COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
City of Altus - Altus, Oklahoma, United States, 73521![City of Altus](/api/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fgeneral-board-default.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdesk-360x180.webp&w=640&q=75&f=webp)
Work at City of Altus
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Overview
Location: Altus, OklahomaNATURE OF WORKThis job entails a myriad of responsibilities and skills. Dispatchers must be computer literate and versatile, working with three different computer systems. Dispatchers are required to handle heavy volumes of telephone and radio traffic, tracking numerous police officers assigned to the shift. They must screen calls and triage them as urgent, priority, or routine and deal with all law enforcement agencies via telephone, radio, and teletype system. Dispatchers will have to perform numerous tasks simultaneously, often under extreme urgency. They deal directly with the public at the front desk and must cope with extreme pressure while maintaining professionalism at all times. Organization is essential in this volatile and complex environment.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSReceives all incoming calls for the police department and 911 emergency calls; operates the switchboard for all City calls nights, weekends, and holidays.Operates the base radio and maintains contact with mobile units to dispatch public safety assistance where needed; monitors emergency telephones and hotlines from various law enforcement agencies.Evaluates all communications to determine if the situation is an emergency, a civil matter, or requires police or fire assistance; notifies backup units and arranges for emergency equipment as necessary.Operates in-house computer system to retrieve and document information related to officers available, calls received, warrants, tag, and license information.Monitors alarm systems and responds to malfunctions or activations; acts as desk clerk in the information center for the police department.Contacts wrecker units for service.Operates a teletypewriter to enter, update, and retrieve information relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, etc.Monitors garage, reception, and other areas.Occasionally dispatches for City electric and water crews on weekends, evenings, or during emergency call-outs; receives and logs payments for utilities when the utility office is closed.Responsible for all entries into the NCIC and OLETS computer networks; performs other duties as assigned.EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREDHigh school education or equivalent; general clerical work experience of approximately two years preferred. Must be bondable and able to touch type 25 WPM. Experience with computers and Windows-based software is required. Applicants may be required to rotate shifts to meet departmental needs and will undergo psychological evaluation using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory or the California Psychological Inventory.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESMust have successfully completed Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (OLETS) and be certified and licensed to use a teletypewriter prior to or within 1 year of employment; recertification is required every 2 years from OLETS. Knowledge of streets and geographic features in the community within 3 months is necessary. Must pass tests in radio broadcasting procedures, department policies, and law enforcement procedures within 4 months. Ability to perform general clerical skills, handle money, prepare receipts, and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of employees is essential.ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND SAFETY CONCERNSThis is an office environment with few hazards other than potential exposure to communicable diseases from clients visiting the police department.
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