COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER/CLERK

SHERIFF’S OFFICE OF WORCESTER COUNTY

POSITION DESCRIPTION[1]

POSITION:  COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER/CLERK

BARGAINING UNIT: NEPBA 515                                    GRADE: 13, step 4

Two open positions: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM or 11:00 PM - 7:00AM, alternating weekends off

I.          GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

It is the responsibility of the Communications Dispatcher/Clerk to perform a variety of dispatching and clerical functions in accordance with established standard operating procedures; uses independent judgment to determine the correct response to calls and in all dispatching procedures.

II.        ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:[2]

• To answer and appropriately direct calls from the general public, police departments, governmental agencies, attorneys, sheriff departments, other correctional facilities, etc.;
• To place calls to governmental agencies for warrant and/or background checks and to classify information received;
• To request ambulances for inmate and employee emergencies;
• To receive and notify the Assistant Deputy Superintendent of Special Services, or designee, of requests for K-9 services;
• To request Special Operations Group (SOG) or mutual aid in case of emergency;
• To be aware of location of perimeter vehicle at all times and to dispatch vehicle as needed;
• To provide quick and accurate checks for vehicle and license checks utilizing the LEAP system;
• To provide an accurate record of warrant and criminal history checks utilizing both BOP and III;
• To monitor radio frequencies;
• To maintain a daily log of the day’s activities;
• To assist the general public with problems or requests by providing routine information, while referring all questionable situations to supervisor(s);
• To arrange for towing of vehicles when necessary;
• To assist in the training of new Communications Dispatchers/Clerks;
• To perform any other duties assigned.

III.       MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

            A.  Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year working in a general clerical position that deals with the public.

            B.  Special Requirements:

• Massachusetts certification in the operation of the Law Enforcement Agencies Processing (LEAP) System.
• Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.

• Completion of a disorder management training program.

            C.  Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Must possess a good command of both oral and written language.
• Familiarity with related rules, regulations, orders, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge or information dissemination related to criminal offenders and public records.
• Capacity to learn communication system techniques.
• Ability to work alone and handle emergency situations calmly, promptly and efficiently.
• Skill in typing, computers and record keeping.
• Must possess good listening skills.

IV.       SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The Communications Dispatcher/Clerk works under general supervision of the Assistant Deputy Superintendent of Special Services, or their designee.