Public Safety Dispatcher

About the role

The Public Safety Dispatcher's performs a variety of dispatch duties on behalf of the Texarkana TX Police and Fire Departments, Texarkana, AR Police and Fire Departments, Bowie County Sherriff’s Office, and other agencies along with the Fire Departments. The Public Safety Dispatcher also provides for the delivery of emergency and non-emergency services to the public; prepares dispatch records and documentation; operates various types of telecommunications equipment; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Using the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, prepares, maintains, and submits various types of dispatch records and documentation.
• Maintains communication with field units; monitors the locations and safety of field personnel.
• Research and relays call information to responders.
• Performs driver license, vehicle registration, criminal background, warrant checks, and make entries; processes wrecker requests.
• Operates various types of telecommunications equipment, software programs and systems including TCIC, ACIC, NCIC, RMS, and CAD.
• Inputs updates and verifies the accuracy of information in the TCIC/ACIC/NCIC systems.
• Attends training and develops safety communications knowledge and skills along with continuing education.
• Maintains compliance with established Public Safety Communications policies and procedures.
• Answers overflow calls from the 911 Call Taker position.
• Performs Other Related Duties As Assigned Or Required.

Qualifications

• Necessary Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Must pass skill assessment.
• Ability to apply knowledge to solve problems.
• Familiarity with Windows-based computer systems.
• Operate multi-line phone system.
• Able to multi-task.
• Able to communicate effectively and calmly during stressful situations.
• Able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language fluently.
• Able to type 33 wpm (Tested).

Desired Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Able to work any shift, nights, days, weekends, holidays, rotating and frequent overtime.
• Able to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive law enforcement material and operational security.
• Able to pass skills testing, psychological exam, drug screen, background check.
• No experience is required as this is an entry-level position.

Tools and Equipment Used

• Two-way radio.
• Computer.
• Telephone.
• Audio headsets.

Physical Demands

• Sit.
• Talk.
• Hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment ranges from moderately quiet to moderately noisy.
• The City of Texarkana, Texas provides three weeks of paid vacation and three weeks of paid sick leave per year as well as 13 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement benefits are through the Texas Municipal Retirement System with the City contributing at a rate of 2 to 1 and the employee contributing 7% each paycheck to TMRS.
• Employees are vested after five years and may retire after either twenty years of service at any age or at age 60 as long as they are vested.
• Retirement benefits for the Fire Department are paid through the Firemen's Relief and Pension Fund and employees are eligible to retire after twenty years of employment.
• A voluntary 457 deferred compensation program through MissionSquare is also offered to all City employees.
• The City of Texarkana, Texas provides health, dental, and vision insurance to its employees at a minimal cost.
• Life insurance equal to one times your annual salary is offered at no cost to the employee with supplemental life and dependent life insurance also available but is paid by the employee.
• Insurance becomes effective the first of the month following thirty days of employment.