Dispatcher

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Position Description

DEPARTMENT: Police Department

REPORTS TO: Dispatch Supervisor

CLASSIFICATION STATUS: Full Time, Non-Exempt

SALARY: Full Time $18.77 hourly

 

MAJOR FUNCTION:

Receives and records emergency and routine business calls. Dispatches city emergency forces and/or other resource agencies in accordance with prescribed procedures, often requiring immediate independent judgment. Operates CAD equipment. Monitors and operates multiple police and fire frequencies. Monitors and operates silent alarm panel and notifies responsible parties. Conducts inquiries on individuals using the automated wants and warrants system. Provides the public with basic instructions to safeguard persons in hazardous conditions prior to arrival of trained fire and police personnel. Performs routine clerical work as required. Performs other related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the major tasks performed within this classification.   It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.  Specific tasks on a day to day basis will reflect the overall areas of expertise for this position.

  • With or without accommodations, member must be able to get along with others, have a regular and predictable attendance, exercise rational judgment, maintain the confidence and trust of the Chief of Police, Superiors, Department members and general citizenry and must be able to work independent of supervision.
  • Receive requests for emergency and non-emergency services (requests may be in person, via telephone, via radio network or computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system).
  • Obtain sufficient information to determine the appropriate agency, and if emergency or administrative action needs to be taken.
  • Dispatch and direct emergency personnel, consider call priority, availability and the number and types of personnel needed.
  • Monitor and coordinate departmental and inter-agency activities.
  • Operate, maintain, and validate data in local, state, national, and international computerized criminal justice databases.
  • Solicit information responses, coordinate and communicate responses and monitor on-going activities to upgrade information received by field units as well as to enhance officer’s safety.
  • Perform collateral duties and special assignments at the direction or request of Departmental Supervisors.
  • Operate and provide first line maintenance and perform preliminary diagnostics on all telecommunications and office equipment located in the Dispatch Center.
  • Responsible to and accountable for compliance with Departmental Rules and Regulations, orders, and directives.
  • Receives and transmits emergency and non-emergency calls.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Ability to write clear and concise logs, prepare and maintain records and reports.
  • Ability to effectively work and communicate with coworkers, the general public and public officials.
  • Ability to type 40 words per minute. Ability to calmly handle emergency situations.
  • Ability to attain and maintain certifications for access into local, state, and national criminal history databases and associated telecommunications.
  • Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends; work on an on-call basis and work irregular duty assignments.

TRAINING, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE: 

High School Diploma, GED Certificate. Possess a valid Florida driver’s License. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Two (2) years of responsible full-time working experience

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

At least 18 years of age. No felony conviction or conviction of an offense that would be a felony if committed in Florida.  Must be able to pass a background check and drug test. Every New Port Richey employee is required to fill out a Disaster Response Survey and is subject to being required to report to work during a declared disaster.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical Ability:

Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and routine keyboard operations. The job risks exposure to no significant environmental hazards. The job requires normal visual acuity, and field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception. Ability to stand and sit for periods longer than 30 minutes but not to exceed four hours consecutively. Ability to climb stairs and ladders occasionally.  Ability to lift boxes not exceeding 25 pounds occasionally.

Sensory Requirements:

Ability to hear, speak and understand conversation in English in various tones of voice, as well as accents or rapidly spoken in order to be able to do job. Ability to see, read, and comprehends letters, numbers, words, characters or symbols, which are both large and small.  Ability to print and draw letters, numbers, words, characters and symbols which are legible and understood by others.  Ability to learn complex tasks and remember how to complete tasks without assistance once trained.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Ability to deal with stress related to routine deadlines and occupational problems, which demand immediate attention. Necessity to multi-task successfully. Ability to accept decisions made by others that may be in opposition of own views. Ability to deal with both legislative and administrative personnel of the City in a tactful manner.

Applications can be emailed to: HR@cityofnewportrichey.org , faxed to 727-853-1043 or sent/dropped off to 5919 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652    DFWP/EOE

The City of New Port Richey is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of New Port Richey provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.