DISPATCHER - FULLTIME at City of Fairhope

About the Department

Under the supervision of the Dispatch Supervisor, the employee receives and prioritizes E-911 and non-emergency telephone calls from the public. The employee processes information using a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and dispatches appropriate emergency service within the Police Department. The employee monitors public safety units in the field; retrieves and enters computer data for emergency response personnel within the service area. The employee provides general assistance to the public, relays non-police complaints to appropriate personnel. The employee receives requests for information from officers, runs license and criminal history checks and relays information back to officer.  Independent judgment, initiative, and understanding must be exercised in interpreting orders, rules, and regulations, and in meeting emergency situations. Work is performed in accordance with established rules, regulations, and instructions from superior officers, and work is reviewed upon completion. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to a pre-employment background check and random drug screens.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned.  A person with a disability which is covered by the ADA must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Communications and Dispatch. The employee performs communications and dispatch duties to assist public safety personnel in the enforcement of law.
 

1. Reports to supervisor for assigned duties and instructions.
2. Makes daily checks for functionality of all communications, teletype, and computer equipment; constantly monitors fire alarms, and smoke detectors.
3. Notifies Information Technology (IT) Technician regarding equipment failures; makes written report of failure and notifies supervisor.
4. Monitors assigned radio frequencies and telephones lines, both emergency and non-emergency.
5. Monitors closed circuit television systems, alarm systems and other communication equipment.
6. Receives complaints from the public; takes all necessary information including name, location, nature of complaint and required response; enters all information into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.
7. Relays complaints and requests for assistance to patrol units, fire/rescue, ambulances, and other service departments.
8. Relays any necessary information to patrol units (vehicle registration, license information, warrant information, etc.).
9. Maintains continuous contact with patrol units to monitor their locations; ensures units are not out of contact for extended periods of time; dispatches additional assistance as needed.
10. Dispatches calls to patrol units.
11. Notifies Police Chief and Lieutenant - Investigations of major crime alerts and those instances established by policy and departmental procedure.
12. Maintains continuous contact with City jail personnel and ensures officers are not out of contact for extended periods of time; dispatches assistance as needed.
13. Receives and dispatches appropriate response for automated and phone-in burglary calls; utilizes telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) equipment for deaf and handicapped callers.
14. Monitors State Emergency Management and local Emergency Management for disaster alerts and emergencies; monitors communications from Severe Weather Broadcast Center and disseminates information as needed.
15. Provides information to the general public regarding weather and road conditions.
16. Maintains emergency telephone lists for all City schools, Fire Department, highway departments, utilities, and an individual contact for each organization.
17. Maintains logs on rotation wreckers, alarms, driver’s histories, and criminal histories.
18. Enters stolen vehicle, stolen property, warrants and missing person information into the computer.
19. Obtains criminal histories, driver’s histories, vehicle registrations and other information for authorized personnel in accordance with established procedures.
20. Transmits and receives administrative messages by teletype with other agencies.
21. Maintains activity log for National Crime Information Center (NCIC) transactions as required.
22. Maintains upkeep/housekeeping of the radio room.
23. Ensures radio room is clean prior to change of shift.
24. Cleans equipment as appropriate.
25. Attends classes and training sessions on job related skills.
26. Maintains uniform and equipment in clean working order.
27. Controls access to radio room and allows entry to authorized personnel only.
28. Controls access of electronically/remote activated door security systems.

 
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possess a high school diploma or GED.
2. Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in customer service; experience in two-way communications is preferred; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job.
3. Possess a current and valid driver’s license; must be insurable.
4. Ability to obtain and maintain Notary Public designation.
5. Ability to complete Dispatcher training within ninety (90) days of employment.
6. Ability to obtain and maintain NCIC and Alabama Communications and Operations Portal (AlaCOP) certifications within 180 days of employment.
7. Ability to type a minimum of twenty-five (25) words per minute.
8. Ability to work non-standard hours.
9. Ability to travel.
10. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.

Other Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(* Can be acquired on the job)
 

1. *Knowledge of City and departmental policies and procedures.
2. *Knowledge of City streets and numbers.
3. *Knowledge of the geographic layout of City and Baldwin County.
4. *Knowledge of the 911 telephone radio dispatch system.
5. *Knowledge of state and federal statutes.
6. *Knowledge of jail/detention facility procedures.
7. Knowledge of proper dispatch techniques and procedures.
8. Verbal skills to communicate factual information to co-workers, supervisors, general public, and court personnel.
9. Reading skills to read and understand department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
10. Writing skills to clearly, accurately, and neatly complete routine reports and other related paperwork.
11. Math skills to perform basic calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
12. Skills in effective phone etiquette.
13. Ability to type, talk and listen effectively.
14. Ability to read maps.
15. Ability to operate modern computers and software.
16. Ability to communicate with supervisor, co-workers, and the general public effectively.
17. Ability to talk calmly, effectively and without emotion with belligerent, upset and incoherent citizens.
18. Ability to work independently without close supervision.
19. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
20. Ability to make sound decisions quickly and effectively.
21. Ability to talk in a calm and reassuring voice.
22. Ability to organize and multi-task.
23. Ability to use standard office equipment and multi-line telephone.
24. Ability to use a two-way radio.
25. Ability to drive.

Physical Demands
The work is sedentary.  Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work.  However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts; driving an automobile, etc.   No special physical demands are required to perform the work.
 
Work Environment
The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, and residences or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, etc.  The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
 

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