Communications Specialist

GENERAL PURPOSE

Receives incoming calls for police and 911 emergency assistance and dispatches necessary units; performs a variety of general support duties related to communication activities, including operation of Computer Assisted Dispatch (C.A.D.) and Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (A.C.J.I.S.) computer and teletype communications, record keeping, typing, and filing; and, monitors alarm systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Communications Supervisor. May exercise technical and function supervision over personnel assigned for training purposes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Receives emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency service; determines nature and location of emergency, determines priority, and dispatches emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures using C.A.D.
• Maintains contact with all units on assignment; maintains status and location of police field units
• Answers non-emergency calls for assistance; answers maintenance service emergencies on weekends and holidays
• Coordinates emergency calls and relays information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies
• Maintains knowledge of Geographic features and streets within the area served
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing using correct English usage and grammar. Effectively communicates with, and elicits information from, upset and irate citizens
• Understands and follows oral instructions
• Uses standard broadcasting procedures and rules
• Operates dispatch, C.A.D., and A.C.J.I.S. computer systems and other equipment. Monitors a variety of equipment, including the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), and Civil Defense radio
• Enters, updates, and retrieves information from teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, and other information
• Performs a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work; maintains a variety of logs relating to public safety
• Tests and inspects equipment as required
• Monitors and changes 24-hour tape recorder
• Works under pressure, exercises good judgment, and makes sound decisions in emergency situations
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Trains new Communications Specialists as required
• Performs related duties, as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma and two years of general clerical experience or other experience which demonstrates problem solving skills, the ability to successfully multi-task during high volume activity and the ability to communicate effectively. Type a minimum of 40 wpm. Possession of, or ability to obtain within first year, Terminal Operator Certification.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

One year of telephone or dispatch experience.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to perform the essential functions of this class successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees regularly are required to sit; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate testing equipment, computers and other standard office equipment; and reach with hands or arms. Employees are required to walk, kneel, stoop, climb and stand and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds of force and/or negligible amount of force frequently to move objects; involves sitting most of the time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, use of both eyes, ability to adjust focus and to distinguish basic colors and/or shades.

Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; interact with the general public, contractors, engineers, vendors, public agencies, employees, and others who may be encountered during the course of work.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Positions require shift work, all hours and days of the week.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Revised: 11/05

 

DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS, ANY APPLICANT REQUIRING ACCOMMODATION FOR A DISABILITY SHOULD ADVISE THE HUMAN  RESOURCES DEPARTMENT. Employment Hotline (Voice Only): 623-773-7105 Human Resources (Voice/TDD): 623-773-7100 EOE M/F/D/V AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER OPORTUNIDAD DE EMPLEO CON DERECHOS IGUALES 8401 West Monroe St, Suite 110 - Peoria Arizona 85345 - (623) 773-7100 - Fax (623) 773-7149

This Page was last updated on 11/07/06
© City of Peoria, Arizona.  All Rights Reserved.