Communications Specialist Trainee

SUMMARY - This is an entry-level position involved in radio dispatching, operating City communication instruments and coordinating the City’s emergency communications system. The duties also include clerical work to support this function. Assignments are performed according to established policies and procedures under the supervision of an administrative superior or the officer in charge of the shift.

Individuals in this position are automatically promoted to Communications Specialist I after one year of satisfactory performance with no pending discipline and no serious disciplinary actions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Monitors radio transmissions, including maintaining contact with staff on patrol, providing assistance by contacting area police jurisdictions, fire, and other public safety agencies and units
• Gathers accurate information needed to assist callers and answering and forwarding administrative calls.
• Conserves the knowledge of location and availability of all field units, including maintaining a log of radio traffic, recording prison transports and assigning case numbers, recording warrant service information, noting abnormal occurrences, and recording requests for additional assistance.
• Retrieves information and criminal records from National Crime Information Center/ Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System (NCIC/MILES), including determining motor vehicle ownership, obtaining driver’s license status, determining record of stolen property, and checking reports of missing or runaway persons.
• Obtains case numbers for civil and warrant arrests, including civil services, warrants served, prisoner transport, and other types of case report numbers.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Maintains incident reports of complaints.
• Originates a variety of reports related to activities of the department.
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Willingly and cooperatively accepts other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES – None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – The minimum eligibility requirements for this position are as follows:

• MINIMUM AGE – 18 years
• EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE – Diploma from an accredited High School (or a GED certificate). One year of related experience in clerical, administrative, or dispatching duties preferred, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which meets the requirements of the duties and responsibilities.

• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS – Completion of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) command courses required by the City Office of Emergency Management within six (6) months of employment with the City.
• Computer Skills – Ability to operate a computer terminal or Personal Computer. Able to use typical word processing software such as Microsoft Word. Able to learn and apply other office software and automated office procedures. Able to type 25 words per minute and produce work that meets departmental formatting requirements.

  Able to understand the functions and properly use Computer Automated Dispatch Information Systems and Crime Management Systems, (CADIS/CMS), National Crime Information Center/ Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System (NCIC/MILES), Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) computer systems.

• OTHER – Must pass a written exam and an oral interview. Must undergo an extensive background investigation. Must have a satisfactory result on a physical examination and a psychological evaluation. Must have reliable transportation to work.

  MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREEN AND A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK.

   

  The City of Laurel is an Equal Opportunity Employer.