Communications Specialist Trainee

Communications Specialist Trainee

Join to apply for the Communications Specialist Trainee role at City of Laurel, MD

SUMMARY - This is an entry-level position involved in radio dispatching operating City communication instruments and coordinating the City's emergency communications system. The duties also include clerical work to support this function. Assignments are performed according to established policies and procedures under the supervision of an administrative superior or the officer in charge of the shift. Individuals in this position are automatically promoted to Communications Specialist I after one year of satisfactory performance with no pending discipline and no serious disciplinary actions.

• Monitors radio transmissions including maintaining contact with staff on patrol providing assistance by contacting area police jurisdictions fire and other public safety agencies and units
• Gathers accurate information needed to assist callers and answering and forwarding administrative calls
• Conserves the knowledge of location and availability of all field units including maintaining a log of radio traffic recording prison transports and assigning case numbers recording warrant service information noting abnormal occurrences and recording requests for additional assistance
• Retrieves information and criminal records from National Crime Information Center/ Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System (NCIC/MILES) including determining motor vehicle ownership obtaining driver's license status determining record of stolen property and checking reports of missing or runaway persons
• Obtains case numbers for civil and warrant arrests including civil services warrants served prisoner transport and other types of case report numbers
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems
• Attends meetings conferences workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles practices and new developments in assigned work areas
• Maintains incident reports of complaints
• Originates a variety of reports related to activities of the department
• Responds to citizens' questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities
• Willingly and cooperatively accepts other related duties and responsibilities as assigned

• Age 18 years or older
• Diploma from an accredited high school (or a GED certificate)
• One year of related experience in clerical administrative or dispatching duties preferred or any equivalent combination of education and experience which meets the requirements of the duties and responsibilities
• Completion of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) command courses within six (6) months of employment with the City
• Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to operate a computer terminal or Personal Computer; use typical word processing software such as Microsoft Word; learn and apply other office software and automated office procedures; type 25 words per minute; understand Computer Automated Dispatch Information Systems and Crime Management Systems (CADIS/CMS), NCIC/MILES, MVA, and CJIS computer systems
• Must pass a written exam and an oral interview, extensive background investigation, satisfactory result on a physical examination and a psychological evaluation, reliable transportation to work, and pass a pre-employment drug screen and a criminal background check

Must pass a written exam and oral interview, extensive background investigation, satisfactory result on a physical examination and a psychological evaluation, reliable transportation to work, and pass a pre-employment drug screen and a criminal background check.

* The City of Laurel is an Equal Opportunity Employer.