911 Dispatcher (Communications Officer)

Hiring IncentiveEffective October 1, 2023, eligible newly hired Communications Officers — including lateral entry positions (Communication Officer II, III, and IV) — may qualify for a hiring incentive based on their application and start dates.Incentive ScheduleApply before November 1, 2025: $10,000Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start by April 30, 2026: $7,000Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start between May 1 and July 31, 2026: $5,000Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start on or after August 1, 2026: $3,000Payment StructureHiring incentives are paid in three installments following documented satisfactory job performance at:3 months of service6 months of service12 months of serviceLateral EntryRank and starting base salary are determined by prior POST-certified communications officer experience.Position OverviewReports to: Communications SupervisorFLSA Status: Non-ExemptClassification: Personnel System, requires satisfactory completion of a twelve month probationary period.Pay Grade: 115-117; depending on experienceSafety Sensitive: Yes, subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.Purpose of JobThe purpose of this job is to perform specialized work duties involving receiving/processing requests for emergency assistance within the telecommunications section. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: receiving, classifying and prioritizing incoming emergency calls; dispatching appropriate police and emergency personnel; operating telephones, communications equipment and law enforcement computers; acting as a liaison between callers and police/fire/emergency representatives; and performing additional tasks as assigned.Job Related RequirementsWork Schedule: 12 hour shifts/Rotating Shifts. May be required to work on religious holidays.Regular and predictable attendance is required.Must work cooperatively with others.When vehicle operation is required, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.Emergency PositionThis position is designated as an emergency position that requires attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Examples include inclement weather, utility failure, fire or other forced evacuations or as determined by the Manager.Phase I RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.Must be a United States Citizen as required by P.O.S.T.Requires possession of or ability to obtain certification for NCIC and GCIC.One year of experience in radio and telecommunications or related experience preferred.Phase II RequirementsAfter meeting Phase I requirements, applicants will be invited to the CritiCall Communications Officer aptitude testing. Successful candidates will advance to Phase III.Phase III RequirementsSuccessful completion of a background investigation and polygraph exam is required.DutiesAnswers the telephone; evaluates and processes calls; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.Receives, monitors, and dispatches radio communications traffic for Police, Fire and Sheriff's Departments and all E-911 calls.Receives and screens all incoming telephone calls from the public and from other police/public safety agencies; categorizes and prioritizes calls; receives calls and takes messages for police personnel.Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations; dispatches backup units, ambulances, fire fighters and wreckers as appropriate.Provides field officers with necessary information upon request, including license, insurance, tag and warrant checks, background info or persons locations.Conveys information to general public, public safety agencies, businesses, utilities and other police personnel within the department.Makes written reports from telephone information; generates incident card for calls necessitating action by field units.Maintains continuous log of incoming telephone/radio calls and officer availability; monitors position of field officers.Maintains wrecker list, arrest log, BOLO log, extra patrol log, barred list log, and record of house check calls and cancellations.Monitors and routes incoming messages from national and state computer networks; enters/removes information as requested into National, state and department computer system, including information on missing persons, stolen articles, wanted persons, etc.Monitors and routes incoming calls from Civil Defense and National Weather Service.Monitors alarm board; logs burglar/fire alarm calls.Tests all Fire Department radio equipment at beginning of day shift.May assist in training new Communications Officers.Performs basic computer maintenance tasks.Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, and members of the staff, the public or other individuals.Prepares and/or generates routine correspondence, letters, memoranda, forms, reports and other documents via computer and/or typewriter.Uses knowledge of various software programs to operate a computer in an effective and efficient manner.Responds to a wide range of questions from public including many non-public safety inquiries.Performs other related duties as required.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of policies, procedures, and activities of the Police Department as they pertain to the position.Knowledge of terminology used within the department.Knowledge of applicable federal, state statutes, local ordinances, departmental policies and procedures, and departmental methods as required.Knowledge of regulations and procedures of state and national crime information centers, the geography and road system of Athens-Clarke County, dispatching procedures, and radio codes used by Police, Sheriff and Fire Departments.Knowledge and ability to operate various equipment including a computer, copier, telephone, recorder, and radio/communications equipment.Skill in oral/written communications, dealing with the public, making decisions accurately and rapidly, and maintaining records and writing reports.Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to regulations.Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in daily assignments.Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.Ability to comprehend and apply the regulations and procedures of the department.Physical RequirementsMust be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment and use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Requires walking, standing, bending, stooping, fingering, grasping, seeing, talking, and hearing. Requires sitting for extended periods of time. Must be able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally. Physical demand is at levels of sedentary work.Other RequirementsData conception: ability to compare and/or judge observable characteristics of data, people, or things.Interpersonal communication: ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information.Language ability: ability to read documentation, prepare letters, reports, etc. using correct punctuation, grammar, diction and style.Intelligence: ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques and make independent judgment.Verbal aptitude: ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions.Numerical aptitude: ability to use mathematical formulas, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages.Form/spatial aptitude: ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.Motor coordination: ability to coordinate hands, fingers, eyes accurately using office and radio equipment.Manual dexterity: ability to handle variety of items such as automated office equipment and radio/communications equipment.Color discrimination: ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.Interpersonal temperament: ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions, adaptable to performing under stress.Physical communication: ability to talk and/or hear via telephone, two-way radio, etc.Equal Opportunity Employer StatementACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.J-18808-Ljbffr