Dispatcher, Public Safety I

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The Public Safety Dispatcher I reports to the Supervisor, Public Safety Dispatch. This position is responsible for radio dispatching of transit Public Safety members to calls for service, monitoring transit security officer activities and locations and making accurate and concise data updates to the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) computer system.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

• Search law enforcement databases to obtain information regarding warrant checks, driver’s license checks, license plate checks, warrant confirmations, involvement checks and other required reviews.
• Assign and monitor transit police and public safety members to police, and security incidents.
• Operate Police CAD System to run warrant checks, utilize map system to dispatch nearest resources, enter and dispatch calls, request assistance from other agencies and see prior history at location.
• Monitor Radio Systems according to the rules and regulations.
• Maintain a working knowledge of details and procedures with the ability to apply them instantly in emergency situations, making sound decisions and quickly reacting positively under stressful conditions.
• Dispatch calls based on priority system, new call types and priorities and determine when status priority should be upgraded.
• Compile and prepare shift activity reports to track operational activities and personnel.
• Coordinate the flow of work from one shift to another.
• Assist operations in the resolutions of difficult or complex calls.
• Operate communications equipment in monitoring and determining the exact nature of each
  
  request for service.
• Maintain constant awareness of status of mobile units and update information as it changes.
• Receive radio calls from field units; transmit messages via radio or telephone as needed.
• Update information on an ongoing basis to ensure all documentation is accurate and concise.
• Monitor suspicious activity reporting and assign reports to police, public safety members, and other departments.
• Monitor video systems in support of public safety members, security department, and other departments.
• Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by following safety and security policies, considering safety in every action and reporting safety and security concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of experience as an Emergency Services, Public Safety Dispatcher, and/or 911 Call Taker.
• Must have the ability to obtain Basic Telecommunicator Certificate within 12 months of hire and maintain continuing certification credits as required.
• Must be able to pass extensive background investigation.
• Must be able to obtain TCIC/NCIC certification within 6 months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the operations of an Emergency Communications Center.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work in close quarters and to wear a headset.
• Ability to apply telephone interviewing techniques.
• Ability to quickly and accurately obtain appropriate information.
• Ability to learn and communicate transit police information.
• Ability to deal tactfully with the public and others.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to obtain knowledge of Radio and CAD Down Procedures.
• Ability to relay or work with other service agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with other CapMetro employees and the public.
• Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by following safety and security policies, considering safety in every action and reporting safety and security concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is generally performed in an office environment in which there is only minimal exposure to unpleasant and/or hazardous working conditions. This position works with multiple project timelines and is responsible for managing employees performing work of a complex nature.

Incumbent must have the ability to stand and sit frequently throughout an eight-hour period, reach vertically for overhead use as well as horizontally. Must be able to use a telephone or headset equipment. Incumbent must be able to lift and move material weighing up to 20 lbs., perform work at a computer terminal for 8 hours a day, and function in an environment with constant interruptions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions as previously described.

This job is required to work different shifts, and the work schedule will vary. Shift assignments and days off rotate and are varied to meet the needs of a 24-hour, 7-day a week operation in an Emergency Response environment. To be considered for this position, candidates must be available for various shifts and various days off. Weekend and holiday work is required.

Mobility Status:

As a Stationed position, the incumbent is expected to be assigned an individual workspace. Expected to work in the office 5 days a week. This is a non-hybrid assignment. Mobility status is subject to change at any time based on business needs or organizational decisions. This role is based in Austin, Texas and requires relocation to the Austin, Texas area prior to start date.

SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION

This position is identified as a FTA safety-sensitive position. An employee in this position is required to participate in the Employer’s testing program for prohibited substances. Participation in this program is a condition of employment with CapMetro. A safety-sensitive employee is randomly tested for prohibited drug use or alcohol misuse while the employee is performing safety-sensitive functions; just before the employee is to perform safety sensitive functions; or just after the employee has ceased performing such functions.

SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION

This position has been identified as a “Security Sensitive” position. CapMetro will conduct annual background checks on incumbents in this position. A position is “Security Sensitive” if the incumbent handles currency, has access to sensitive computerized databases, has access to master keys, or works in an area of the CapMetro that has been designated as a security-sensitive area.