Telecommunicator/Dispatcher

Job Title                      Telecommunicator/Dispatcher

Reports To               Sergeant

TELECOMMUNICATOR/DISPATCHER’s role within the big picture of the City’s overall success.

A Telecommunicator/Dispatcher is responsible for receiving and handling emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching appropriate public safety services, and providing life-saving instructions until help arrives. This role requires quick decision-making, clear communication, and the ability to multitask in high-stress situations. Additional responsibilities include clerical and administrative tasks, such as data entry into LEADS, warrant processing, and maintaining police department records.

Education and Experience – An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

Education                    High School Diploma_GED

Experience                  No previous relevant work experience is required.

Certifications              Driver's License, CPR certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch certification, IDPH license, VESTA Agent Training, and 80-hour Basic Telecommunicator Academy are required and must be obtained within the designated training period after hire.

Licensing                   

Residency                   Employees may establish & maintain their principal residence in Illinois: Madison County, Jersey County, St. Clair County, Macoupin County, Missouri: St. Louis County, St. Charles County

TELECOMMUNICATOR/DISPATCHER functions include but are not limited to the following.

Answer Emergency and Non-Emergency Calls for Service:

• Receive calls, assess urgency, provide pre-arrival instructions, and dispatch appropriate emergency services, including police, fire, and/or EMS.

Enter and Manage Calls for Service in the CAD System:

• Accurately document incidents in the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and maintain communication with officers via radio.

Prioritize Calls and Relay Updates to Emergency Responders:

• Assess call priority and relay real-time updates to first responders to ensure situational awareness.

Use LEADS System for Warrant and Records Checks:

• Perform vehicle and pedestrian checks using LEADS, confirm hits, and conduct criminal history searches.

Monitor Citywide License Plate Readers (LPRs) and Surveillance Cameras:

• Track alerts, validate hotlist entries, and disseminate critical vehicle information to officers.

Process Warrants and Other Clerical Duties:

• Enter and remove warrants, update sex offender files, process abandoned vehicles, and complete monthly record validations.

The individual in this role is expected to contribute to the team's efforts by completing other related tasks as needed.

Success Framework. The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities have been identified by our team as building blocks towards efficiency and effectiveness in this role.

• Knowledge of emergency communication systems and procedures.


• Knowledge of police terminology, codes, and LEADS protocols.


• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations regarding records and warrants.


• Skill in typing and data entry with accuracy and speed.


• Skill in prioritizing multiple calls and managing stress in crisis situations.


• Skill in operating CAD systems, LEADS terminals, and radio communication equipment.


• Ability to communicate clearly and calmly under pressure.


• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.


• Ability to multitask and make decisions quickly in emergency situations.
  

Equipment and Tools commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

Microsoft Office 365, LEADS, REJIS, ProQa Software, Vesta 911 equipment, Multiple Police Radios.

Work Environment or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• May occasionally be exposed to uncomfortable temperatures, humidity, noise, chemicals/gases, contagious diseases, airborne particles/pathogens, and/or physical trauma.
  

* Physical Abilities. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Work requires the ability to sit, stand, walk for extended periods of time.


• Work requires the ability to complete repetitive wrist, hand, and/or fine motor movement.


• Work requires the ability to grasp, pull, push, and reach.


• Work requires the ability to talk, hear, listen, and comprehend.
  


• Work requires visual acuity of 20 feet or more, visual acuity of 20 inches or less, three dimensional vision, precise hand/eye coordination, the ability to identify and distinguish colors.


• Must be able to lift up to 5


• Work requires the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.

*The City of Alton offers reasonable accommodation in the hiring and employment process for individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, and employees may be required to comply with the changes.