Job Details
POSITION SUMMARY
POSITION SUMMARY:
An employee in this position performs communications and varied recordkeeping work at a call center for the Office of the Sheriff in Harnett County responding to emergencies and to after-hours calls for service for agencies in the community. This includes: receiving calls and dispatching emergency agencies and services (law enforcement, fire, and medical rescue functions); maintaining contact with the dispatched units for further assistance; operating computer-aided dispatch equipment; maintaining records of work performed; contacting other staff for after-hour calls; monitoring public and private alarms; and logging law enforcement activities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
* Receives routine and emergency telephone calls and personal requests for assistance concerning crimes, fires, rescue needs or general information.
* Operates a variety of electronic equipment, including radios and computer-aided-dispatch to record information about calls and to maintain contact with law enforcement agencies including sheriff/police/highway patrols, fire, and rescue personnel; dispatches officers to answer requests for assistance; provides information about the situation as it develops, and/or background information from the DCI system.
* Operates a computer to enter calls and receive information stored in the 911 CAD system about the location, occupants, type of business, chemical storage, and other information concerning the call; operates terminal connected with the Division of Criminal Information and the National Crime Information Center to obtain driver's history, vehicle registration, and criminal record information.
* Provides Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) instructions according to EMD protocols in case of medical calls and emergencies; follows protocols for Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) in dispatching calls for law enforcement services; follows protocols for Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) in dispatching calls for law enforcement services.
* Maintains communications logs and reports including the nature of calls, actions taken and the times involved; files criminal processing entries and paperwork related to certain calls.
* Identifies the location of callers to choose and dispatch the proper law enforcement, fire, or rescue department or unit.
* Monitors public and private fire and security alarm systems; activates monitors to dispatch volunteer fire and rescue; transfers appropriate calls to other agencies.
* Monitors activities of officers on patrol and makes radio contact to ensure safety.
* Receives training to increase skills and maintain certifications in DCI, EMD, EPD, Sheriff standards and incident command modules.
* Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
* High school diploma or equivalent;
* No experience required but some communications, dispatching, or other public contact work preferred;
* Or equivalent education and/or experience.
* Possession of a Certification by North Carolina as a DCI Operator.
* Possession of a Certification in CPR desired.
* Possession of EMD, EPD,EFDand required NIMS modules certification (or obtain within a reasonable time of appointment).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
* Knowledge of the operation of an electronic radio and telecommunications systems and related Federal Communications Commission regulations.
* Knowledge of the functions, practices, and procedures of the Sheriff Department, Fire Department, Emergency Rescue units, and other law enforcement agencies.
* Knowledge of the physical layout of the County.
* Skill in using computers to enter data accurately.
* Ability to accurately receive and transmit radio communications.
* Ability to assess people and situations.
* Ability to apply sound judgment.
* Ability to remain calm under challenging conditions and to elicit sufficient and essential information for dispatching and assisting field personnel.
* Ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
* Ability to maintain accurate and complete work activity records and files, including operating computer terminals.
* Ability to maintain calm control and exercise sound judgment under emergency conditions.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to perform medium work frequently exerting up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, lifting, having manual dexterity, using mental acuity, pulling, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, and walking. An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to analyze data, maintain written records, work with color, operate dispatch equipment and computer, and make visual inspections.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The employee works indoors handling calls from people who are dealing with medical, police, or fire emergencies.