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DISPATCHER

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Atchison County Sheriff's Office
Department/Division: Communications Division
Reports to: Communications Director or Other Supervisor
Updated: May 23, 2023
Approved by: Sheriff Jack Laurie

 

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Communications Director and/or shift supervisor, this position receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public and dispatches the proper public safety agency to respond to each call. Operates computer systems, monitors and answers 9-1-1 and non-emergency phone lines. Responsible for maintaining accurate records and coordinates emergency services with other agencies and recording all calls into the computer system. Work is performed with a substantial degree of independence within the framework of prescribed policies and procedures that are predetermined by the Atchison County Sheriff and/or Communications Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:  Receives telephone and radio calls and other messages requiring action; analyzes and transmits appropriate information to EMS, Emergency Management, Fire, Law Enforcement, and other public safety personnel; monitors local and state public safety agencies frequencies; uses standard operation procedure in sending and receiving radio and telephone messages; handles 911 calls; monitors calls; receives emergency calls and dispatches appropriate units to handle emergencies; refers callers to other appropriate agencies; talks to persons in distress; operates NCIC computer terminal and auxiliary equipment, various warning systems, computer, fax machines, and a wide variety of office equipment in entering and retrieving data and maintaining files; provides public safety agency personnel with information; assists in the daily preparation and processing of a wide variety of reports and records; maintains radio log or recordings; performs records checks; maintains a variety of  files; storm siren activation and testing:prepares periodic reports; may assist and orient new communications officers.

OTHER DUTIES: Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES (Such knowledge can be learned on the job and should be able to perform the job reasonably well after six (6) months in the position;)

  • Knowledge of operations equipment including telephone system, radio dispatch system, computers, printers, fax, TDD phones, CAD system and recording systems; such knowledge can be learned on the job and should be able to perform the job reasonably well after six (6) months in the position;
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, covering the operation of radio transmitters and receivers in law enforcement work;
  • Knowledge of street and road systems and general geography of the County and the City of Atchison;
  • Knowledge of principles and procedures for providing internal and external customer service, including being communicative, informative, fair, honest and respectful;
  • Ability to conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those who they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties;
  • Skills in typing, computer, telephone systems and ability to type from clear copy at the minimum rate of 40 words/ minute;
  • Prioritizing work assignments, calls, and correspondence as well as determine what type of standards to use and implement;
  • Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal skills and customer services skills.
  • Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergencies and under stress;
  • Ability to perform sedentary work and life and carry up to 20 lbs.;
  • Ability to prioritize work assignments, calls, and correspondence
  • Possesses hand/eye/foot coordination adequate for operating keyboards, foot controls, and TDD;
  • Ability to sit, walk, twist, reach, pick, pinch, type and write;
  • Ability to see and read reports, records, and computer screens
  • Ability to think, speak, and communicate clearly and act quickly and make decisions in emergencies and under stress;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely;
  • Ability to utilize good judgement and recognize and protect confidential information;
  • Ability to operate radio equipment, computers and other related equipment;
  • Ability to gain proficient knowledge of the geography of the entire county;
  • Ability to multi-task;
  • Ability to work under stressful and unpleasant circumstances with minimum supervision;
  • Ability to control anger, maintain professional demeanor and to remain calm under stress;
  • Ability to understand and apply legal standards in performance of duties;
  • Ability to understand and apply departmental policies, orders, rules and regulations;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, partners, officers and all public safety personnel, as well as other county employees including administration, staff and other offices & departments;
  • Ability to adapt to different people, behavior and circumstances;
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays
  • Ability to work 12 hour rotating shifts

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or equivalent (GED); Experience involving contact with the public is desired.

SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS: Must be 18 years of age; must possess a valid driver's license; must meet or exceed the standards of the yearly evaluation; must be free of any criminal convictions of domestic violence, no adult felony convictions; must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening; must be able to pass the National Dispatcher Selection Test (NDST) with at least a 75%; Attain and maintain National Crime Information Center (NCIC) training certification and appropriate training and successfully complete a dispatcher training program;

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Classification - Quick View
FLSA: Non-Exempt
ADA: Applicable
FMLA: Eligible

 

The Atchison County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job. The roles, responsibilities, job functions, knowledge, skills and abilities set forth herein may be revised from time to time in order to comply with federal and state laws, departmental needs and the changing requirements for this position. The Atchison County Sheriff's Office maintains the ability and right to assign, reassign or eliminate the duties and responsibilities of this job either orally or in writing at any time.