Emergency Telecommunicator

City of Allen
$24.04 - $33.10 Hourly
medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan
United States, Texas, Allen
Jan 06, 2025
Description HIRING RANGE: $24.04 - $27.96 Hourly FULL SALARY RANGE: $22.82 - $33.10 Hourly The City: With over 100,000 residents, the City of Allen is a dynamic and welcoming community. The City of Allen's strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions and quality of life makes it the ideal place to work, live, and play. The City of Allen has something to offer for everyone. The City's Mission, is "To achieve excellence in managing development of the community and in providing city services so that conditions of living and public confidence are continually enhanced". Our employees serve the citizens of Allen with the PRIDE values. We do *"Work that MATTERS!"* People First - Giving priority to others Respect - Treating others with courtesy and dignity Integrity - Serving with honesty, trust and hard work Deliver - Following through on commitments while exceeding expectations Excel - Creating an innovative and improving work environment The Communications Division is one of the most vital services for both our Police and Fire departments and also serves as the critical link between the citizens in need and responding personnel. Our Dispatchers receive and dispatch requests for Police, Fire, EMS and Animal Control emergency and non-emergency services and also provide Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) services. Essential Functions The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. Answers multi-line telephones for both emergency and non-emergency calls. Identifies the problem(s), reassures the victim or caller, gathers required information (nature, severity, location and status of emergency), and dispatches information and units. Upon receiving EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) certification, provides pre-arrival medical instructions to citizens on the telephone in life/death situations before paramedics arrive at the location; relays patient status and vitals to paramedics. Operates a multi-channel public safety radio system while simultaneously listening to and comprehends both telephone and radio traffic; receives and transmits pertinent information on all calls for services including those in progress and those involving other agencies; monitors activities of Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service personnel; maintains the location and call status of all emergency units during an assigned dispatch shift. Maintains records and data for items such as warrants, missing persons, stolen property and emergency protection orders by confirming information is correct, entering and modifying information in database and clearing information as applicable. Comprehends and applies city ordinances, city and departmental policies and procedures; operates computer terminals for specialized access with various automated data banks; simultaneously inputs, retrieves, and maintains information, reads from both computer screens and printouts; reads and interprets maps, charts, and other graphic material in print and computer format. Communicates with hearing/speech impaired citizens by operating a specialized T-D-D Provides assistance to residents and visitors by communicating and relaying messages, responding to requests for information, referring questions to the appropriate department or agency and interacting with citizens on a regular basis. Job Requirements Education & Experience High School Diploma or equivalent with no prior relevant work experience. Previous data entry and customer service experience is desired. Special Requirements: Must possess a valid Texas Class C driver's license. Must be able to accurately type 34 WPM, have the ability to perform data entry and operate computer equipment. Must be able to pass required pre-employment screenings, CJIS and fingerprint check, and have the ability to comply with state and federal requirements for Criminal Justice Information Security (Download PDF reader) standards. Please be aware that all qualified applicants will receive an email containing further instructions, including a Personal History Statement and Preliminary Questionnaire. Certifications: The Communications Division will provide opportunities for certification in the following areas as part of its initial training program, if not already obtained. Applicants must possess or have the ability to obtain the following certifications within the specified timeframes: TCOLE Basic Telecommunications Operator Certification within six (6) months from date of employment. TLETS Certification within one (1) year of employment. Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification within six (6) months from date of employment. TCIC/NCIC Certification within one (1) year of employment. TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) certification within one (1) year of employment. Physical Demands / Work Environment: Standard office environment. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Ability to sit for long periods. Ability to operate city or personal vehicle for business purposes. Desired Skills: Ability to listen and communicate effectively. Ability to evaluate a situation and determine the appropriate level of response needed. Ability to remain calm and function appropriately during stressful situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to successfully work in a multi-tasking environment with constantly changing priorities. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as needed. Supplemental Information THE ALLEN POLICE DEPARTMENT - HIRING PROCESS Thank you for your interest in the Allen Police Department. We look forward to having you participate in our application process. We hope the information below will give you a better understanding of our hiring process. The Communications Division is a 24 hour, 7 days per week operation. This requires our Telecommunicators to be available to work regular and irregular shift rotations which may include nights, evenings, weekends and holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing challenges. This position works in a secured area and requires individuals to work in a seated position for eight or more hours per day. Applicants are required to complete a Personal History Statement as well as an application to be able to advance in the hiring process. The application process may take several weeks. The most qualified applicants will advance through each phase of this process. Not every applicant will move forward. The application process is as follows: Apply Online Skills Tests & Assessment Submit a personal history statement and preliminary interview packet Preliminary interview Oral Board Polygraph Background Check Psychological Exam Drug Screen/Hearing Test/Vision Test Final interview with Chief of Police or his designee Due to the nature of this position, an extensive background investigation, polygraph and psychological examination will be conducted on final applicants. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of these steps. Falsifying or omitting information during any stage of the selection process will make you ineligible for employment. INELIGIBILITY AND DISQUALIFIERS LIST Below is a list of occurrences that may disqualify the applicant either permanently or make the applicant ineligible for hire for a specified period of time. These causes for disqualification are in accordance with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. These causes include, but are not limited to those listed below: INELIGIBILTY LIST 1. IS NOT A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES. The applicant will be considered ineligible until citizenship is obtained in accordance with state and federal laws. 2. HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF OR ADMITTED TO CONDUCT that constitutes a Class B misdemeanor under the Penal Code or equivalent under federal law, to include the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), within ten (10) years, will result in a temporary rejection. Crimes involving moral turpitude may result in permanent disqualification and will be considered on a case-by-case basis with appropriate consideration of circumstances. NOTE: For the purposes of item #2 mentioned above, a person is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime involving moral turpitude, if a court of competent jurisdiction enters an adjudication of guilt against the person, or a plea of guilty is entered by the person, under the laws of this or another state or the United States, regardless of whether: The sentence is subsequently probated and the person is discharged from probation or community supervision; Deferred adjudication is granted; The accusation, complaint, information, or indictment against the person is dismissed is released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense; or The person is pardoned for the offense unless the pardon is granted expressly for subsequent proof of innocence. 3. H AS BEEN CONVICTED OF OR ADMITTED TO CONDUCT which constitutes a class A misdemeanor or a felony under state or federal law, to include the UCMJ. Conviction of or admission to conduct that constitutes a class A misdemeanor or a felony will result in a permanent disqualification. An applicant will not be considered for employment while charges are pending for any criminal offense. 4. HAVING A CONVICTION FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DWI OR DUI) WITHIN TEN (10) YEARS PRECEDING THE DATE OF APPLICATION OR DURING THE HIRING PROCESS. This will result in a temporary disqualification until the ten-year time period has expired from the date of the conviction. 5. EVER BEEN OR CURRENTLY ON COURT-ORDERED COMMUNITY SUPERVISION OR PROBATION ABOVE THE GRADE OF A CLASS B MISDEMEANOR OR A CLASS B MISDEMEANOR WITHIN THE LAST 10 YEARS. This will result in a temporary disqualification until the ten-year time period has expired from the date of the court order. 6. HAS FAILED TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR ABILITY TO READ, WRITE AND FLUENTLY SPEAK THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. The applicant will be ineligible until the deficiency is corrected. 7. IS UNABLE TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION TO WHICH HE/SHE SEEKS APPOINTMENT, WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION. The applicant will be ineligible until he/she is able to perform the essential job functions. 8. IS UNABLE TO OBTAIN A TEXAS DRIVERS LICENSE WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TIME REQUIRED BY THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE. The applicant will be ineligible until he/she is able to obtain a Texas Driver's License. DISQUALIFIERS LIST Subject to final interpretation by the Chief of Police or his designee any of the following categories can be used as guidelines for temporary or permanent disqualification. 1. HAS USED ILLICIT SUBSTANCES AS INDICATED IN THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES: Applicants will be temporarily disqualified when they have admitted to conduct which constitutes illegal use of marijuana, or any derivative during the last three (3) years. Applicants, who admit to conduct which constitutes abuse of legally obtained prescription medication(s), or illegal use of prescription medication(s) of another person, may be temporarily or permanently disqualified. Conduct involving the abuse and/or misuse of prescription medication(s) will be considered on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to circumstances. Applicants will be permanently disqualified for unlawfully possessing, or using any controlled substance listed in the Texas controlled Substance Act, felony level drugs (example: cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine). This includes the use of THC oil/vaping products. If an applicant has used or possessed any felony level drug or any controlled substance listed in the Texas controlled Substance Act prior to their 25th birthday, they must wait 10 years from the last time used. For example, if you used cocaine when you were 20 years of age, you would need to wait until you were 30 years of age to apply. Applicants will be disqualified for any history of inhaling any solvents, paints, or similar products over 17 years of age (once or twice as a juvenile will be accepted). Applicants who have used illegal anabolic steroids after 1991 will be disqualified. 2. APPLICANTS WILL BE TEMPORARILY DISQUALIFIED WHO HAVE VIOLATIONS EXCEEDING THREE (3) EVENTS (MOVING VIOLATIONS OR PREVENTABLE ACCIDENTS) IN THE PRECEDING THIRTY-SIX (36) MONTHS OR A RECKLESS DRIVING CONVICTION IN THE PRECEDING SIXTY (60) MONTHS. Lesser but more severe violations that tend to indicate driving habits that are not compatible with the operation of emergency vehicles and present potential liabilities to the City of Allen will be temporarily disqualified. Re-application will be permitted when the candidate can meet the above standards. 3. HAS BEEN DISMISSED OR RESIGNED IN LIEU OF DISMISSAL FROM ANY EMPLOYMENT FOR INEFFICIENCY, DELINQUENCY, OR MISCONDUCT. THIS WILL BE EVALUATED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. Disqualification under this provision will be considered permanent. Tattoo Policy: To view the entire tattoo policy, please go to our website. Tattoos can be visible on the arms but must be approved prior to wearing short sleeves. If the tattoo is not approved, long sleeves will be required. The covering of tattoos, body art, and branding through the use of covers, band-aids, or bandages are not allowed. You may not have tattoos on your hands, neck, face, or head.