9-1-1 Telecommunications Dispatcher

The 9-1-1 Telecommunications Dispatcher receives emergency telephone or radio calls for assistance and dispatches those calls to the appropriate personnel in the field.  In addition, the dispatcher is the initial answering point and the receptionist for business conducted at the police department.

Specific Duties:

• Answers 911 emergency phone lines, obtains information regarding the emergency, and relays the information by radio and/or telephone to the appropriate first responder
• Maintains written radio logs for radio and police activity
• Accesses information, when requested by officers or authorized personnel, from local, state, and national law enforcement computer systems
• Enters information into the TLETS/NLETS system including missing persons, warrants, stolen property, protective orders, etc.
• Monitors police, fire, EMS, and city utility channels and responds appropriately when required
• Answers City Hall telephones when required
• Assists in the personal search of female prisoners when required
• Attends TCLEOSE, TCIC/NCIC, 911, and department training
• Operates and maintains the dispatch office, very often with no one else in the station
• Serves as the initial point of contact for people walking into or calling the police department
• Types statements from victims, witnesses, and suspects when required
• Collects fines and fees including traffic fines, warrant fines, animal control fees, etc.
• Prepares various reports as required
• Obtains and disseminates highly confidential information only to those authorized to receive the information
• Performs other related duties as required

Essential Functions:

• Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend the English language
• Ability to dial, speak and hear on commercial telephones
• Ability to transmit, receive, speak and hear on a two-way radio
• Ability to use office equipment including calculator, copier, fax machine, computer, printer, etc.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or carry up to 35 pounds of office equipment or supplies
• Ability to maintain alphabetical filing systems
• Ability to perform under stress when confronted with an emergency and critical situations
• Ability to use a Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD)
• Ability to work in a confined area and remain seated for long periods of time
• Ability to respond to work with minimal notice for emergencies or to fill shifts
• Ability to get information from people experiencing a crisis or traumatic event, record the information, and relay the information to the appropriate emergency responder, all in a very short period of time
• Ability to work without constant supervision
• Ability to successfully pass a TCIC/NCIC security background investigation
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Required Education, Degrees, Certificates, and/or Licenses:

• Preferred 21 years of age
• High school diploma for GED
• Possess a current Texas Telecommunicators license, or
• Obtain a Texas Telecommunicators license within one year of employment
• No felony convictions and no convictions for misdemeanors involving moral turpitude
• Able to successfully pass security background investigations and drug screening examinations on a random and/or specific basis
• Meet the qualifications of a telecommunicator as required by the Texas Department of Public Safet

• One year of experience preferred

Acceptable Experience and Training:

A combination of education and experience that indicates a level of skill and knowledge necessary to fulfill the duties of this position may be considered in lieu of the education and experience requirements listed above.