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Dispatcher / Records Communication Aide II

City of Whitewater, Whitewater, WI, United States


Job Summary
Under general supervision of the Communications Coordinator, Shift Lieutenant, and the Support Services Manager, the Dispatcher/Records Communication Aide II handles daily operations in the Communications Center and is responsible for receiving and disseminating information on related police activities.

This individual should possess excellent communication skills, organizational abilities, multi-tasking capabilities, a high level of dedication, confidentiality, conscientiousness, and a thorough knowledge of policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Receive incoming calls from the public requesting emergency and non-emergency assistance and city services; achieve and maintain control of call and obtain information necessary to determine priority of response; dispatch appropriate units or provide appropriate information as required, while simultaneously maintaining radio contact with and the status of field unit. Identify the nature of report and proper agencies to respond (police, fire, rescue).

Prioritize calls for service and dispatch appropriate unit(s) to respond based upon incident criteria.

Maintain an accurate record of all complaints and resource units. Monitor unit activity for response and well being.

Operate radios in accordance with Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations.

Operate the TIME system in accordance with State and Federal guidelines to access DOT, CIB, and NCIC databases.

Assist general public as necessary at lobby window.

Serve as an information resource to the public. Relay requests for information through data and other sources.

Distribute various city and state forms to the general public (e.g. DOT, DNR, accident report forms).

Maintain station security by video monitors and speakers.

Operate radio and telephone recording play-back system.

Compile and distribute various daily and monthly reports.

Monitor building rescue assistance and fire alarms.

Maintain printers (E911, TIME, and departmental) in Communications Center.

Operate a variety of equipment as necessary to perform vehicle registration, criminal, warrant and driver’s license checks and provide officers with other information as requested.

Enter wanted persons, stolen vehicles and other information onto law enforcement information networks.

Send, receive and disperse information by computer, teletype, telephone or other methods.

Prepare, receive and process a variety of law enforcement records and reports; release requested records in conformance with department policies and procedures.

Perform typing and other general clerical functions as required.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Interpret various city ordinances and state statutes for the general public.

Attend dispatch meetings.

Participate in job related training sessions and seminars as assigned.

Refer media inquiries to the Deputy Chief until such time that a prepared press release is available to the communications center.

Notify the Communications Coordinator and Support Services Manager in writing of any needed repairs in the Communications Center.

Observe field operations of the department via the ride-a-long program.

Thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, rules and regulations, Mission and Values, which govern the operation of the Communications Center.

Qualifications
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or equivalent is required, with Associates degree or higher preferred.

Three (3) years of responsible related experience, or any equivalent combination of related education and experience, that provides requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.

Language Skills

Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, copy, record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, and categorize data.

Ability to advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as "code manuals, City ordinances, directories, State statutes, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence."

Ability to communicate orally and in writing with City personnel, Department personnel and City residents.

Good human relations skills.

Ability to speak clearly and concisely. Ability to hear and understand radio messages and signals.

Ability to retain a wide range of information and recall details from numerous informational resources.

Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to make mathematical calculations and to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports.

Ability to perform cashier duties accurately.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to exercise independent judgment in emergency and non-emergency situations in accordance with departmental rules and regulations.

Ability to cope with emergency situations calmly but effectively and to react quickly to secure accurate and precise information on the location, extent and nature of the emergency aid requests.

Ability to quickly make assessments of emergency and non-emergency situations, determine appropriate responses and act assertively; cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully.

Ability to work well under pressure and handle stressful situations, to organize work and set priorities, managing time and resources to meet deadlines and changing demands, independently perform duties with a minimum of supervision.

Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.

Equipment Operated

Phone system; desktop computer; copy machine; fax machine; base radio; 911 system, telecommunications device for the deaf; 10-key calculator.

Proficiency in typing, computers and electronic data processing.

Ability to operate telecommunications equipment and standard office equipment.

Operate and use all mechanical equipment used to support the dispatch function.

Other Qualifications

Working knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment; computer operation and use of application programs, Microsoft Office and the Internet.

Skill in First Aid and CPR.

Knowledge of radio broadcast procedures and rules. Ability to read maps and determine locations of incidents. Speak clearly and concisely. Knowledge of law enforcement, fire and ambulance terminology preferred.

Ability to think and act promptly in emergency situations.

Ability to perform multiple and essential job functions simultaneously.

Ability to work cooperatively with fellow employees, other law enforcement agencies, other units of City government, and the general public and exercise good judgment while under extreme stress in emergency situations.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

Sitting for extended periods of time; wearing headsets; read and interpret City/County street maps; repetitive hand and body movements; hearing and speaking sufficiently to accurately exchange and relay information, at times under extreme stress.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.

Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and or provide simple but continuous adjustment on equipment, machinery and tools such as computer and other office machines, and or materials used in performing essential functions.

Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing slightly skilled movements such as typing and to operate various pieces of office equipment.

Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities and differences between characteristics of colors, shapes and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

The employee must exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, occasionally involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, crouching, crawling, kneeling, stooping and or moving up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet with intermittent increased noise levels due to use of radio headsets.

Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as repetitive computer keyboard use, irate individuals and intimidation may cause discomfort and poses limited risk of injury.

Confined, high stress, office environment with considerable distractions; involving 24 hours per day shift work.

The City of Whitewater is an Equal Employment Opportunity. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Supervision Received and/or Exercised

Works under general supervision of the Communications Coordinator, however, performs recurring job duties independently. Some opportunity to vary work steps and in deciding appropriate procedures, guidelines and methods to apply exists. Supervised less closely during execution, but end results are still reviewed. Has prior related work experience, but is broadening knowledge base while gaining full understanding of associated policies and procedures. Incumbents prioritize their own work, manage their time effectively and respond to some questions independently.

No formal supervisory responsibilities.

Family Friendly Workplace
We are proud to be recognized as a Family Friendly Workplace, supporting employees through flexible scheduling, family-focused leave policies, and a workplace culture that values balance, well-being, and time with loved ones.

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
WRS participation begins the 1st day of employment. The City and Employees share the required Employee Trust Fund (ETF) contribution.

Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program
Employees are eligible to purchase life insurance in this program on the 1st of the month following their hire date. Spousal/dependent coverage is available.

Income Continuation Insurance (Long Term Disability Insurance)
Employees are eligible for coverage the 1st of the month following their hire date. City will pay full cost of basic coverage at 180 day elimination period. Employee may pay a premium to reduce the elimination period and purchase supplemental coverage if eligible.

Health Insurance
Employees are eligible for coverage the 1st of the month following their hire date. Single or Family coverage available.

Dental Insurance
Employees are eligible for coverage the 1st of the month following their hire date.

Vision Insurance
Employees are eligible for coverage the 1st of the month following their hire date.

Section 125 Flexible Benefit
Optional Employee benefit. Employees are immediately eligible for the City’s FSA (Section 125) Program benefit upon hire. FSA contributions can be made for Medical and/or Dependent care.

Paid Vacation
Employees are eligible for paid vacation. Vacation time is prorated during the first year of employment and is awarded on a calendar-year basis.

Paid Sick Leave
Employees earn sick leave hours each pay period.

Lifestyle Savings Account (LSA)
$500.00 for wellness and other eligible expenses. This amount will be prorated based on your start date for the first year of employment.

Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program (WDC)
The WDC is Wisconsin's supplemental retirement savings program authorized under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). Employees choosing to participate in the program enroll directly with WDC for payroll deduction.

Questions
If you have additional questions regarding any benefits offered by the City of Whitewater, please contact Human Resources, (262) 473-1387 or hr@whitewater-wi.gov

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