Emergency Communications Director

View All

Posting Start Date

Posting End Date

Descriptions

The Emergency Communications Director oversees and directs the function and operations of the Emergency 911 Center.  The Director plays a critical role in coordinating emergency response operations, requiring thorough expertise in management and law enforcement practices.  The Director is responsible for the 911 center performance in receiving, recording and dispatching emergency and non-emergency messages for Dickinson County Law Enforcement, Police, Fire and EMS.  The employee in this position is responsible for the operation of a 911 emergency system, dispatch radios and computers.  This role includes managing Communications Officers and Supervisors, ensuring effective process implementation.  This position is supervised by the County Administrator.

Requirements

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises employees in the Emergency Communications Department.  Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the County’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Comply with all countywide and departmental policies and procedures.
• Develop, implement and keep current departmental policies and procedures. 
• Respond to and attempt to resolve citizen complaints regarding emergency dispatch activities. 
• Conduct internal investigations regarding possible communications officer misconduct; make disciplinary recommendations to maintain accountability within the department.
• Possess a comprehensive ability to problem-solve, to include listening and responding to personnel matters, addressing concerns and complaints from emergency service agencies and citizens, and ensuring personnel receive adequate training for optimal performance.
• Lead and recommend the recruitment, testing, selection, and background investigations of communications officer candidates. 
• Manage communications center systems, maintaining equipment functionality and coordination with vendors.
• Inform and advise the County Administrator of any significant or unusual activities that occur within the Emergency Communications Center. 
• Evaluate individual training progress and work performance through the Quality Assurance program, providing personal observations, review of training reports, and observing the nature and amount of comments/complaints accumulated against an individual. 
• Investigate complaints about the public safety delivery process and implement recommendations for complaint resolution. 
• Investigate allegations of impropriety of telecommunications personnel and prepare reports documenting such. 
• Configure and administrator various computer systems within the center.
• Perform administrative tasks as assigned by the County Administrator.
• Demonstrate effective decision-making skills in the allocation of manpower, staffing needs, and managing fund allocations within the department’s budget constraints.
• Prepare and provide continuing education to existing staff.
• Assign or cover shifts to keep both dispatch positions manned at all times.
• Assist staff with interpretation of the policies and procedures and provide direction when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

 BEHAVIOR STANDARD

Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, co-workers and management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Strong and continuous ability to lead team members in a positive and productive manner.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in writing and maintaining clear and concise reports and business correspondence.
• Strong ability to maintain unbiased and professional communications with citizens and employees.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse teams, agencies and the public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using the English language.
• Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to multi-task.
• Exhibit a strong sense of self-motivation.
• In-depth understanding of Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Dispatch and Emergency Communications Center's policies and procedures. 
• Thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations and practices of the various emergency response agencies of Dickinson County.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, county, and city laws or ordinances. 
• Thorough knowledge of the practices governing the operation of a central communications facility. 
• Thorough knowledge of KCJIS/NCIC and FCC procedures and regulations. 
• Thorough knowledge of all equipment in the Communications Center and maintain a high degree of computer proficiency.
• In-depth knowledge of EMD protocols and procedures.
• Ability to develop long terms plans and programs and to evaluate work accomplishments.
• Knowledge of ADA regulations affecting employees and citizens of this agency’s jurisdiction (TDD).
• Comprehensive knowledge of the communications center’s specialized software and general office software.
• Continuous ability to organize and maintain work schedule for Communication Center staff
• Strong skills in organization and time management.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Ability to manage stress effectively and respond to emergencies calmly.
• Able to make independent decisions, use good judgment, accept results and receive constructive feedback in an appropriate positive manner.
• Able and willing to work with others toward achieving common goals.  Demonstrate understanding of the importance of teamwork.  Display positive attitude and support county policies and communicate properly.
• Maintain acceptable attendance and arrive and leave at the prescribed times.
• Dress and groom appropriately for the job.
• Keep work area neat and orderly.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be willing and able to work nights, weekends and holidays on an on-call basis, as necessary

Certificate Needed

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION

Must possess and maintain all required licenses and certifications for the position.

Must have 6+ years’ experience in emergency communications, including 3 or more years of supervisory and training experience.

Comprehensive understanding of federal, state and local emergency regulations.

Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well after six months in the position.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

CPR Certification

EMD Certification

NCIC Certification 

Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification

EMD Instructor Certification

TAC and LASO training

Benefits

BENEFITS

KPERS Retirement

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Deferred Compensation: KPERS457 & Nationwide

Supplemental Insurance Offered through: AFLAC or Guardian

Basic Term Life Insurance

11 Paid Holidays

Apply Here