Communications Officer

Under the direct supervision the Communications Officer will relay information from emergency callers to the proper resources (police, fire, and emergency medical responders). Dispatcher's answer business, emergency, enhanced 9-1-1 and cellular 9-1-1 telephone lines along with Smart 9-1-1 and text 9-1-1. They are responsible for monitoring and dispatching 34 police, fire, EMS agencies within St. Clair County. Communications Officers collect, store, retrieve and disseminate information vital to emergency service operations.

• Receive all incoming calls from the public requesting police, fire, and/or emergency medical assistance.
• Disseminates emergency information to First Responders in a calm, collective manner.
• Gather, classify and supplement pertinent information obtained from the caller and enter it into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Determine which response agency is responsible for responding to the call for assistance and dispatches the appropriate units(s).
• Gives emergency medical instructions, as outlined in protocol, while forwarding information to dispatcher for appropriate services.
• Must be able to process incoming calls and accurately type simultaneously on the computer to relay all pertinent information to dispatch.
• Provide emergency assistance to callers until responding emergency units arrive and assume control of the situation.
• Operate a CAD console equipped with multiple computer terminals, including mapping and aerial photography.
• Monitor and control a large number of public safety resources throughout St. Clair County.
• Query and enter information (e.g. stolen articles, wanted persons, missing persons, criminal history checks, etc.) through Michigan's Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) data files.
• Mitigate multiple situations simultaneously.
• Conserve the knowledge of location and availability of all field units.
• Monitors the emergency radio frequencies of public agencies including a civil defense.
• Transmits information to police vehicles concerning wanted persons, stolen vehicles, hazardous street conditions and other important information.
• Controls operation of roadblock and major emergency plans and maintains files.
  
  Maintains control of all calls received and transmissions made on radio and telephones.
• Maintains street locations, emergency phone numbers, patrol schedules and other pertinent records.
• Instructs new personnel on the use of communication equipment
• Train new Dispatchers and assist Dispatch Supervisors in evaluating the progress and/or performance of employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work is performed under the general direction of the Central Dispatch Director and Deputy Director.

N/A

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
• The ideal candidate will have 1+ years of experience in administrative support, customer service emergency communications, or in a fast paced multi-discipline environment.
• Ability to demonstrate humility and diligence in day to day operations
• Ability to multi-task using multiple computer programs, radio frequencies and phone lines
• Ability to learn and retain local geography, water ways, and landmarks
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical…