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CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

JOB TITLE:

911 Dispatcher

POSITION NUMBER(S):

2026

DEPARTMENT:

Police

GRADE:

507

DIVISION:

Emergency Services

FLSA STATUS:

Non-Exempt

SECTION/UNIT:

 

UNION ELIGIBLE:

No

REPORTS TO:

Communications Shift Supervisor

EEO CATEGORY:

Administrative Support

 

EPAS JOB FAMILY:

14

 

 

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job.  The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.  Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress.  Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

 

JOB OBJECTIVE:  To receive telephone calls for emergency services and to dispatch the appropriate emergency response unit to respond to the calls.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 

1.         Receives telephone calls for emergency or routine services; questions callers to obtain information required to dispatch emergency response units; enters emergency telephone call data into computer system for dispatch and connects call to appropriate department, service or agency; makes call-backs on abandoned 911 calls.

 

2.         Determines the appropriate emergency response unit by checking references; notifies the appropriate unit of the type of call, location and other available information.

 

3.         Provides additional information to field units dispatched to answer calls; monitors radio reports and requests for information or assistance from field units responding to calls.

 

4.         Operates a computer terminal and searches files to obtain information required by field units.

 

5.         Notifies other agencies of calls which may effect those agencies or require additional services; forwards routine calls to the proper City department or agency; notifies utility companies of situations which may involve disruption of service or utility equipment.

 

6.         Performs tests of radio and telephone equipment and emergency warning systems at assigned intervals; notifies supervisor and repair personnel of equipment malfunctions.

 

7.         Maintains and updates records regarding equipment tests, street closing, fire hydrants out of service and run books; notifies affected field units of street closings and hydrants out of service.

 

8.         Maintains officers’ fire and other responding units activities status at all times to ensure safety of personnel involved including working accidents, fires, hazardous incidents, and break-ins.

 

9.         Monitors multiple radio frequencies, National Weather Service Weather Alert Radio and assigned alarm systems; notifies appropriate City department of reports received and provides information to emergency response units.

 

10.       Receives and provides information regarding City services after regular business hours; notifies employees scheduled to be on call of situations requiring response.

 

11.       Operates a computer terminal to activate traffic signal override system to provide emergency units clearance on designated routes.

 

12.       Notifies Public Information personnel and members of the media of major fires and other emergency or routine events.

 

13.       Testifies in court regarding information reported over the telephone.

 

14.       Serves as backup to the Call Takers.

 

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1.         Drives mobile communications command post to site of major emergencies.

 

2.         Serves as backup to the Communications Shift Supervisors.

 

3.         Performs other related duties as required.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

 

Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.

 

Knowledge of data entry methods and techniques.

 

Knowledge of governmental regulations regarding radio operation.

 

Skill in the operation of a computer terminal, teletype equipment and a standard typewriter keyboard.

 

Skill in the operation of two-way radio equipment.

 

Ability to accurately record information received over the telephone.

 

Ability to testify in court regarding information received over the telephone.

 

Ability to answer questions and provide information to callers.

 

Ability to read and enter data into the computer system rapidly and accurately.

 

Ability to obtain critical information from citizens reporting emergency situations.

 

Ability to determine priority codes, procedures, and appropriate emergency response units by reading maps, run logs, technical manuals, and departmental procedures.

 

Ability to code information for entry into a computer system.

 

Ability to obtain critical information from citizens reporting emergency situations.

 

Ability to hear and speak in a clear, articulate manner.

 

Ability to maintain concentration on calls from citizens or radio messages to and from field units despite distractions caused by other calls or conversations.

 

Ability to determine priority codes, procedures, and appropriate emergency response units by reading maps, run logs, technical manuals, and departmental procedures.

 

Ability to maintain and update files and records.

 

Ability to complete report forms.

 

Ability to maintain calm in emergency situations.

 

These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through the completion of high school and one (1) year of experience in radio dispatching, including one (1) year of experience in the operation of computer equipment.  Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

Must be available for shift assignments which include evenings and weekend work.

 

Must possess Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Level 1, Basic Terminal Operator, and Level 2, Advanced Operator, certifications within one (1) year of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this position.

 


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

The physical activities marked below are representative of those that will be required on a regular basis  to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

 

YES

NO

work involves lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying 40 pounds or more

 

ü

work involves the operation of earth-moving equipment or commercial motor vehicles

 

ü

work involves the operation of non-commercial motor vehicles

 

ü

work involves the operation of tools such as axes, shovels, sling blades

 

ü

work involves the operation of motorized equipment such as chain saws, power saws, jackhammers, lawn mowers, tractors

 

ü

work involves stooping, bending, twisting, or reaching out in unusual positions

 

ü

work involves climbing or running

 

ü

works above ground or floor level, such as on stools or ladders

 

ü

works in a relatively high average degree of temperature over a long period of time

 

ü

work involves considerable physical exertion of the whole body over a long period of time

 

ü

work requires near vision (20 inches or less)

ü

 

work requires distance vision (20 feet or more)

ü

 

work involves detection of color differences

ü

 

work involves determination of the correct location of a sound, such as footsteps

 

ü

work involves hearing and understanding conversation or sounds

ü

 

 

 

reviewed:    April 2002

analyst:       PPW