Senior Communications Officer

This position answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service. The position promptly dispatches the appropriate responders and monitors responder status and safety. This position operates communications equipment to receive and professionally transmit appropriate incident data to public safety entities. This position is the primary new-hire training officer on shift.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS 

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Functions as an assistant supervisor and primary communications training officer; they must have a BCO certification and one year of experience in an E-911 communications center.

• Answers calls for service byE-911 system, telephone, or radio for the fire department, medical service provider, law enforcement, and other entities as required.
• Performs routine clerical work in processing, entering, and retrieving information from police/fire records and reports and GCIC/NCIC.
• Determines by inquiry the exact location or point of emergency and dispatches the proper personnel; transmits such messages necessary in conducting operations.
• Tracks status and availability of emergency service units.
• Records all contacts and transmissions of official capacity in CAD as mandated.
• Enters information into GCIC/NCIC to obtain confidential records.
• Keeps necessary records regarding calls and complaints, communications, and/or E-911 operations.
• Compiles data from records kept into various daily, monthly, or other periodic reports.
• Maintains communications records and files.
• Answers city switchboard lines and after-hours calls.
• Assists the public with transactions and information relating to police and fire activity and city services.

• Sends inquiries about and enters data of a restricted and confidential nature into the computer.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent. Twelve (12) months of 911 communication call center experience. Prior use of Computer Aided Dispatch system. Equivalent combination of education and experience.

·         GA POST BCO certification or equivalent certification in good standing.

·         BLS Provider Certification preferred. 

·         GCIC certification preferred

·         EMD certification preferred

·         CTO certification is required within six (6) months of employment. 

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing transmission by radio.
• Knowledge of the methods of operating and communication systems.
• Knowledge of geography and the road system throughout the city.
• Skill in assessing and prioritizing a caller’s report.
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suites and the use of modern office equipment and software.
• Ability to multi-task and address multiple situations at one time.
• Ability to reason, analyze situations accurately, and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to remain calm and communicate precisely and clearly in emergencies.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Ability to deploy emergency equipment within specific timeframes and guidelines set by the City of East Point Class Specifications
• Ability to follow rules and procedures regarding police records and files.
• Ability to document facts accurately, legibly, and completely, under adverse conditions.
• Ability totrain less experienced personnel with performance, safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships at work.
• Ability to understand and carry out directions.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Controls: Work is assigned by the Communications Supervisor in terms of departmental goals and objectives. Work is performed under direct supervision.

Guidelines: Guidelines include the department Policy and Procedure book and relevant state and federal laws about emergency management; Communications Officer mandate; and GEMA/POST Council guidelines.

Complexity: The work consists of a variety of computer-aided dispatching and record-keeping duties.

Scope and Effect: The purpose of this position is to process 911 emergency calls for Fire-EMS and Law Enforcement and to operate a two-way radio to communicate with appropriate public safety responders.

Personal Contacts: Contacts are typically accessed with co-workers, public safety officials, and the public.

Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are typically to give and exchange information, to resolve problems, and to provide services.

Physical Demands: The work is typically performed with the employee sitting at a desk. The employee uses tools or equipment requiring dexterity. Work Environment: The work is generally performed in an office.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility: In the absence of a supervisor, this individual will assume supervisory duties.