Public Safety Telecommunicator

High School diploma or equivalency and demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Requires certification as a Division of Criminal Information computer operator or the ability to achieve certification within 45 days of employment. Some positions may require Basic Telecommunicator Certification in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Special Note: This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to identify essential work functions per ADA. Examples of competencies are primarily those of the majority of positions in this class, but may not be applicable to all positions. Ability to create and maintain collegial working relationships with customers and co-workers, contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment, and serve as a productive team member is expected in all positions.

The Appalachian Police Department ( APD) supports the university's academic mission by working in partnership with the campus community to prevent crime, solve problems and improve the quality of life on campus. The department's philosophy is one of proactive community engagement, collaboration and customer service, holding the safety and health of Appalachian's community members as its top priorities.

The Public Safety Telecommunicator is a critical role that serves as the vital communications link between the public needing assistance and emergency services response. Employees must be able to work independently in a high-stress environment while receiving and evaluating incoming emergency and administrative requests for emergency services, including but not limited to police, fire, and emergency medical services ( EMS); triaging those requests for service; providing guidance and assistance to the public in life-safety situations; and coordinating appropriate responses to high-risk, high-stress operations, with the objective of keeping all participants safe.

Duties & Responsibilities include:

Work Environment
* Work is performed in a police department communications center. The work level can fluctuate from minimal to fast-paced and high volume. The employee deals with crisis situations that require them to quickly make major decisions involving people, resources, and property with limited direction.
* The employee may be asked to work scheduled shifts at any time of the day and on holidays.
* Must be able to cope in a safe manner with stressful situations, emotional callers, irate responders and unprofessional contacts.

Call Taker
* Using training and policies to screen requests for emergency services; answering them professionally, recognizing if a call is received from telephone, text, video, or an automated data feed.
* Providing pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions to those requiring assistance during high-stress situations.
* Ascertaining incident information by obtaining and verifying caller information and location, determining the nature of the incident, and all available data including but not limited to automated data, social media information, text message, images or video and providing information to emergency services either verbally and/or digitally.

Dispatcher
* Using training and operational protocols to take appropriate action such as: relaying critical information, dispatching/initiating emergency response services, etc..
* Conducting health and safety status checks of responders and using other available technology to ensure the safety of on-scene responders.
* Documenting all incident activities thoroughly and accurately while maintaining awareness of scene activities.

Knowledge
* Working knowledge of Windows-based software and various other computerized electronic, telecommunications equipment

Skills
* Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively; relay details accurately; listen actively; think and act quickly
* Compile and analyze operational data and prepare and maintain accurate records
* Effectively interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds

Abilities
* Dependable, self-motivated and team-oriented
* Relentless problem solver
* Friendly and tactful personality
* Patient and resilient
* Stress tolerance and adaptability

Twelve-hour shifts, rotating four (4) days on and four (4) days off.
Work hours are 7am-7pm or 7pm-7am, depending on yearly shift bid.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Required documents to attach: