Communications Officer - Public Safety

Job Summary

Responsible for receiving emergency, non-emergency and administrative calls and notifying and/or dispatching appropriate emergency responders. Performs inquiries and searches of multiple local, state, and national databases to provide information to law enforcement personnel. Serves as a Campus Security Authority as defined by Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).

Responsibilities

1. Receives emergency and non-emergency requests for public safety and non-public safety services
2. Provides dispatch services regarding incidents and requests public safety assistance via two-way radio and/or telephone
3. Requests additional resources (fire, emergency medical services, law enforcement, tow trucks, other University personnel or services) as needed
4. Monitors fire alarm system(s), video camera system(s) and incoming information/messages from government, private sector and non-profit sector sources
5. Broadcasts alerts to DPS/UP (Department of Public Safety/University Police) and campus community
6. Receives training and maintains applicable certifications in CPR, AED, first aid procedures, Georgia Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (GCIC/NCIC), Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST), National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS)

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent

Other Required Qualifications

Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment, certification as a Communications Officer through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council, in accordance with Georgia Code 35-8-23 and Chapter 464-14 of the Rules of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council

Required Experience

On-the-job training provided

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications

An undergraduate or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Preferred Experience

Previous experience working in Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

Able to work during inclement weather, 12-hour shifts and partial shifts, including periodic on-call
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
Able to maintain composure when talking to callers in crisis or emergency situations
Able to work under stressful conditions

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of NIMS and ICS systems
Knowledge of CPR, AED and first aid procedures

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite, video management software, computer-aided dispatch software and web-based applications)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette