Telecommunicator job description

* Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Receives and records information, and requests for police/security services in a computerized database
* Dispatches field personnel according to need and priority of the service request
* Transmits and receives radio calls from field units via two-way radio. The ability to speak concisely and distinctly
* Coordinate and maintain effective communications between field units and neighboring law enforcement agencies
* Uses a computer-aided dispatch system to enter, research and retrieve information
* Monitor closed-circuit television, security, fire, and alarm systems
* React calmly, quickly, and decisively in emergencies to obtain, summarize and relay information both orally and in written form
* Must be able to follow oral and written instructions
* Demonstrate the ability to handle multiple tasks, working under stressful conditions. Activation of emergency procedures for evacuations or similar emergencies
* Operation of specialized communication networking computer terminal to access confidential and restricted law enforcement information
* Compile information from different sources to develop a daily briefing or a log that provides information to assist in the daily operations of the agency
* Run queries through Regional, State, and National Crime Information databases as requested by the district police personnel
* Notify outside emergency personnel of weather-related emergencies
* Enter information in the Automated Records Management System (ARMS) computer database
* Maintains confidentiality of information contained in source documents
* Performs all other tasks and duties as assigned
* High school diploma or equivalent
* One (1) year of experience taking public safety/emergency calls in a call center or relevant experience working in a dispatching environment
* Possess, or obtain within 6 months of employment, the Telecommunications Operator Certificate as issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), including TLETS/NLETS and TCIC/NCIC for Full Access Operators training as provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety
* Demonstrated ability to perform responsibilities with minimum supervision
* Demonstrated proficiency in the use of a person computer
* Demonstrated ability to recognize public safety hazards
* Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures manuals
* Demonstrated organizational, prioritization, effective telephone and communication skills, and interpersonal skills required to achieve the goals of the position
* Demonstrated ability to receive and give verbal instructions effectively
* Demonstrated ability to speak clearly and comprehensible
* Must be willing to undergo a criminal background check and drug screening
* Ability to communicate in English/Spanish preferred

Opportunity at a Glance

Join the Village of Orland Park's award winning Police Department as a Telecommunicator(Part-Time). The Police department is one of the most visible Village departments and works to keep the Orland Park community safe and oversees the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Key Responsibilities

As a Telecommunicator (Part-Time) you will be responsible for processing emergency and non-emergency requests for service of police, and transferring requests for fire or medical units to the appropriate jurisdiction. Responsibilities also include dispatching and communicating with emergency units including, police, ESDA, fire, and EMS as necessary, while performing reasonably complex clerical tasks such as filing, typing of records, logs, arrest cards or any other documents required by the department.

In addition this position will maintain awareness of field unit activities within the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system; communicate with field units via radio in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations; maintain status and location of units in the field; transmits orders and instructions, when necessary, from commanding officers; transmits information concerning hazardous street and weather conditions and other appropriate information.

Other duties include monitoring alarm systems, building security and security cameras; opening and closing gates and doors as requested by personnel; performing matron duty as needed and responding to public inquiries in a courteous and professional manner; resolving complaints in an efficient and timely manner; and greeting and providing information or services to visitors in the Police Facility lobby.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

High school diploma or GED along with a minimum of two (2) years of related dispatch experience is preferred (not required). Must have excellent oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to elicit information from anxious or/and irate callers. The ability to speak distinctly and effectively, multitask, maintain accuracy and confidentiality, exhibit solid interpersonal skills, and good judgment are also required. The ability to handle pressure and remain calm in emergency situations, read and understand written and verbal instructions, and the ability to make decisions consistent with department policy is also required. Proficient level of computer skill is required along with the ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.

Hours and shifts for this position will vary. You will be assigned to morning, afternoon, and overnight shifts as needed. Position includes working some weekends and holidays. Approximately 24-29 hours per week.

Compensation & Benefits

This position has mandatory IMRF benefits, and accrued leave benefits after five (5) years of service. Compensation is $21.00 to $23.51 per hour depending on experience/qualifications.


Employment TypePart-Time (20-29 hours)

Job LocationUS-IL-Orland Park

IMRF EligibileIMRF Eligible

CategoryProtective Services and Dispatch Operations

Salary$21.00 - $23.51, depending on experience, qualifications

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Serves as Rhode Island Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (RILETS) point of contact for state, process emergency and non-emergency requests for service/assistance, employing appropriate call screening protocols, relevant to RILETS, National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and/or law enforcement computerized systems obtained via RILETS to include, but not limited to Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, Rhode Island Criminal History (RICH), RI Department of Corrections; Responsible for interaction with sworn members and outside criminal justice agencies; Receives and answers questions and/or explains policy and procedures in an efficient, courteous, professional manner; Required to respond appropriately to requests for service ensuring timely and effective responses; Process requests to make determination whether to provide information or make referral; Performs administrative message switching between other agencies utilizing systems such as the Rhode Island Telecommunications System (RILETS) and National Law Enforcement Telecommunications (NLETS); Process and evaluate information received and sent from all available sources, and respond with appropriate communication; Conducts police computerized information systems queries, entries, modifications, supplemental, clears, cancels, hit confirmations, locates, etc.; Perform necessary equipment maintenance; Do other work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under minimal supervision with latitude to exercise independent judgement within parameters of agency policy, procedures and protocols; work is subject to review for conformance to prescribed procedures.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Usually none.

* Supports law enforcement operations and criminal investigation; Responds to incoming requests from sworn members via telephone, e-mail, radio or fax for data; Conduct research into secure and open-source law enforcement and information databases to acquire, analyze and route information to appropriate member(s); Engage in multiple methods of data treatment, such as collecting, organizing and validating raw data through analysis in order to provide informational packages and/or draw conclusions based on deductive and inductive reasoning to formulate recommendations on information obtained.
* Activate Alerts via alert portal and NLETS administrative broadcast; Alerts include AMBER Alert, Missing Senior Citizen Alert,
* Reviews communications via RILETS/NLETS for compliance with policies and procedures governing use of Rhode Island Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (RILETS), FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS).
* Process and researches questions from users regarding any problems that are encountered in the use of RILETS, NCIC, NLETS, ensuring agency policy, procedures and goals are met.
* Utilizes technology systems to access and retrieve information from assorted programs to include, but not limited to; Rhode Island Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (RILETS), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles System (RIMS), Rhode Island Criminal History System (RICH), Rhode Island Department of Corrections INFACTS or WINFACTS Systems, Rhode Island Sex Officer Registry Database (RISOR), and various Internet search sites dependent upon request for information received from Rhode Island State Police or other local, state or federal law enforcement agencies.
* State Police warrants, responsible for the entry and maintenance of accurate, timely and complete records into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and/or Rhode Island State Files (RISF); includes modifications, supplements, cancels, clears, validation of all records; verifying status with criminal justice agencies when requested via hit confirmation request or telephone.
* Process requests for RILETS password resets and disconnects.
* Perform all related duties as required for Parole Board Detention Warrants issued by Rhode Island Department of Corrections Parole Board to include; receipt of detention warrant and information sheet for wanted person; retrieving any/all available information on wanted person; NCIC entry, modification, supplemental, clear, cancel, hit confirmation and locate; RMS record; maintain file and current listing of all active Parole Board Detention warrants.
* Report technical problems to Technical Services.
* Perform all RILETS, NCIC, NLETS related functions for Rhode Island agencies when their system is out of service.
* Provide afterhours assistance to criminal justice agencies for Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles information and images, following strict protocols and procedures.
* Maintain a log of all requests received by a sworn member.
* Maintain a log of any/all assists provided to outside agencies to include but not limited to; obtaining information from assorted systems, NCIC transactions and records, Rhode Island State File (RISF) transactions and records, NLETS transactions and hit confirmation notifications reports.
* Monitor and test the National Alerting Warning Systems (NAWAS) for Federal and State warning points.
* Perform other tasks, as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other (KSAO):

Knowledge of acceptable call handling practices for call takers with an emphasis on professionalism and high level of customer service; familiarity with principles and practices of radio communications as well as the proper policies and procedures used in public safety communications with an emphasis on professionalism and high level of customer service; knowledge of a variety of software applications and technical equipment; the ability to organize and maintain files and records; ability to work effectively and calmly in a high stress environment; ability to utilize a great deal of discretion in handling confidential information; ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with Division Members and members of other criminal justice agencies; effective communication in both written and oral formats; ability to identify potential problems and initiate preventative measures; ability to problem solve independently and creatively, critically think, be an active listener, perform research, use sound, ethical judgement when making decisions; ability to multi-task efficiently and prioritize; detail-oriented; and other related KSAO's.

Education and Experience:

Education: Graduation from high school, including or supplemented by an introductory computer courses;

Experience: Such as may have been gained through employment in a responsible high call volume public-safety environment or other call-heavy telecommunications environment involving intense customer contact in a service delivery agency; computer proficiency in current applications and platforms including, keyboard/typing skills, is required.

Or, any combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

* Prior to appointment, candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Rhode Island State Police.
* Successful candidate must complete a probationary period of 130 working days.