CHIEF PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR (Local)

Code: 06984 Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, has charge of all activities of a communications center and is responsible for the overall planning, review, and implementation of the entire communication system, and may oversee the work of several Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicators; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Directs the accomplishment of assigned work operations within the limits of policies and guidelines established by management officials.
• Analyzes work schedules, determines staffing levels, equipment, material requirements, and methods to be used.
• Plans work assignments, deadlines, and other work projects.
• Assigns, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of subordinate employees.
• Assigns tasks to provide new employees with the experience and training required to perform the work.
• Formulates training plans for assigned employees.
• Conducts informal training to broaden employee skills and to provide backup skills by cross-training.
• Officially recommends employees for formal training courses when necessary.
• Directs subordinates in the receipt and disposition of telephone or other electronic requests for emergency assistance.
• Directs employees in the operation of automatic number identification (ANI), automatic location information (ALI), telecommunications devices for the deaf (TTY/TDD), or other electronic devices to obtain and verify required data.
• May be required to access foreign language interpreter service for non-English speaking callers.
• In response to medical emergencies may assist subordinates in the provision of first aid or CPR instructions to stabilize the medical condition of persons until the arrival of professional medical assistance.
• Relays information or instructions to field units via radio or mobile data terminal.
• Directs staff in the utilization of video display terminal or computer oriented or radio equipment to receive, monitor, record, summarize, and/or transmit data relating to the emergency. Determines the appropriate type of agency(ies) to respond to the specific emergency or call for assistance.
• Gives advice and assistance to subordinate supervisors whenever unusual or difficult problems arise.
• Develops estimates of budget requirements for use by higher level management in preparing the budget.
• Detects and takes alternative/corrective action when communication system or program errors occur and reports malfunctions in accord with established procedures.
• Directs entries, inquiries, cancellations, and modifications of records in various systems and databases such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and State Crime Information Center (SCIC), Stolen Vehicle File, Stolen License Plate File, Stolen-Missing Gun File, Stolen Article File, Wanted Person File, Stolen or Embezzled or Counterfeited or Missing Securities File, Stolen Boat File, hazardous material databases, and hospital status files.
• Acts as a resource regarding questions about application of regulations or policies.
• Directs the maintenance and update of NCIC, SCIC, and other records and files.
• Directs the maintenance of the official station record and/or the daily log of all incoming and outgoing communications.
• Activates emergency alert systems such as bells, sirens, beepers, and tone-activated devices.
• Directs the inspection of fire alarm and circuit indicator panels to ascertain whether they are functioning properly.
• Supervises the preparation of reports and statistical data.
• Supervises the inspection, adjustment, and repair of communications and related equipment.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience in work involving the receiving, transmitting, and relaying of video display and/or radio messages, and in the receiving, relaying, and recording of complaints and requests for emergency assistance which shall have included the use of video display, data processing, automatic number identification, automatic location identification, switching equipment, or other computer oriented equipment, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of modern supervisory techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of methods for operating communications systems.
• Knowledge of procedures used for emergency medical treatment.
• Knowledge of information required for documenting emergency situations and calls.
• Knowledge of emergency medical, fire, police, and other emergency terminology.
• Knowledge of the functions of the operating units or departments within the agency or jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of procedures for dispatching emergency and nonemergency equipment and personnel.
• Knowledge of organizational lines of communication.
• Knowledge of the types, disadvantages, and advantages of available communication systems.
• Knowledge of security procedures involved in the dissemination of information.
• Knowledge of emergency management procedures.
• Knowledge of established safety procedures and guidelines.
• Knowledge of the geography and street locations of the community served.
• Knowledge of procedures for investigating and resolving complaints.
• Ability to supervise and work with a group of employees involved in receiving and responding to calls for emergency assistance, and in dispatching needed personnel and equipment.
• Ability to understand the needs of the users of the communications services being provided and to relate these needs to established policies, system capabilities, procedures, and other related factors.
• Ability to modify detailed plans due to special conditions encountered on the job.
• Ability to effectively evaluate the performance of employees.
• Ability to give assignments and instructions to employees.
• Ability to train employees and others in the performance of their assignments.
• Ability to supervise the preparation of statistical reports and the maintenance of records and files. Ability to direct the operation of automatic location identification (ALI), automatic number identification (ANI), and other communications equipment in a complex communications program.
• Ability to learn the purpose, functions, and operations of the New Jersey Law Enforcement information system and the statewide 9-1-1 Enhanced Emergency Telephone System.
• Ability to operate a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Ability to establish goals and set priorities.
• Ability to relay instructions or questions accurately and clearly.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and evaluate relevant information from various types of source materials.
• Ability to obtain and analyze facts to reach logical conclusions.
• Ability to apply existing call codes to emergency situations.
• Ability to obtain information from physically or emotionally distressed individuals.
• Ability to interact with people who are in differing situations.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to take accurate and complete messages.
• Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to decode call locations using appropriate equipment.
• Ability to recognize incorrectly transmitted messages, codes, or error input.
• Ability to read road maps.
• Ability to collect information from both English speaking and non-English speaking individuals.
• Ability to count and to add and subtract whole numbers.
• Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and in a professional manner.
• Ability to comprehend and apply basic laws and regulations including the laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures of the Federal Communications Commission and of the New Jersey State Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services.
• Ability to ensure that calls are sent accurately and promptly.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information received.
• Ability to make entries to the NCIC and SCIC and maintain those records in current condition.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: LG- CAH 1/12/96
• This job specification is for local government use only.

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Appointees to positions at Public Safety Answering Points and at some Public Safety Dispatch Points must have achieved training and certification by the Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services (OETS) in the Department of Law and Public Safety as required by NJAC 13:81-2.