls and events to provide information, such as previous visits to specific locations and supplemental address/person data in order to assist current responders, maintaining their safety.
• Contacts outside agencies and departments for follow-up or assistance as needed.
• Enters and documents reported wrecker service in the tow log in a timely manner
• Trains new employees on dispatching position.
• Serve on committees and attend meetings for policy and procedures, working with the responding agencies, and the mentorship program for new employees.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of one year of experience in a public safety dispatching environment. Must be able to obtain and maintain the following  licenses and certifications within a given time frame; TCIC/NCIC Full Access and TLETS training Priority Dispatch, Fire, Medical and Law Enforcement protocols. Basic TCLEOSE certification, required. Must pass a background investigation that includes fingerprinting. Clear hearing test and drug screening. Must have completed prior to full-time employment eligibility: FEMA IS-100.a, IS-700.b, IS-240.a TCLEOSE #1013 Basic Telecommunications CPR Health Care Provider ADA TDD/TTY Public Safety Telecommunications Best Practices for Missing and Abducted Children Stress Management Valid Texas Driver’s License required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Basic knowledge of Priority Dispatch, Fire, Medical and Law Enforcement protocols.
• Ability to operate computers for data entry and word processing.
• Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute.
• Ability to operate highly technical computer applications, such as GIS or CAD.
• Strong verbal and written communication skill.
• Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.

ADA PROFILE

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.  The employee must also walk, stand, sit, hear, fingering, reach, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee deals with crisis situations that require them to make major decisions involving people, resources, and property.  

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.