Communications Officer

Job Description

We're still looking for the right candidate to join our team! Under general supervision, this position answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service, dispatches police, firefighting, medical, rescue, animal control, and/or other emergency equipment, by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer-aided dispatch systems and crime information databases.

We encourage qualified applicants to submit an application at: https://www.forneytx.gov/ and take advantage of this opportunity to join the City of Forney.

***PLEASE NOTE: Complete the Work History section in full, including all relevant past employment. Resumes may be attached to the application however will NOT be accepted in lieu of the official application form ***

Examples of Duties

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 incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and two-way radio transmissions; analyzes conflicting and/or limited location information to direct first responders to the emergency scene; projects positive support of the City organizations at all times.
• Interviews callers and analyzes details; prioritizes calls for service and determines appropriate personnel to respond; dispatches calls for service; relays pertinent information to first responders concisely; provides information and assistance to the public within the scope of authority.
• Gathers, analyzes, and reports critical call information to officers and firefighters; maintains status and awareness of Police and Fire units; continuously monitors radio and phone traffic and relays updated vital information to first responders.
• Performs inquiries and criminal history checks for officers through TCIC & NCIC; initiates inquiries to other agencies for warrant confirmations or general information.
• Enters data for records and reports; processes forms and record files; queries various specialized databases as required.
• Notifies supervisory personnel on critical incidents; follows all Department policies and procedures to ensure that first responder and citizen safety is the top priority.
• Maintains confidentiality as proscribed by legal statute, agency policy, or other governing directives.
• Search prisoners at the request of the arresting officer; monitor jail operations; maintain and update jail log; coordinate inmate packets; deliver meals, medication, and sanitary supplies to inmates; wash jail laundry as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: No direct supervision exercised.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a valid driver's license.
• High school graduation or equivalent
• At least 1 year of experience in a high-volume call center or 9-1-1 dispatch work environment; OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid Telecommunications Basic or Intermediate Operator Certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), or ability to earn certification within one (1) year of employment.

Special Requirements: Obtain TCIC/NCIC access and a CJIS Security Awareness certification within 6 months.

Preferences

The following Certifications are a PLUS:

• Communications Training Officer Certification
• Emergency Police Dispatcher Certification
• Crisis Communications Certification
• Active Shooter (Assailant) Training Course
• Monthly Continuing Education Certifications

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Medical Insurance

The city is self-insured and offers a choice of four medical plans through United Healthcare:

• $6,000 Deductible HSA Plan (up to a $3,000 HRA reimbursement + HSA City Contributions)
• $2,500 Deductible EPO Plan

Employee health coverage goes into effect the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates.

Dental Insurance

The city offers a dental plan through United Healthcare Dental:

• UHC DPPO

Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates.

Life Insurance

Basic group life insurance protection is provided to eligible full-time employees in the amount of two times the annual salary as recorded at the beginning of each year.

Voluntary products are also available to full-time employees and include supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, cancer insurance, and critical care.

Other City Paid Plans

• Teladoc -All full-time employees have access to TELADOC
• Short Term Disability - Provided to all full-time employees at no cost through NY Life.
• Long Term Disability - Provided to all full-time employees at no cost through NY Life.

All employees appointed to positions designated to work 1,000 hours or more per year must participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System. TMRS is a qualified tax deferred retirement plan under Section 401 of the IRS. Seven percent of gross earnings are deducted each payroll as a pre-tax deduction and deposited into the member account. When an employee becomes vested and retires, the city provides 2-to-1 matching contributions.

Additional Group Benefits

Other benefits are:

• Deferred Compensation plan
• Direct deposit
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Personal leave
• Sick leave
• Social Security
• Health Savings Account
• Employee Assistance Program