Emergency Communications Specialist (ECS) of the Bell County Communications Center

JOB DESCRIPTION

Emergency Communications Specialist (ECS) of the Bell County Communications Center Reports to: Asst. Team Leader Job Purpose The Emergency Communications Specialist serves the community as a member of the Public Safety team trained and organized to serve as the link between emergency calls for help, and the first response teams that provide the needed assistance. The Emergency Communications Specialist (ECS) answers 9-1-1 emergency calls, non-emergency calls and/or dispatch appropriate emergency responders for Law Enforcement, Fire Department and/or EMS agencies in Bell County. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service and simultaneously enters this • information into the computer using a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. Calms, negotiates, advises and provides instructions to callers to obtain accurate and • essential information necessary to establish priority and initiate a timely response to emergency calls. Dispatch law enforcement, fire, and medical units as appropriate via radio; anticipates • problems and responds to units as necessary. Relays information as it is received, entering in the appropriate databases and updates • responding units, with new information or instructions, including follow up and updated status, as appropriate. Searches data in local, state and national computerized databases including the National • Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC). Assists other team members as needed during periods of heavy communications traffic. • Attends shift meetings and /or debriefing before or after work as directed • Must be reliable and dependable, reporting for work on a consistent and punctual basis. • Performs additional duties as assigned • Qualifications Knowledge of map reading techniques, including directions of travel and freeway access • Ability to condense and organize information received over the phone and radio into • readable, sensibly typed remarks in a timely manner Ability to make timely and appropriate decisions under emergent circumstances based on • technical standards, criteria and policies Ability to remember numerous details and quickly re-call essential information • Ability to consistently think clearly and respond quickly in a wide variety of emergency • situations Ability to speak English clearly, possess an excellent vocabulary and verbally • communicate rapidly Ability to deal effectively with people in a multi-cultural society under extremely • stressful situations Ability to quickly perform multiple time-sensitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy • Ability to type 40 words per minute while conversing with callers • Ability to articulate in a clear, concise manner, disseminating complete and accurate • information in a logical and timely basis both orally and in writing Adequate hearing and visual acuity to successfully perform the essential job requirements • Ability to work under stress; be a team player and establish good working relationships; • maintain self-control under stressful circumstances. Ability to discern several conversations simultaneously, disseminate appropriate • information, prioritize actions and respond in an effective manner

Minimum Qualifications/Education and Work Experience US Citizen • 18 years of age or older • Pass a Criminal Background check • Positive Work History • Working Conditions • While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit; engage in repetitive hand motion (typing); talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. • The ECS works in a 911 call center environment, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces. • The ECS position requires shift work.

Career Advancement Opportunities ECS 1 To be eligible for the ECS 1 position, an ECS trainee must complete the following; Complete 1 year of service, obtain TCOLE Basic proficiency certificate, able to work 2 • positions, Maintain attendance expectation and positive performance appraisals. • ECS 2 To be eligible for the ECS 2 position, an ECS 1 must complete the following; Complete 4 years of service, obtain TCOLE Intermediate proficiency certificate, and able • to work 5 positions. Accomplish milestones defined as ECS 1, • Maintain attendance expectations and positive performance appraisals. • ECS 2 is eligible for Assistant Team Lead • ECS 3 To be eligible for the ECS 3 position, an ECS 2 must complete the following; Complete 8 years of service and able to work 8 positions, • Accomplish milestones defined as ECS 2, • Maintain attendance expectations and positive performance appraisals. •