Communications

DEPARTMENT: Communications

SALARY: Telecommunicator I  Grade 58                       Salary Range:  $17.2663 – $25.8996 /hourly  $35,913.80 – $53,871.22/annually

                    Telecommunicator II Grade 59                Salary Range:  $18.1296 – $27.1945 /hourly  $37,709.62 – $56,564.56/annually

OPENING DATE: June 4, 2024                                   “OPEN UNTIL FILED”  

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under general supervision of the Communications Supervisors, the purpose of the position is to receive emergency calls from citizens and to dispatch appropriate units for fire, rescue, local law enforcement agencies, and Duplin County Sheriff’s Office based on operating guidelines.  Employees in the classification perform skilled communications work.  Position is responsible for operating communications equipment; receiving calls and dispatching assistance; monitoring and responding to radio traffic; entering all complaints and dispositions into the computer system; and maintaining logs and records of communications activities.  Performs related work as requested.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS    

            The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.  It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Answers incoming emergency telephone calls and requests appropriate information.

Dispatches call to appropriate agencies based on determination made from information received and standard operating guidelines.

Monitors radio traffic for requests for assistance from responders and to document pertinent times of units responding.

Maintains call logs and records of radio traffic requesting assistance. Prepares criminal history requests for appropriate individuals.

Assigns and tracks incident numbers for fire and EMS. Transmits and receives information via DCI as needed for related agencies.

Appropriately files, retrieves, enters, modifies, clears, and cancels DCI records and documentation for law enforcement agencies with a valid service agreement. Maintain records to assist with confirming entries and computerized hits received for other agency entries with a valid DCI service agreement. Operates a computer terminal connected to a network which includes the Division of Criminal Information (DCI), the National Crime Information Center, and a variety of other local and state databases to retrieve and submit information.  Corresponds with local police departments, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies or public service jurisdictions through this system; processes and maintains records of information obtained.  Works with a variety of law enforcement agencies performing criminal history checks and providing driving histories, and vehicle registration information. Utilizes computerized data entry equipment and various windows based software programs. Relays problems and/or complaints to the Supervisor. Answers non-emergency calls for the Sheriff’s Office and the Water Department after regular business hours and when calls are transferred for relay purposes. Assists other counties with misrouted emergency calls.

Requests mutual aid from other county agencies as requested or needed based on standard operating guidelines.

Required to attend appropriate training classes deemed necessary for proficiencies in job performance. Required to work when notified and requested for emergency situations (employee shortages, inclement weather.)Requests Medical Examiners as needed or requested.

Utilizes schedules to make contact with appropriate agent/officer and to serve as the liaison to provide them information for the following agencies:   Mental Health Commitment Officers; Magistrates; Social Services; Department of Transportation, Narcotics; Detectives; East Pointe; Probation; Animal Control; Public School Bus; Fire Marshal; Forestry Service; Court Dates; and Emergency Management.

Advise officers of preplanned residential checks to be performed. Broadcast Weather Alerts and inclement weather conditions.

Broadcast road closing information, BOLO’s, weather alerts, fire ratings and conditions. Logs information received from Repossession Companies on repossessed vehicles. Contact Funeral Homes, according to rotation schedule, for transports of DOA.

Assist Solid Waste Officer by documenting complaints regarding illegal dumping.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members. Prepares various reports. Testing Satellite Phone as required by state regulation. Indexes CAD data and files.

Notifies appropriate agencies of hazardous road conditions. Assist in training new Telecommunicators. Makes service requests for needed repairs with communications equipment. Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED; 2 years of computerized data entry experience or secretarial/clerical work, fluent typing skills; and knowledge of windows based operating computer systems.  Must have excellent communications skills:  clear speaking voice and excellent hearing.  Must be able to obtain Telecommunicator Certification within 1 year.   Knowledge of the geographical layout and county road name system for Duplin County is preferable.

In accordance with the county’s drug free workplace policy, employees will be subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of valid drivers’ license issued by the State of North Carolina. Must be able to obtain DCI Certification in General Inquiries (Module 1), Criminal Records (Module 2), DCIN/NCIC File Transactions (Module 3) within 120 days. DCI Certifications in Modules 1-3 must be maintained throughout employment. Must be able to obtain to obtain DCI Certification for Protective Orders as deemed necessary. Must be able to obtain Telecommunicator Certification. Must have the ability to be able to multi-task: answer phones, monitor radio traffic and know where units are located, and document information at the same time. In accordance with the county’s drug free workplace policy, employees will be subject to pre-employment and random drug screenings. The successful candidate should be able to pass a thorough background investigation, be of sound moral character, and possess a strong work ethic. ADMINISTERING THE CLASS
Telecommunicator I – An individual with less than one year of experience and has not yet passed fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement dispatch training tests or received DCI certifications. Telecommunicator II – An individual who has passed three phases of testing for fire, EMS, and law enforcement and who has attained DCI certification for General Inquiries; Criminal Records, and DCIN/NCIC File transaction

DEPARTMENT: Communications

SALARY: Grade 65                                                                      Salary Range $24.2954 – $36.4433  hourly $50,534.38 – $75,801.96 annually

OPENING DATE: November 29, 2023                                                      “OPEN UNTIL FILLED”

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under direction of the Communications Director, the purpose of the position is to coordinate, implement, and maintain the operations of the Communications Dispatching Center.  Employees in this classification perform supervisory, technical, and administrative work.  Position is responsible for maintaining operations of dispatch center; scheduling and supervising work of Telecommunicators and Telecommunications Supervisors; assisting in implementing projects; preparing and maintaining a variety of records and reports; resolving E-911 telephone errors; assists with requests for documentation and recordings; and maintenance and repair of various equipment.  Performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Supervisor is responsible for managing all Communications personnel and insuring Telecommunicators and Telecommunications Supervisors have the appropriate training, skills, supplies and equipment to perform their assigned functions.  Supervisor will also be responsible for insuring all required forms, and reports are complete and accurate for each shift.  The Supervisor will be responsible for assisting in interviewing and recommending personnel as well as personnel actions relating to employees over who they have supervision.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of Communications operations.

Working knowledge of County Personnel Policy.

Working knowledge of all aspects of Communications procedures and requirements.

Knowledge of and the ability to enforce established Communications protocols.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing at all levels.

Ability to check and evaluate the work of Communications personnel to verify quality, standards of service, and compliance of all protocols and DCI regulation requirements.

Ability to plan and establish goals, set priorities and deadlines, and determine what equipment and other resources are needed to meet goals of the Communications Center.

Ability to review records and performance of staff for evaluation of compliance with standards, policies, procedures, and objectives.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.  It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Checking and testing operations of all radio transmitters, generators, and UPS systems. Assist Director with daily functions as requested. Train 911 staff on new policies and procedures or revisions to existing policies and procedures.

Recommends appropriate changes to departmental policies and procedures and refines work processes involving training and certifications. Operates and assist in maintaining software and hardware for dispatch center that includes, but not limited to:  radio consoles, CAD and DCI terminals, main recording system and IPM,

Positron Equipment, telephone peripheral equipment, satellite phone, Radar Net, CAD Mapper, etc.

Assist SBI auditor regarding normal audit procedures and infractions that are reported or identified.

Assist with Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during disasters.

Works with county programmers to develop computer programs to enhance the Communications Department.

Investigates and apprises Communication Director of problems and/or complaints that could have a negative impact on the department. Plans schedule for training requirements in reference to Communications.

Maintains records, DCI documentation, and other various documentation.

Oversees departmental compliancy with DCI regulations, for entries and inquiries into the state and national DCI system made by certified DCI operators within the Communications. Communicate with wired and wireless telephone companies to resolve PSAP inquiries and selective routing issues. Maintain reports and records for response units and departments.

Produce monthly reports to update management and employees of current and upcoming projects.

Work with outside contractors to improve 911 service capabilities.

Assist Communication contractors by bringing CAD System back on line.

Works as requested during emergency weather conditions as directed.

Reviews and processes requests from the public, emergency responding agencies, Social Services, and other appropriate persons for CAD records and recordings according to allowances by NCGS.

Checks to ensure recorder is working appropriately.

Attend training classes as needed or requested. Back up data files.

Consulting with emergency response departments and agencies within the county (volunteer Fire, EMS, and First Responder Depts., EMS Dept., Fire Marshal’s Office, Police Depts., and the Sheriff’s Office) and with NCDOI in determining appropriate protocols for emergency situations

Develops, updates, and implements procedures and guidelines for call taking, dispatching, and documenting emergency call, response, and follow-up information.  (consulting with fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement responders and implementing state requirements) Assist when needed on scheduling non-emergency EMS transports.

Maintains contact information and on call calendars for various agencies (Magistrates Office, Detectives, Narcotics, Mental Health, Probation, Animal Control, Water Department, Social Services, Fire Marshal’s Office, Board of Education, etc…) for services and problems that occur after departmental operating hours and for offices that are not staffed until a request is received pertaining to their services.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Two year degree in business administration or related field with training in windows driven software, supplemented by five (5) years previous 911 dispatching experience that includes communications radio operations for fire, EMS, and law enforcement; two (2) years of supervisory experience; fluent typing skills; excellent communications skills; preferred experience with mapping software program; knowledge of geographical layout and county road name system for Duplin County.  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of valid drivers’ license issued by the State of North Carolina.  Must obtain DCI Certification in General Inquiries (Module 1), Criminal Records (Module 2), DCIN/NCIC File Transactions (Module 3), and Protection Orders (Module 6).  DCI Certifications must be maintained throughout employment.  Must be able to obtain and maintain EMD certification. Must have Telecommunicator Certification.  Must be willing and able to serve as TAC or Asst. TAC as directed.  In accordance with the county’s drug free workplace policy, employees will be subject to pre-employment and random drug screenings.  The successful candidate should be able to pass thorough background investigation, be of sound moral character, and possess a strong work ethic. Additional Requirements:  This is an “On Call” position and the successful candidate must be a resident of Duplin County. Equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered.