APD - Communications Dispatcher I (D)

Position open until 2/4/2025

Salary: $44,302 annually

General Description and Classification Standards

Duties include but are not limited to receives and processes calls from the public in the 911 Center. Determines the nature and location of the emergency and passes information to the appropriate dispatcher for action (fire, police, other public safety). Provides information and instructions to the caller depending on the emergency circumstances. May remain in communication with the caller if needed for liaison. Keeps notes, recordings, records, etc. as required. 

Supervision Received

Works under direct supervision; follows standardized procedures and instructions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned. 

• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously; takes appropriate action when presented with a stressful life or death situation; remains calm under all circumstances. 
• Answers multiple telephone lines and calls for 911 services within the Atlanta Police Department jurisdiction and processes information for dispatching as required or transfers calls to appropriate agencies. 
• Communicates effectively and coherently with all callers to address public safety needs and provide responses as required. 
• Determines correct location and which units to dispatch on calls; confirms field units are responding as requested and in a timely manner. 
• Notifies agencies required to handle incident ambulance, fire, public utilities, etc. 
• Maintains contact with distressed callers until officers' arrival to assist; calms caller and takes control of conversation. 
• Works assigned shifts. 
• Contacts various utility companies to resolve problems such as gas detection, power failures, etc.; contacts telephone companies for assistance in obtaining address of distressed callers. 
• Notifies supervisor of critical situations and of problems with communications equipment. 
• Maintains current field and code manuals, policy and procedures, employee handbooks, various maps, etc., for reference and/or review. 
• May perform general administrative duties as replenishing various forms, making copies, forwarding information to various departments, performs other administrative clerical tasks assigned by supervisor. 
• Uses an operator's control console, automatic number and location identifier boxes and telephones when receiving emergency and non-emergency calls; operates call playback equipment recording all calls; may change recorder tape and clean the unit. 
• May operate telecommunications device for the deaf and various radio devices for communications. 
• Utilizes a computer, printer, etc., to enter, store and retrieve data, to type in/dispatch calls and to disseminate information to others on the system using knowledge of various software programs in an effective and efficient manner. 

Decision Making

Follows standardized procedures and written instructions; however, must make immediate decisions within protocol about the nature and severity of the emergency and effectively communicate that information to dispatchers. 

Leadership Provided

No formal leadership; may provide coaching to newer employees. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. This is not an exhaustive list. 

• Has general knowledge of use of telecommunications and data terminal systems; of fire, police, and emergency services organizations and services; of internal procedures. 
• Has general knowledge of the terminology, principles and methods utilized within the department. 
• Skill in effectively communicating and interacting with callers and with internal contacts (dispatchers, other jurisdictions) in stressful situations. 
• Ability to hear and understand spoken messages received over the telephone and radio. Ability to speak with a clear well-modulated voice. Ability to learn lists of numbered codes and associated signals. Ability to learn the geographical areas of the City. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. 
• Must be able to read, understand, and interpret reports and related materials and perform related work as related.
• Must be able to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors, officers, employees, members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of the City as they relate to the department. 
• Must be able to use independent judgment and discretion in the handling of emergency situations, determining, and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.