Description
Under general supervision, receive requests for police, fire, and emergency medical services. Dispatch and deploy
public safety units and notify other support services.
Provide pre-arrival emergency medical instructions. Operate various telecommunications equipment. Prepare reports and maintain files.
Work a minimum of 80 hours a pay period unless otherwise pre-approved by the Communications Supervisor. This position functions at a high stress level and may deal with life-and-death situations. Applicants/employees must be able to multi-task, think clearly, and remain calm at all times. Perform other related duties as required.
The position is for the Night Watch from 7p-7a, with Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and every other Wednesday off. There will be several opportunities to work additional hours when applicable.
The hourly rate of pay is determined on the applicant's experience.
Requirements
JOB DESCRIPTON:
• Answer multi-line telephones including 9-1-1 lines.
• Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, verbally and in writing; includes speaking
distinctly, responding promptly, hearing efficiently to perform the essential functions necessary to protect
the safety of the public and responders.
• Communicate with hearing/speech-impaired citizens by operating specialized software.
• Perform multiple tasks at one time, e.g., talk on a phone and directly input data into a
computer.
• Simultaneously listen to and comprehend telephone, radio, and interoffice communications while
processing calls for service.
• Operate multi-channel public safety radio system, including interoperable communications with other
agencies.
• Correctly process and record requests for police and fire, utilizing direct entry into a computer-aided dispatch system or by following manual call processing procedures.
• Assign appropriate units; document all activity including location and status; quickly disseminate any
additional information.
• Document all activity, location, and status in the Computer-Aided Dispatch system for public safety
personnel; quickly and correctly disseminate any additional information.
• Read and accurately interpret electronic maps to locate, track, provide information to responders, and/or deploy
units.
• Operate computers and websites to access information requested by public safety personnel, the public, or
other City personnel, TCIC/NCIC, etc.
• Simultaneously input, retrieve, and maintain information, reading from both computer screens and
printouts, utilizing multiple keyboards.
• Work in a confined area for 8 to 12 hours for long periods of time entering data into various computer systems.
• Operate in low-light conditions, discerning distinct colors used by a computer-aided dispatch system, 9-1-1
telephone equipment, or other visual resources.
• Concentrate on assigned tasks through many distractions.
• Monitor and identify activations of various alarm systems, following defined department protocols.
• Operate safely a wide range of equipment, e.g., door monitors and locks, printers, voice recorders, intercoms,
alarm panels, weather monitoring devices, television monitors, copiers, document shredders, etc.
• Prepare traffic court files which includes processing bonds and collecting fines & fees.
• Comprehend and apply state laws, city ordinances, city and departmental policies and procedures.
• Attend training schools/seminars and other city related events.
• Maintain high level of confidentiality.
• Read and accurately interpret graphic material in print and computer formats.
• Read written materials prepared in handwritten and multi-font print formats.
• Must not pose a threat to the health/safety of self or others.
• Remain aware of the security of the Public Safety and immediately report any suspicious
persons/activities to a supervisor.
• Independently make and carry out effective and timely decisions.
• Competently perform under stress when confronted with emergency and critical situations.
• Perform a variety of tasks, transitioning quickly from one to another while maintaining
proficiency and composure.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR LICENSES:
High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate required. It is preferred to have a current CPR certification, EMD
Certification through International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), and a Texas Basic Telecommunications
certificate. Must pass a background investigation that meets all local, state, and federal requirements as well as to be
without felony convictions.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Must successfully complete all phases of training provided by the Southside Place Police Department and demonstrate
proficiency in each of the assigned areas: 911/Calltaker, Fire/EMS Records & Information (NCIC), and Police
dispatch. Must have acceptable working knowledge of computer operations, stressing accuracy and speed. Must be
able to: independently make and carry out effective and timely decisions; competently perform under stress when
confronted with emergency and critical situations; perform a variety of tasks, transitioning quickly from one to
another while maintaining proficiency and composure. Must be able to work without direct supervision.
CITY OF SOUTHSIDE PLACE
The City of Southside Place is located in south central part of Houston. Southside Place is a small bedroom community that has their own municipality. Southside Place provides services from Police and Fire to Public Works and City Parks. The city has a population of 2000 residents, and averages less than 1000 calls for service on any given month.
