Title:  Emergency Comm Specialist I - Recruit

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Under the general supervision of an Emergency Communications Supervisor and an Emergency Communications Training Officer, this position is in the Emergency Communications Training Program to learn to perform critical public contact and communications work necessary for the dispatching of the Agency and related cities services to emergency and non-emergency situations, providing operational data to agency personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and requests for law enforcement services, receiving essential information relating to the situation.
• Enters call information into computer aided dispatch equipment (CAD) to dispatch deputies and officers to emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Utilizes computer/teletype systems to query and enter operational data.
• Searches agency files and records to locate and relay operational data and information to agency personnel.
• Uses maps, map books, computerized maps, and the internet to determine jurisdictions and properly locate call locations.
• Updates patrol line-ups to correctly reflect patrol personnel on duty and the corresponding assigned vehicle.
• Answers agency business telephone calls; provides routine data and information to telephone inquiries; may transfer/direct inquiries to proper agency staff; may refer telephone calls to responsible outside state, court, agencies, departments, or individuals.
• Monitors and updates CAD with the latest information to remain current with call for service activity and officer’s status.
• Monitors alarm systems.
• Conducts and/or participates in daily and monthly equipment and operator testing to include TTY equipment and individual performance.
• Operates computers and standard office equipment, including commonly used computer software programs as well as any other standard office equipment as required by the position.
• Maintains regular and acceptable attendance at such level as determined at the Sheriff’s Office discretion.
• Is available and willing to work overtime as needed.
• Interacts effectively with others and exercises good judgment when dealing with people in sensitive situations.
• May be assigned other duties as necessary.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of street and road systems, geographical patterns and numerical (address) system of Arapahoe County.
• Ability to operate computer aided dispatch equipment (CAD).
• Ability to work under pressure and utilize stress management skills.
• Excellent multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to listen, talk and type all at the same time.
• Ability to act and react to emergency and/or threatening situations in a manner consistent with the law, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written English.
• Ability to communicate effectively with angry, emotional, and excited persons via telephone.
• Ability to remain calm under urgent circumstances. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Ability to distinguish different auditory tones.
• Ability to track multiple pieces of information at one time and conduct follow-up as necessary.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co- workers, and the general public.
• Ability to apply sound reasoning and decision-making.
• Ability to operate computers and commonly used computer software programs, as well as any other standard office equipment as required by the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of public safety experience.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that satisfies the requirements of the job as approved by the Sheriff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EXPERIENCE: Emergency Communications Experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess CPR and First Aid certification within the initial status period.
• Must possess CBI Operator Security Number (OSN) within the initial status period.
• Must meet minimum acceptable level of Keystrokes Per Hour (KPH).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.  They are included for informational purposes and are not all inclusive.

Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.

Frequently:    Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.

Constantly:    Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.

• Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery and writing utensils.
• Constantly involved in oral and auditory interaction, enabling interpersonal communication, including automated devices such as the telephone and radio.
• Spends 90% of the time sitting, 5% standing, 5% walking while on the job.
• Occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches and balances while operating office machinery.
• Frequently uses visual capacity including depth perception, color vision, and peripheral vision enabling completion of required office duties.
• Occasionally lifts or carries up to 20 lbs. when moving office supplies or files.

JOB-RELATED CONTACTS:

Contacts are with individuals within the Sheriff’s Office, with other Departments/Organizations and the general public.  Specifically, extensive contact occurs with supervisors and the general public.  Personal contact with any individual of the public, an inmate or arrestee is an occasional occurrence.  Hand-to-hand exchanges and face-to-face verbal communications between the member and the public is seldom required.  In this position, contact with blood, bodily fluids or other medical hazards are extremely uncommon.  The member should have adequate time to take precautionary and protective measures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in an emergency communications center. The work level can fluctuate from minimal to fast-paced and high volume. The employee deals with crisis situations that require them to quickly make major decisions involving people, resources, and property with frequently limited direction.

The Emergency Communications Specialist I Recruit may be asked to work scheduled shifts at any time of the day and on weekends and holidays. Must be able to cope in a safe manner with stressful situations, emotional callers, irate responders, and unprofessional contacts.  Members are required to stay calm during highly stressful situations while handling numerous tasks simultaneously.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for prolonged periods. The employee is regularly required to see, hear, talk, stand, twist and use repetitive motions in the conduct of work. The employee is also required to perform light lifting.

BIO-HAZARD NOTICE:

This position has been determined to be a MINIMAL exposure risk to "biohazards" including, but not limited to, viruses, toxins, and blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), HBV (hepatitis B virus), and air-borne transmissions of TB (tuberculosis).   Members are advised that exposure to a "biohazard" may result in severe illness and/or death.  Members are required by agency policy to use protective equipment and clothing.  Inoculation may be required to prevent and/or treat exposures to "biohazards".