Police Telecommunicator



Police Telecommunicator

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Clearwater, FL

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2022-00054

Department

Police Department

Division

POLICE DISPATCH

Opening Date

11/16/2021

Closing Date

10/4/2022 5:00 PM Eastern

THE CITY OF CLEARWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Position Description

Entry Salary -$37,012.30 Annually

Under general supervision, the Police Telecommunicator receive and takes both  emergency (including 911 and text-to-911) and non-emergency calls, inputs information into computerized systems and communicates information to emergency personnel in the field.  Coordinates the response of law enforcement officers to emergency and non-emergency situations. Manages the activities of numerous officers and prioritizes incidents in a stressful, fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Aides, assists, and coordinates the activities of police officers working incidents and situations within the City; answers 911 line, engages with citizens, and dispatches personnel where needed.
  • Answers and receives emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches calls for service based upon call prioritization; disseminates and communicates information to officers using a police radio and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
  • Monitors and manages officers location and status; checks locations officers are being sent to for cautions or hazards and advises officers; maintains  communication with officers while on calls to ensure safety and dispatches back-up officer(s) if needed or requested; provides assistance and support for officers in the field.
  • Answers, responds, and engages with various callers; gathers vital information for officers from callers in various stages of emotional distress; communicates with victims of crimes and maintains composure, tact, and professionalism when handling challenging situations and gathering critical information.
  • Provides professional and effective communication between multiple agencies in split jurisdiction situations; assists with information gathering and communication and facilitates teamwork.
  • Runs checks for warrants and other required information for field officers utilizing the FCIC/NCIC system; provides information on stolen vehicles, stolen articles, missing people and other field requests.
  • Contacts local, state, and national law enforcement agencies to provide or receive information.
  • May provide training for new Telecommunicator personnel; monitors training activities and tracks performance and evaluates skill; completes necessary paperwork to track training activities performed.
  • Riding and observing with patrol officers in accordance with current training procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:
A valid State driver’s license is required.
State Mandated 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Certification within a one-year period.
FCIC/NCIC Full Access Certification.
 
This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides:
Fax, copier, radio, phone, headset, personal computer & related software, and other equipment as assigned.
 
Employees selected for this position must meet FDLE guidelines in order to access sensitive and/or confidential information. Applicants with arrest histories for felonies or serious misdemeanors may be denied access to this information and as such, will not meet the minimum qualifications for a position with the City of Clearwater.
 
 
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate AND six (6) months of related work experience is preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
 

Supplemental Information

Knowledgeof  

  • Various computer programs and databases
  • Office practices, procedures, and equipment
  • Dispatching activities including radio communications
  • Police department practices and procedures
  • Florida Laws, City of Clearwater and Pinellas County ordinances, and regulations
  • Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records
  • General office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipment 
 
Skill in – 
  • Multitasking and handling intense or concerning situations
  • Understanding and applying laws
  • Prioritizing calls based on level of emergency
  • Reading maps and giving direction
  • Communicating effectively with police and other agencies
  • Completing tasks given both orally and in writing
  • Ability to type at least 35 words per minute
  • Training Telecommunicator personnel
  • Establishing and maintaining strong office relationships
  • Handling emergencies/stress/shifting priorities with tact and professionalism
  • FCIC/NCIC (full access within 6 months)
  • Operating multiple computers/software simultaneously
After a background review has been completed, those applicants that are selected will be required to set up a 2 hr. observation period in communications. Applicants wishing to further pursue this process with take the Criticall test at the conclusion of their observation. Applicants should allow 4 hours during this period to complete the process

FULL TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE:
Health and Wellness initiatives • 100% employee health care coverage • Option for dependent health care • Life Insurance • Optional Dental, Vision, AFLAC • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Retirement -General Employee Pension Plan • Voluntary Tax-deferred 457 Plan • Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Competitive Salaries • Tuition assistance • Training and development opportunities • Travel compensation • Military leave • Bereavement leave • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards
PART TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE:
Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Competitive hourly rates • Flexible schedules • Training and development opportunities • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards

SEASONAL, VARIABLE, TEMPORARY, EMERGENCY EMPLOYEES RECEIVE NO BENEFITS.

01
What is your highest level of education?
  • Masters Degree or higher
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Associates Degree
  • High School or GED
  • Less than HS
02
Do you possess of a valid State of Florida driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Do you have at least 6 months of related work experience?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Do you currently possess a FCIC/NCIC Full Access Certification?
  • Yes
  • No
05
For background screening purposes, please provide your State of Florida driver's license number and expiration date.

Required Question

Agency
City of Clearwater
Address
100 South Myrtle Avenue

Clearwater, Florida, 33756
Phone
727-562-4870 x0