Dispatcher 1

Dispatcher PositionUnder the supervision of the Pottawatomie County Communication Supervisor, the Dispatcher is a non-exempt position under FLSA. This employee is responsible for directing officers to locations in need of assistance, advising officers of potentially dangerous situations, and helping the general public in times of crisis. Excellent interpersonal communications skills are required. Employee must be able to function calmly and effectively under severe stress.Essential FunctionsResponds to radio traffic and records transmissions;Answers incoming telephone inquiries and routes calls;Dispatches officers or appropriate assistance as needed;Operates National Crime Information Clearinghouse computer system;Monitors teletypes on weather, stolen vehicles, runaways, attempts to locate using databases;Provides accurate record keeping techniques;Greets public as they arrive;Maintains knowledge of warrants, civil papers and computer capabilities;Maintains location of officers at all times;Answers emergency 911 telephone calls;Dispatches ambulance, fire, rescue, and any other necessary emergency service;Activates tornado and emergency warning systems and alerts for the County.Performs Data EntryAdditional duties as assigned by the Communication SupervisorMarginal FunctionsAssists officers with case numbers;Assists Detention Officers as needed;Prepares shift logs daily;Performs data entry;Performs other duties as deemed necessary or assignedRequirementsExperience: This is an entry-level position. No previous experience is required. Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within six months of employment.Education: A high school diploma or GED is required. National Crime Information Clearinghouse, CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification is required.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The ability and willingness to learn about computers, county layout, typing, filing, record keeping, telephone etiquette and the ability to maintain confidentiality is required. The ability to operate a computer, typewriter, fax machine, two-way radio, recorder and photocopier is also required. Employee must possess a working knowledge of mathematics, federal, state, and local laws and ordinances and excellent communication skills. Employees must successfully complete a 6 month probationary training and assessment period from the date of promotion.Problem Solving: Problem solving is involved in this position. Problems this employee may encounter include dealing with computer malfunctions and inadequate coverage to respond to emergency calls.Decision Making: Employee must be able to make split second decisions to protect the life and safety of police officers as well as citizens of the community. Deciding what units to send to different locations and prioritizing calls is encountered regularly.Supervision: This position acts with Nequent supervision from the Pottawatomie County Communication Sergeant and performs no supervisory duties.Financial Accountability: Employee does not participate in the annual departmental budget process.Personal Relations: Daily contact with the general public, co-workers, supervisory personnel and the organization's governing body is expected.Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.