Call Taker

General Description

THIS IS NOT A CIVIL SERVICE POSITION. ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT

KIND OF WORK/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operates a single or multiple position phone equipment.
• Needs to be capable of working on a computer terminal.
• Receives information over the telephone from callers needing Police, Fire or EMS services, and types this information into a computer terminal.
• Must be capable of handling calls in rapid succession.
• Must have good phone etiquette.

Work Environment/Hours

• Work in an office-type setting in a climate controlled environment.
• Workdays consist of 8 1/2 hours per day, including a 30-minute lunch period and two 15-minute breaks, as approved by the Director of Communications.
• The Communications Section operates a 24-hours per day and 7-days per week.
• Work assignments are scheduled in shifts around the clock and throughout the typical Saturday/Sunday weekend.

Communications Skills

• Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Must also be able to communicate successfully with the public.
• Must be able to give and receive information accurately via telephone.

Equipment Used

• Specialized police computer terminal
• Personal computer
• Telephone equipment
• Fax machine
• Copy machine
• Other appropriate office machines

Physical Involvement

• Sit
• Stand
• Walk
• Move up to 10 pounds

Mental Involvement

• Understand and interpret written and verbal instructions from Supervisor
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Learn various computer software programs
• Perform work under time constraints set by Supervisor

Human Relations Involvement

• Work compatibly in-group settings
• Respond positively to supervision and accept suggestions for improvement

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Able to type 25 WPM
• Knowledge of Business English, spelling, and clerical office procedures
• Knowledge of computer applications, including Microsoft Word
• Knowledge of office machines operations, practices, and procedures

Desirable Qualifications

• Prior training/experience operating telephones with multiple, simultaneous incoming calls
• Cherish personality and professional manner when answering calls
• Self-motivated, confidential, and able to prioritize

Supplemental Information

• Filing: Applications are being accepted to fill five (5) vacancies in the Police Department. Apply at the Human Resources Department, 1801 Williams Blvd, 2nd Floor, Building C, Kenner, Louisiana, UNTIL NEED IS MET.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical benefits options are provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. Coverage is effective the first of the following month, following full-time employment. Dependent coverage is also available. The City of Kenner also offers voluntary insurance plans: Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Insurance Plans (Voluntary Life, Cancer, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Confinement, Long-Term Disability and Short-Term Disability).
• LIFE INSURANCE: All full-time employees are insured under a Group Life Insurance policy through Prudential Life Insurance Company. The coverage is one and half times the employee's salary, up to $300,000. The policy also provides a Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit. The premium cost is covered by the City of Kenner. Coverage is effective the first of the following month, following full time employment.
• Retirement System: The City of Kenner's regular full time employees are enrolled with the Municipal Employees Retirement System of Louisiana. Both the City of Kenner and the employee contribute the required percent to the system. The employee's contributions are kept on account and will be refunded, if the employees leaves employment before they are retirement eligible.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The City of Kenner currently participates in a 457 Plan with MassMutual. This is a voluntary investment program that the employees are allowed to participate in at a contribution rate of their choice (must be within the designated maximum and minimum limits, as set for by Plan Document). The City of Kenner does not contribute to the 457 Plan.
• HOLIDAYS: Sixteen paid official holidays are observed, plus any other holidays which may be declared by the Mayor.
• ANNUAL AND SICK LEAVE: Eligible Kenner employees earn annual leave and sick leave. Accrual of hours will increase based on the number of years of service.
• WORKING TEST PERIOD: Upon appointment to a position in the classified service, the employee shall serve a working test period of six (6) months, unless extended.
• EAP: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a program which provides a professional to help employees and their families to resolve problems. This service is 24 hrs. / 7 days per week, voluntary participation and confidential.