Department: Public Safety Comm. Reports to: Dispatch Supervisor

Summary: Dispatcher (I) performs a full range of telephone operational duties in a 24-hour operation: Receives and records emergency and routine business calls; process and prioritize incoming calls for police, fire, and EMS assistance.

Scope of Responsibility: Translate information to the appropriate codes. Determine and assign the level of priority of the call and enter the data into a computer-aided dispatch system for radio dispatch purposes. Perform crisis communication, emergency medical, fire and police dispatch services. Ask scripted, vital questions and pre-arrival instructions for emergency medical, fire and police calls.

Essential Functions: -- Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Answering all incoming 911 calls
• Collecting all pertinent information from the caller using excellent verbal and communication skills
• Entering all information into the computer-aided dispatch systems (CAD)
• Routing the call to the appropriate dispatcher or other service agency
• Answering all non-emergency calls, determines the caller's needs and routing the call to the appropriate dispatcher or service agency
• Receives, records, and prioritizes, incoming calls for Police, Fire, and EMS.
• Proficiency with Emergency Medical, Fire, and Police Dispatch protocols
• Answer all routine and emergency calls, i.e. TDD/TTY, and E-9-1-1etc., in a courteous and professional manner, while responding according to policy
• Responsible for the exact location of the incident, including street address, intersection, nearby landmarks, area of the building, home, etc., type of incident, accurate description of people, vehicles, places, etc. The presence and type of weapon
• Provides support service and updates as needed, i.e., street indexes, data entry, on call personnel list, map and flip chart, and other pertinent information
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance at work. Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School diploma or GED required.

Knowledge of:

• Comprehension to read and understand manuals to record work activities, keep records and proficiently operate computers.
• Knowledge to write, modify, and edit text to complete written reports.
• Knowledge of computer components to allow navigation through related technology efficiently.

Ability to:

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with other employees and the public. Speak calmly, clearly, and authoritatively to persons who may be rude, confused, or frightened under highly complex and stressful situations
• Ability to work with dispatch equipment and communicate with citizens and emergency personnel in highly stressful, possibly emergency situations
• Ability to read, write, understand, and follow oral and written instructions as well as write clearly and spell correctly.
• Ability to create and maintain a positive attitude toward the department.
• Ability to maintain consistent composure.
• Ability to works with geographic information system & other current and developing technologies related to public safety communications
• Ability to sit, stand, for extended periods of time
• Ability to read and discern visual images that are on a small crystal display and discern between multi-colored lights
• Ability to read and understand technical and professional manuals in order to complete work activities, keep records and competently utilize computer software and programs
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with fellow employees, representatives from other departments, and supervisors
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to reach conclusions and approaches to problems while in a stressful environment
• Ability to use judgement and decision-making skills to evaluate situations, establish priorities, and resolve issues
• Ability to think quickly and to work under stressful situations and to establish priorities and pass on information as needed
• Ability actively listen and communicate effectively through clear speech and hearing in person, over radio, and using a headset

Skills:

• Skill to navigate in window-based computer environment
• Skill in writing and reviewing correspondence and procedural documents
• Skill in telephone call routing and distribution
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of multiple office machines and equipment such as specialized computers and related information systems and radio dispatch equipment
• Skill in understanding of jurisdictional boundaries, thoroughfares, landmarks, public buildings and waterways within the jurisdiction

License and certification requirements: A valid Texas driver's license with a driving record that meets City guidelines. Must successfully complete the Public Safety Communications Training Program, inclusive of classroom and on the job training. Must receive the following certification and license within the first year of employment; TCOLE Basic Telecommunication Operator's license; TCIC/NCIC Full Access Certification; TLETS Basic Certification; Emergency Medical & Fire Certification.

Physical demands and working environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to operate equipment, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Subject to repetitive motion such as typing and data entry. The employee is required to sit for extended periods of time, stand, and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Skill test: A pass or fail multi-tasking assessment will be administered at time of interview

Special notice: Successfully pass a personal background investigation, polygraph, medical physical, drug screen, hearing test, psychiatric examination, and oral interview. Attend educational sessions as required; travel out of town for one day or more; Maintains proficiency and training requirements of a Telecommunications Operator. Must comply with department dress code and grooming standards. Must be a US Citizen for this public safety position.

Schedule: Work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends; work on an on-call basis, work overtime, work irregular duty assignments; rotating days off