Communications Officer - Dothan, United States - City of Dothan, AL

Description

Salary: $ $33.06 Hourly

Location : Dothan, AL

Job Type: FULL TIME

Job Number:

Department: POLICE

Opening Date: 04/01/2024

Closing Date: 3/31/2025 11:59 PM Central

Description

Advertisement Closing Date - March 31, 2025

***Applications will be reviewed every 10 days.***

***Supporting Documents are required at the time of application submission.***

WORK SCHEDULE
6am - 6pm or 6pm - 6am
Work four days/Off three days.

This position is responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls and for dispatching appropriate personnel.

Major Duties

• Receives and screens incoming calls from the public and other user agencies; categorizes and prioritizes calls, including 911 calls.
• Determines and dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel to incident locations; provides emergency medical instructions to callers prior to the arrival of responders as needed.
• Receives and processes non-emergency calls; forwards to appropriate department; receives and processes after-hours complaints from the public.
• Inquires, retrieves, and monitors data from ACJIC/NCIC database; ensures compliance with rules and regulations; retrieves information related to outstanding warrants, criminal histories, driver histories, vehicle histories, etc.; disseminates information related to criminal histories, driver histories, terrorist threats, felon registration, sex offender registration, lost or stolen items, missing persons, etc.
• Maintains contact with emergency personnel in the field; provides information to responding units regarding location, directions, changes to circumstances, etc.; responds to information requests from responding units.
• Provides pre-arrival instructions to callers in compliance with Emergency Medical Dispatch guidelines.
• Coordinates assistance from other agencies and/or departments as requested, including contacting other agencies for response to specific situations.
• Operates telecommunications equipment, including radios, telephones, CAD, mapping systems, telecommunications devices, weather monitoring equipment, etc.
• Monitors and utilizes non-emergency radios as needed.
• Monitors security cameras.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of emergency communications principles and practices.
• Knowledge of ACJIC/NCIC policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of emergency dispatch procedures.
• Knowledge of radio and telecommunications equipment.
• Knowledge of CAD system functions and maintenance.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in making decisions in high pressure and emergency situations.
• Skill in public relations.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Communications Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include ACJIC/NCIC guidelines, state and federal regulations, HIPPA regulations, general orders, APCO policies training guidelines, medical controls, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related emergency communications duties. The necessity of responding to unforeseen and emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to participate in the receiving of emergency and non-emergency calls and in dispatching emergency service personnel as appropriate. Successful performance contributes to the efficient and effective response to emergency and life-threatening situations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with department personnel, other city personnel, representatives of other emergency services agencies, hospital and other medical personnel, representatives of a variety of external agencies, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and motivate persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.
• The work is typically performed in a Communications Center.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Minimum Qualifications / Necessary Special Requirements

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); and
• Must be at least 19 years of age; and
• Two (2) years work experience as a Police, Fire, EMS and E911 dispatcher; or
• One (1) year current continuous experience as a Public Safety Calltaker with the City of Dothan in the Communications Officer progression.
• Possession of current certification in Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator I (PST1) course (40 hours initial course); and
• Possession of current certification in American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Course or American Red Cross equivalent; and
• Possession of current certification in National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) certification or other state equivalent certification in the use of the Criminal Justice Information Center and the FBI National Crime Information Center systems.
• Possession of current certification in Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Course (32 hours initial course, 12 hours annual recertification) is preferred.
• Possession of current certification in Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Communications Training Officer (CTO) Course (32 hours initial course, 12 hours annual recertification) is preferred.
• Completion of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training in Southern Software Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) is preferred.
• Completion of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training in Southern Software Records Management System (RMS) is preferred.
• Completion of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training in Southern Software Mapping Data System (MDS) is preferred.
• Completion of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training in Motorola Emergency Communications System ECS-1000, Emergency CallWorks (ECW Equipment is preferred.
• Completion of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training in Public Safety Radio Training/Experience in actual radio transmission environment is preferred.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER

The City of Dothan's Police Department will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired/promoted/demoted/transferred into the Police Department. The examination will be a question and answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to your employment application, employment history, and involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to obtain certification and recertification the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) course per department standards and requirements.
• Ability to obtain certification as an Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Communications Training Officer (CTO).
• Must maintain information confidentiality throughout entire employment.
• In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion/ demotion/transfer. (See Condition for details.)
• An applicant must be able to continuously progress satisfactorily throughout the training program within the probationary period.
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan police, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 8/13/12)
• Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standards, which include drug/alcohol testing.

Application / Examination

Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.

Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department in writing on or before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing

An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer

The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs:

• Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year
  
• Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year
• Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected
• Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama
• Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees
  
• Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders
  
• Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account
  
• Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses
  
  Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....
  
  Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.

01

Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty, rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.

• I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of this advertisement.

02

Which best describes your highest completed level of education?

• None
• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

03

Which best describes your recent work experience as a Police, Fire, EMS, and E-911 dispatcher?

• No experience
• months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• years
• years
• years
• years
• More than 15 years

04

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #3. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below.DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

05

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #3. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below.DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

06

Check each of the following that you possess current certification:NOTE: In order to be considered, you must submit a current copy of your certification/course/license when you submit your application. You may submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, by fax to , or by email to

• Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator I (PST1) Course (40 hours initial course)
• American Heart Association Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Course or American Red Cross equivalent
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) Certification or other state equivalent certification.
• None

07

Check each of the following that you possess current certification:NOTE: In order to be considered, you must submit a current copy of your certification/course/license when you submit your application. You may submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, by fax to , or by email to

• Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Course (32 hours initial course)
• Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Communications Training Officer (CTO) Course (32 hours initial course)
• None

08

Check each of the following that you have training or experience:

• Southern Software Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)
• Southern Software Records Management System (RMS)
• Southern Software Mapping Data System (MDS)
• Motorola Emergency Communications System ECS-1000, Emergency CallWorks (ECW Equipment
• None

09

List employer/s where you gained the experience in questions #6, 7, and 8. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. List "N/A" if you checked none of the above.DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

10

List examples of duties performed to support your answers in questions #6, 7, and 8. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below.DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

11

This position requires you maintain the following certifications: 1. National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) Certification;2. American Heart Association Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)3. Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)4. Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Communications Training Officer (CTO).Are you willing to maintain these certifications?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you at least 19 years of age?

• Yes, I am at least 19 years of age.
• No, I am not at least 19 years of age.

13

The starting pay for this position is $20.67/hour.Are you willing to accept this pay rate?

• Yes
• No

14

Are you willing to work nights, weekends and all holidays?

• Yes
• No

15

Are you willing to work in a highly stressful environment on a daily basis?

• Yes
• No

16

Are you willing to make critical decisions under considerable pressure and stress?

• Yes
• No

17

Are you willing to work in an environment with limited opportunity to move from the work station?

• Yes
• No

18

Are you willing to have your supervisor monitor your telephone calls and have all of them recorded?

• Yes
• No

19

Are you willing to work 12-hour shifts, any day or night, including Saturdays, Sundays, and all holidays?

• Yes
• No

20

Are you willing to work in an environment which exposes you to angry, emotional or upset individuals or to individuals who use profanity?

• Yes
• No

21

Are you willing to work awkward shifts and be on call for extended periods?

• Yes
• No

22

Since age 18, have you been convicted of a crime or any offense other than minor traffic violations or do you currently have charges pending against you?

• Yes
• No

23

This position requires you pass a polygraph examination. Are you willing to submit to a polygraph?

• Yes, I am willing to take a polygraph test.
• No, I am not willing to take a polygraph test.

24

I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply. Should I desire to have updated information included for this specific position I should contact the Personnel/Human Resources office at for assistance.

• Yes, I Understand

25

Note: Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your examination score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and this supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or receiving a lower examination score.

26

Personnel Use Only

Required Question