Public Safety Telecommunicator

The Department of Police and Public Safety is responsible for: law enforcement, criminal investigations, parking enforcement, parking fine collection, emergency first response, community policing, security escorts, security surveys, motorist assists, educational presentations, and special event services, among other duties. The Communications Center supports ALL Police and Public Safety activity on a daily basis. The Communications Center receives emergency calls and general calls for service for the police department and the university in general, and dispatch appropriate resources for the requested service, complete detailed documentation for official record of service requests and dispatch response actions, and monitors officers' patrol activities for safety, back up and additional resources.

Positions assigned to this banded class perform technical communications work in support of public safety operations. Work involves receiving emergent and non- emergent calls, monitoring alarms, obtaining and relaying information, prioritizing calls/alarms and coordinating response procedures, dispatching appropriate public safety personnel, and maintaining public safety communications logs and databases. Employees are responsible for operating a host of complex telecommunications and computer equipment, including multi-line phone systems, multi-channel police consoles, Emergency notification equipment, records management databases and Division of Criminal Information terminals. Work requires knowledge of applicable Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations, an understanding of public safety operations, and skill in the operation of telecommunications technology. May require the ability to multi-task in high-stress situations. Maintains confidentiality and discretion in the course of conducting business; works individually and/or with others; and adapts to change and circumstances. May require shift, weekend, holiday and/or overtime work.

This office is operational 24/7. Telecommunicator's work 12 hour shifts. 5 shifts one week and 2 shifts the next week. Shifts are permanent. There are two shifts. Hours are 7am-7pm; 7pm-7am.
Shifts/hours are subject to change based on operational needs.

Positions assigned to this banded class perform technical communications work in support of public safety operations. Hired employees must maintain confidentiality and discretion in the course of conducting business; work individually and/or with others; and adapt to change and circumstances. May require shift, weekend, holiday and/or overtime work. May require the ability to multi-task in high-stress situations.
Primary call taker - Operates the telecommunications console, multi-line telephone and P25 radio equipment for the purpose of receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, as well as, reports of alarm activity from alarm monitoring agencies. Most frequently received calls are from the public requesting police, fire, medical or other emergency/nonemergency services. Accurately obtain and relay information. Solicit needed information from callers under stressful circumstances. Provide clear, accurate, timely, and thorough information to callers, as appropriate based on their emergency or request.
Dispatch officers and monitor activities of all field personnel - Determine the nature and location of an emergency and deploy police, fire, or emergency medical units as necessary; prioritize and dispatch first responders and backup units to emergency and nonemergency calls for service in accordance with established procedures. Maintain contact with all units on patrol or assignments while consistently disseminating information and updating their status/location. Conduct radio checks, identify the officer involved when the radio duress signal is activated, or make other inquiries as needed to ensure officer safety.
Record, log, retrieve, and compile information/databases - Insure all audio and digital recording and playback equipment is functional. Record all calls for service using a computer-aided dispatch system. Complete inquiries using the Division of Criminal Information terminal, P2P software, and any other mechanism provided in the Communications Center. Complete all reports requested dealing with the communications center databases. Prepare surveillance playback upon request of the Officer and other related data functions, as needed.
Conduct individual and mass emergency notifications - In emergency situations make timely notifications to designated UNCSA administrative staff or community members, as well as to the entire campus when needed. Use the UNCSA Outside Emergency Notification System, ALERT System, e-mail, phones, and other mechanisms according to procedure.
Other duties in support of the Police Department activity as assigned: clerical, receptionist, field a variety of general service information calls on behalf of the university, inputting facilities work orders, assisting with parking questions and decal distribution, driver verification checks, and more, etc.

High School diploma and sufficient experience to demonstrate ability to work under pressure. Additional Education and Experience will be necessary for progressive steps (Journey and Advanced). Requires certification as a Division of Criminal Information computer operator or the ability to achieve certification within 45 days of employment. May require Basic Telecommunicator Certification in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

DCI Certification
Experience as a police dispatcher
Basic Telecommunicator Certification

Ability to speak concisely and distinctly.
Ability to efficiently receive and transmit messages while working under pressure.
Ability to operate a CAD System, radio console, university computer programs, two-way radios, Access/Control Systems, DCI Console, Closed Circuit Camera System, and operate a multi-line phone system.

Knowledge - Technical
Ability to learn Federal Communications Commission ( FCC) rules and regulations pertaining to radio transmissions. Ability to learn departmental policies and procedures related to the answering, response, and dispatch of calls; ability to work under close supervision. Ability to learn to operate required telecommunications and information technology. Ability to learn the general operations and procedures of applicable state and local public safety organizations (including law enforcement agencies, fire and rescue, security, and other response units). Ability to learn the relevant infrastructure of the jurisdiction (e.g., roads, buildings, location of emergency response units). Ability to obtain Basic Telecommunicator certification and DCI certification. Ability to adapt to changes in telecommunications procedures and systems adopted by the department.
Communication - Oral
Ability to listen to and understand messages from callers. Ability to gather information. Ability to provide routine responses to callers according to prescribed guidelines. Ability to independently respond to non-emergent calls and requests for general information. Ability to speak calmly and concisely. Ability to learn to transmit radio messages using established protocols and procedures. Ability to acquire basic understanding of working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, law enforcement and emergency response personnel, and the general public.
Office/Telecommunications Technology
Ability to use the basic functionality of phone systems*, radios, consoles, alarm panels*, database/information systems, computer aided dispatch ( CAD) system, and related telecommunications equipment. Ability to learn to use one or more databases or information systems to input and access standard information according to procedures. Ability to key information accurately. Ability to obtain DCI certification.
Data/Information/Records Administration
Learns to use established logs and data systems, functions, and/or procedures. Enters routine information. Types reports using standard formats. May retrieve routine information.
Decision Making
Ability to learn to make quick, sound decisions based on incoming messages. Ability to recognize messages that have established precedents and limited impact. Ability to refer non-standard questions and problems to higher levels.

Displays organizational awareness and an understanding of the general operations and procedures of applicable federal, state and local public safety organizations. Applies thorough knowledge of telelcommunications, information technology, general operations and infrastructure. Thorough knowledge of campus/area layout.

Able to apply established formats. Ensure quality control of logs and data systems. Correctly uses input codes. Knowledge and understanding of filing and records systems. The ability to compile data and create
basic reports.

Expertly listens to callers. Applies independent judgment in responding to calls. Speaks clearly, calmly and distinctly. Effectively uses language and tone to
calm distressed callers and to provide aid and assistance via phone until help arrives. Uses established communication techniques such as codes and telecommunications language.

Demonstrates expertise in using equipment. Subject matter expert and fully functional in all applicable technology. Understands and applies features of programs and databases.

Accurately identifies problems, issues and possible solutions. Ability to provide immediate guidance and information in response to caller's needs. Understands when to refer emergent calls to 911 center.

This is a Subject to the State Personnel Act ( SHRA) position. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations will result in your application being rejected for the vacancy, and you will not be considered for the position. The UNCSA participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: suttonar@uncsa.edu