COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER - Basic
Pay Range 23

INTRODUCTION

This classification receives and dispatches police, fire and emergency related calls within a central communications center of Douglas County

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed, nor do the examples cover all duties which may be assigned.)

l. Answer 9-1-1 emergency telephone calls for assistance; obtain necessary information; notify and dispatch appropriate emergency personnel and equipment to the emergency scene.

2. Maintain radio communications between the communications center and all public safety agencies within the county.

3. Perform switchboard operator functions on incoming business telephone lines. Relay or transfer to proper agency, department or employee. Includes after hour answering for County departments and other agencies.

4. Operate computer terminal; enter complaints/calls for service into the system as they are received; obtain information from Department of Motor Vehicles, Law Enforcement Data System, etc. Maintain record of calls received.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Reasonable knowledge of office practices and procedure; reasonable knowledge of modern office equipment and machines; reasonable knowledge of grammar, spelling, word usage, etc. Skill in: Telephone interviewing techniques; accurate typing. Ability to: Maintain records, reports, and logs; adjust to priority changes and perform calmly and effectively under stress of emergency situations; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and use judgment in carrying out responsibilities; communicate effectively in oral and written form; meet and deal effectively with coworkers, other agencies and the public.

Education, experience and training: Two years progressively responsible office experience OR any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training. Within one year of employment, must receive telecommunication and emergency medical dispatch certifications.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the supervision of a Communications or Operations Supervisor who assigns work orally or in writing. The employee uses initiative in completing routine assignments and refers to the supervisor when encountering problems or difficult situations. Work is spot-checked in progress and upon completion.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within departmental rules, policies and procedures; fire and police procedures; medical dispatch procedures; operational handbooks for computer terminals and various other reference materials. Operational procedures are explicitly followed; however, incumbents must use common sense judgments in interpreting guidelines and determining between alternatives.

PERSONAL CONTACTS AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are with coworkers, County employees, law enforcement and emergency services personnel, medical providers and the public to provide service and give or exchange information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in an office environment; work is generally sedentary but does involve bending, lifting up to 10 pounds, long periods of sitting, standing and stooping.