Communications Operator

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 our personnel policies. A positive pre-employment drug test will also disqualify a candidate for hire.

Responsibilities

• Receives incoming calls to the communications center including emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Prioritizes calls; obtains essential information; determines proper method of handling calls; and prepares records of calls and dispatch information.
• Provides assistance to the caller by working to keep caller calm, providing CPR and other medical instructions as appropriate, and providing other information regarding the arrival of assistance, safety issues, etc.
• Answers administrative phone lines for Crime Solvers, Criminal Investigation Division, Civil Process, Warrants Division, Sheriff’s Office, and Fire/Rescue after hours.
• Makes additional notifications as required during emergencies or disaster situations.
• Maintains records of calls and dispatching activities.
• Monitors various alarms to include County school system after hours and court system alarms after hours; ensures equipment’s readiness and functionality.
• Documents errors and performance problems with 911 system and other equipment; informs supervisor of problems with equipment and need for repair.
• Contacts wrecker services as appropriate.
• Maintains the County’s natural warning and alarm system.
• Creates and maintains VCIN/NCIC Records for wanted person, missing persons, stolen/missing articles, and maintaining protective orders.
• Researches past calls for deputies to help obtain essential information for current call/paperwork.
• Trains new operators as needed.
• Performs on-call duties for the Sheriff's Office Emergency Communications Division.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One to two years of experience as a receptionist in an environment with a high volume of calls and performing duties requiring typing or data entry.
• Average typing speed of 35 wpm.
• Must successfully pass a polygraph examination, background check, and drug screening.
• Must obtain DCJS certified Communications Basic Course within two years.
• Must obtain NCIC/VCIN certification, CPR certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch certification and Emergency Fire Dispatch certification.
• Must complete ICS-100, ICS-700, ICS-907, and AWR-160.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must not have been charged or convicted of any type of alcohol or drug-related driving offense.
• Must not have held an operator's license in another state.
• Must not have been convicted of driving while license was suspended or revoked.
• Must not have been convicted of any felony or domestic assault.
• Must not have used or possessed any illegal drugs in the past five years.
• Must not have been charged or convicted of any crimes of moral turpitude.

Skills

Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to remain calm under pressure, and proficiency in operating 911 and associated automated equipment.

Benefits

The County offers a variety of comprehensive and competitive benefit programs including 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, Retirement Plan, Deferred Compensation - 457 Plans, among others. Some benefits are exclusive to full-time employees.

Pay

Salary is commensurate on knowledge, skills, abilities and years of experience based on the Public Safety Step Pay Scale.

Schedule

This position is essential and applicants must be available to work Sunday through Saturday as needed.