Job Description

Posting number: 03461

Department: Police

Division: 911 Wireless

Job classification: 911 Communications Officer I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, Customer Service, 911 Telecommunications

Summary

The City of Roanoke is seeking motivated, service-oriented individuals to join our 911 Center as Part-Time Communications Officers. This role begins as a call-taker position with consistent, structured training generally lasting between 10-14 weeks, earning $22/hour. After completing training and certification, employees transition to part-time status at $25/hour. This position offers an ideal opportunity for individuals looking to grow in the emergency communications field. Previous emergency communications experience or relevant vocational or educational program that provides foundational knowledge of emergency communications is beneficial. High school diploma or general education degree (GED) supplemented by continuing education with some computer classes. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ability to work in fast-paced, high stress environment. Strong communication and multitasking skills. Bilingual, Spanish/English speakers encouraged to apply.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

Examples of duties

SUMMARY

The Part-Time Communications Officer handles emergency and non-emergency calls, provides medical instructions using Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols, and uses CAD and VCIN/NCIC systems. This position does not require radio dispatching initially, but employees may advance to dispatching duties once proficient and if desired.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls professionally and accurately.
• Provides medical instructions through EMD protocols.
• Performs call-taking duties using Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD).
• Provides assistance and information to callers, including directions and message-taking.
• Monitors weather radio and alerts personnel to hazardous conditions.
• Receives and disseminates information using VCIN/NCIC systems.
• Performs teletype operations, including monitoring and logging messages.
• Documents call details clearly and accurately in compliance with department protocols.
• May assist in on-the-job training after demonstrating proficiency.

Duties Not Required for Initial Part-Time Role

• Radio dispatching for police, fire, and EMS.
• Initiating wreckers or officer-requested notifications.
• Full resource coordination responsibilities.

Career Path

Part-time Communications Officers may advance into radio dispatching and full-time positions upon demonstrating proficiency and meeting performance expectations.

Qualifications

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 general education degree (GED) supplemented by continuing education with some computer classes.

Supplemental information

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must have police security clearance.

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 regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

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 usually moderate.

This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.