Communications Officer

About the role

Spotsylvania County is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employees are prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, possessing, or using controlled substances such as marijuana. A positive drug test result, confirmed use or impairment, can be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination in accordance with personnel policies. A positive pre-employment drug test will also disqualify a candidate for hire.

Responsibilities

• Receives and prioritizes non-emergency and E911 calls from the public for law enforcement, fire, rescue, and other emergency services.
• Dispatches emergency personnel and public safety officials to emergency situations throughout the County.
• Receives incoming phone calls to the communications center including emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Operates a variety of emergency service communications systems; utilizes two-way radio system in accordance with federal and state laws and guidelines.
• Maintains records of calls; logs all dispatches, recording time of call and dispatch, dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests; maintains confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations.
• Communicates with a variety of public safety officials and personnel, medical personnel, and the media.
• Maintains records of calls; logs all dispatches, recording time of call and dispatch, dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests; maintains confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations.
• Verifies warrants and accesses computer to provide information to law enforcement personnel; enters information on stolen property and missing persons in national and state computer; transmits computer responses on all hit confirmations.
• Answers administrative telephone lines for Crime Solvers, Criminal Investigative Division, Civil Process, Warrants Division, Sheriff's Office, and Fire/Rescue after hours.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by computer keyboard training.
• Served a minimum of one (1) year as a Communications Operator and six (6) months as a released operator and/or commensurate dispatch experience with an outside E911 agency.
• Valid certification in the following courses: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) communications Basic course and/or Emergency communications dispatch Course, Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Crime Information Center (VCIN/NCIC), and CPR certification.
• Minimum typing speed of 35 wpm.
• Successfully passed a polygraph examination, background check, and drug screening.

Qualifications

• Must have DCJS Certification as a Communications Officer within two years.
• Must have ICS-200 and ICS 800 within one (1) year.
• Must have successfully completed all on-the-job training standards.
• Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch certification and Emergency Fire Dispatch certification.

Skills

• Knowledge of Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) communications Basic course and/or Emergency communications dispatch Course.
• CPR certification.
• Ability to operate a variety of emergency service communications systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of public safety officials and personnel, medical personnel, and the media.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations.
• Ability to verify warrants and access computer to provide information to law enforcement personnel.
• Ability to transmit computer responses on all hit confirmations.
• Ability to answer administrative telephone lines for Crime Solvers, Criminal Investigative Division, Civil Process, Warrants Division, Sheriff's Office, and Fire/Rescue after hours.

Benefits

The County's variety of comprehensive and competitive benefit programs include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life Insurance Opt-Out Program
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Retail Plan
• Deferred Compensation - 457 Plans

Some benefits are exclusive to full-time employees. To learn more, please contact the Department of Human Resources.