Communications Officer

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Job Title: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Salary range: $19.15 - $22.00 /hour

Department: Miami Shores Police Department

Hours: Full-time

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Communications Supervisor, carries out two-way communications with law enforcement personnel. Work primarily entails screening and relaying routine and emergency telephone requests for police services to police personnel in the field.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Receives, processes and routes emergency and non-emergency calls for service via electronic telephone system, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software and/or emergency medical dispatch (EMD) software; creates digital and/or written reports or lists and logs information based on the call received;
• Determines nature, priority and location of calls and dispatches units accordingly; relays and remains abreast of call-related information such as the presence of suspect(s) on scene, traffic conditions, road closures, environmental conditions or any other factors which may affect officers’ response strategy;
• Maintains awareness of field units’ activities within CAD system, and maintains status and location of units on patrol; conducts periodic officer-safety checks during emergency or high-stress incidents; relays information to and processes requests from police personnel regarding resources and/or equipment needs including, but not limited to taxis, tow trucks, alarm monitoring companies, vendors, medical and/or hospital personnel, school officials, traffic engineering, various Village personnel and other resources, as deemed necessary;
• Utilizes dedicated desktop computer to enter, cancel, modify and/or clear Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) records; performs computerized checks to obtain status of vehicle registrations, missing persons, stolen property, warrants, writs of bodily attachment and other information; receives and/or sends electronic administrative messages to other agencies in a timely manner;
• Receives and relays Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), criminal and other sensitive or critical information via multi-channel radio system; relays be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) information to Department patrol units and those at other agencies;
• Interacts with and fields complaints from the general public, Department and Village personnel, members of the public safety community and other government entities; provides assistance, information and directions to non-emergency callers in a courteous and timely manner;
• Receives and documents calls from Department personnel advising of absence due to use of sick leave; maintains employee sick log and make timely notifications of absences to appropriate supervisory staff;
• Monitors Department surveillance video system for overall building security; monitors video feeds of holding cells for conduct, medical needs and overall welfare of arrestees;
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

NOTE: The examples of essential functions as listed in this job description are not necessarily all inclusive. The omission of an essential function of work does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. Employee may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have the legal right to work in the United States;
• Possess, or be eligible to obtain, a valid Florida driver license and have an acceptable driving record;
• Have never been convicted of a felony;
• Have never been convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
• Have received an honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States.

Training and Experience:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalency from a recognized institution; AND
• Must be able to type 30 wpm with accuracy; and
• Possess or be able to obtain Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Certification within 120 days of assignment;

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of terminology associated with law enforcement and/or public safety environment;
• Knowledge of radio transmitting techniques and procedures pertaining to dispatch of mobile law enforcement units;
• Knowledge of roadways and jurisdictional boundaries of the Village of Miami Shores and Miami-Dade County;
• Knowledge of Village policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including in the use of general office equipment;
• Knowledge of data entry and retrieval methods;
• Skill in computer use and software literacy;
• Skill in both written and verbal communication;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work; ability to react quickly, but calmly, especially during high priority and/or emergency situations;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and exempt criminal justice information;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to follow verbal and written instructions;
• Ability to interact with Village staff and the general public in a courteous manner;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and peers.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Skill in operating the tools and equipment required including desktop computer, computerized telephone switchboard, multi-channel radio systems, multi-channel video surveillance cameras, intercom, and other equipment, as may be required;

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work for this position is performed in the Communications Center with rare exposure to disagreeable environmental factors. Noise levels within the Communications Center can range from very quiet to moderately loud due to increased radio and/or telephone traffic. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Speak, understand, read and write English;

• Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work;

• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull or carry objects of moderate weight (up to 25 lbs.);

• Stand, walk, balance, stoop, twist, kneel, crouch, reach, as necessary;

• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate and/or utilize standard equipment;

• Frequently sitting for extended periods of time at a computer workstation;

• Visual acuity for reviewing, preparing and maintaining written documents and digital files;

• Hear sufficiently to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Communications Officer must maintain professionalism, courtesy, and composure at all times, including emergency and high-stress situations. The position entails shift work, allowing for 24-hour coverage.

Essential employees may be required to work during a declared emergency. The employee’s Department Head will determine who will be required to work.

Miami Shores Village is a drug free workplace. Miami Shores Village complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Miami Shores Village is an equal opportunity employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.15 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Typing: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

Miami Shores, FL 33138: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person