Communications Officer

Responsibilities

Serves as primary point of contact for reporting all 9-1-1 emergencies along with all non-emergency calls in the City of Colonial Heights.
Represents the City and Department in a professional manner and with a high level of customer service.
Provides information or directions to callers, police, fire & rescue/EMS and other public safety agencies, adhering to CHECC, Police, Sheriff, Fire & Rescue department policies and procedures governing the dissemination of information.
Operates a sophisticated work station comprised of multiple computer systems including 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency telephone system, geographical mapping tools (GIS and aerial photography), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and other repositories of critical information, etc. to answer, triage and process incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the general public or other public safety agencies for the protection of life and property.
During a life-threatening emergency, establishes communications with the caller, provide safety/life-saving instructions, and maintains control of the conversation until units arrive on the scene.
Interacts with callers who may be injured, distressed, distraught and/or emotional, and also public safety field personnel on the telephone and radio to accurately communicate information and instructions in all situations.
Gathers, classifies, and supplements pertinent information obtained from the caller and enters it into the CAD system, consistent with appropriate protocols.
Establishes communications with hearing impaired callers through the TTY application of the telephone system.
Enters and updates information in statewide and national databases and review for completeness and accuracy.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent with at least 3 years of experience.
• Be a US citizen.
• Have no felony convictions.
• Type 50 wpm.
• Be able to speak clearly.
• Have the ability to hear and make quick decisions while working in highly stressful situations.
• Must possess or obtain VCIN/NCIC Level A certification and maintain certification throughout employment.
• Must possess or obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and CPR/AED certifications, and maintain certifications throughout employment.
• Successfully pass all phases of our Communications Officer selection process, which will include a written test, panel interview, background investigation, proof of typing speed, medical and drug screening.
• Must be available to work 12-hour shifts, which includes any combination of days, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call, and required overtime.

Qualifications

• Must be able to make quick, independent decisions, to handle simultaneous tasks under pressure, to learn the geography and street systems of the City of Colonial Heights and neighboring jurisdictions, to speak distinctly on the telephone and radio and be able to accurately enter orally supplied information into a computer are important in this job.

Skills

• Quick decision-making skills.
• Customer service orientation.
• Ability to handle stress and pressure.
• Knowledge of GIS and aerial photography.
• Computer skills, particularly with CAD systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively on the telephone and radio.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Benefits

• Health Insurance – The Local Choice.
• Retirement - Virginia Retirement System (VRS).
• Paid Holiday Leave.
• Paid Vacation Leave.
• Paid Sick Leave.
• Compensatory Leave.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Critical Illness Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Disability.
• Whole Life Medical Bridge.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Pay

Annual Salary: $46,577 (Prior experience may be considered for final candidates).

Schedule

Must be available to work 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call, and required overtime.