DISPATCHER - FULLTIME

Essential Functions

• Communications and Dispatch. The employee performs communications and dispatch duties to assist public safety personnel in the enforcement of law.
• Reports to supervisor for assigned duties and instructions.
• Makes daily checks for functionality of all communications, teletype, and computer equipment; constantly monitors fire alarms, and smoke detectors.
• Notifies Information Technology (IT) Technician regarding equipment failures; makes written report of failure and notifies supervisor.
• Maintains continuous contact with patrol units to monitor their locations; ensures units are not out of contact for extended periods of time; dispatches additional assistance as needed.
• Dispatches calls to patrol units.
• Notifies Police Chief and Lieutenant - Investigations of major crime alerts and those instances established by policy and departmental procedure.
• Maintains continuous contact with City jail personnel and ensures officers are not out of contact for extended periods of time; dispatches assistance as needed.
• Receives and dispatches appropriate response for automated and phone-in burglary calls; utilizes telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) equipment for deaf and handicapped callers.
• Maintains upkeep/housekeeping of the radio room.
• Ensures radio room is clean prior to change of shift.
• Cleans equipment as appropriate.
• Controls access to radio room and allows entry to authorized personnel only.
• Controls access of electronically/remote activated door security systems.

Non-Essential Functions

Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in customer service; experience in two-way communications is preferred; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job.
• Possess a current and valid driver’s license; must be insurable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Notary Public designation.
• Ability to complete Dispatcher training within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain NCIC and Alabama Communications and Operations Portal (AlaCOP) certifications within 180 days of employment.
• Ability to type a minimum of twenty-five (25) words per minute.
• Ability to work non-standard hours.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of City streets and numbers.
• Knowledge of the geographic layout of City and Baldwin County.
• Knowledge of the 911 telephone radio dispatch system.
• Knowledge of state and federal statutes.
• Knowledge of jail/detention facility procedures.
• Knowledge of proper dispatch techniques and procedures.
• Verbal skills to communicate factual information to co-workers, supervisors, general public, and court personnel.
• Reading skills to read and understand department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Writing skills to clearly, accurately, and neatly complete routine reports and other related paperwork.
• Math skills to perform basic calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
• Skills in effective phone etiquette.
• Ability to type, talk and listen effectively.
• Ability to read maps.
• Ability to operate modern computers and software.
• Ability to communicate with supervisor, co-workers, and the general public effectively.
• Ability to talk in a calm and reassuring voice.
• Ability to organize and multi-task.
• Ability to use standard office equipment and multi-line telephone.
• Ability to use a two-way radio.
• Ability to drive.

Physical Demands

The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts; driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

Work Environment

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, and residences or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Supplemental Information - Benefits

• Affordable Health Insurance
• Affordable Vision Insurance
• Affordable Dental Insurance
• Employer paid Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Symbol Health Solutions* Discounted membership at Fairhope Recreation & Fitness Center
• Discounted Quail Creek Green Fees
• Employer paid Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Dependent Care Account
• Retail Systems of Alabama (RSA)
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Vacation Time
• City approved paid Holidays