Communications Specialist at Town of Highland Park – Dallas, Texas

Responsible for answering incoming requests for assistance of both emergency and non-emergency nature and dispatch of police, fire and EMS to calls for service. Duties include the operation of a trunked, two-way radio system, Next Generation 9-1-1 equipment, Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) systems, and other communications equipment used to facilitate information which is transmitted quickly and accurately to public safety responders and the public. Documentation of calls in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and the Records Management System (RMS). Process alarms received through our direct alarm monitoring services. Monitor inmates in the holding facility via closed circuit cameras. Greet and assist walk-in traffic and provide support to both Operations and Administrative Staff.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Receive, classify, and direct incoming 9-1-1 emergency, non-emergency, and administrative phone calls.

• Coordinate the dispatch of police, fire, and medical services to both emergency and non-emergency calls.

• Quickly provide resources to emergency responders.

• Operate a trunked, two-way radio system using proper radio etiquette, terminology, and professionalism.

• Greet and assist people who enter Town Hall via the DPS lobby.

• Enter and maintain data in local, state, and national computerized databases including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC), the regional warrant database, and CAD and RMS.

• Retrieve and disseminate critical public safety information to responders, Town departments, the public and other entities.

• Process incoming alarms via the Town’s alarm receiver.

• Assist in the provision of safety and security of Town Hall and any defendants being held in the holding facility by monitoring video feed from Town cameras. Respond accordingly in the event of an emergency.

• Maintain the operation of exterior doors, gates, holding facility doors and intercom systems to ensure the safety and security of all of Town Hall and the jail holding facility.

• Respond and react to alerts received from ancillary alarm panels, such as the generator alarm, the fire alarm, and the smoke evacuation alarm.

• Engage the outdoor warning system siren.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. It is necessary to have the ability to maintain workflow with minimal supervision while processing multiple, fast-paced operations simultaneously and with frequent interruptions. Must work well under pressure and have the ability to make sound lifesaving decisions quickly and effectively. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and superiors. Effectively meet and deal with the public in a professional and courteous manner, both in person and over the telephone. Proficiency required in general office skills, with knowledge of keyboarding, filing and computer operations. Accurately record and maintain records and directly key in data as it is received audibly. Ability to use the keyboard at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

Minimum Education, Experience and/or Certifications

1. Thirty (30) college hours from a regionally accredited college or university, or
2. Two (2) years’ experience as a call-taker/dispatcher in an emergency communications center, or
3. Honorably discharged after at least 3 years of active-duty military service.
4. Ability to obtain a Telecommunicator License through TCOLE.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to maintain a calm demeanor during high stress incidents or situations.

• The employee must have good diction and be easily understood when speaking.

• The employee is required to pass a stringent background investigation.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Trunked, two-way radio console, PC based CAD, RMS, multi-line PC based phone system, headset, jail control software, copy/fax machine, word processing and office productivity software programs, ancillary 9-1-1 applications which provide text messaging, location data, and/or video streaming of 9-1-1 callers, and camera monitoring software.