PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR/CLERK 3

Code: 06989 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 receives and responds to telephone or other electronic requests for emergency assistance, including law enforcement, fire, medical, or other emergency services and/or dispatches appropriate units to response sites; does related work as required.

Under direction, performs varied, complex clerical work involving the processing of documents in a variety of functions; takes the lead and/or performs the more difficult and complex clerical work; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Receives telephone or other electronic requests for emergency assistance. Determines the nature of the call and may transfer caller to appropriate PSDP upon determining the nature of the call.
• Obtains, verifies, and records the location of the emergency, the name of the caller, the nature, severity, and current status of the emergency, and obtains any other appropriate information needed to secure a full assessment of the circumstances.
• Operates 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.
• Maintains a reassuring and calming manner with callers in order to obtain required information; persuades emergency callers to stay on the line.
• In response to medical emergencies, provides first aid or CPR instructions to stabilize the medical condition of persons until the arrival of professional medical assistance.
• In non-medical emergencies, provides precautionary instructions and advice to help assure the personal safety of persons and/or to minimize the loss of property, pending the arrival of fire, police, or other assistance.
• Refers non-emergency situations to other appropriate public or private agencies, and may dispatch non-emergency personnel or equipment.
• Relays information or instructions to field units via radio or mobile data terminal.
• Utilizes 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.
• Utilizes radio, telephone, computerized, or other electronic equipment to dispatch specific law enforcement, fire, or medical assistance units to the scene of an emergency based on pre-established response plans, and seeks guidance from supervisory personnel when circumstances warrant significant deviation from pre-established response plans.
• May assist in locating or contacting individuals needed to staff the response.
• As instructed, coordinates the dispatching of units involving two or more government jurisdictions.
• Maintains and facilitates communication with responding units by receiving and relaying information, including confidential information, to authorized personnel.
• Detects and takes alternative/corrective action when communication system or program errors occur and reports malfunctions in accord with established procedures.
• Maintains a constant update on the status of emergency units in the field and of on-call personnel.
• May make 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.
• Answers questions about application of regulations or policies.
• Receives and answers telephone, radio, and video display inquiries of the NCIC and the SCIC for law enforcement agencies of the state.
• Maintains and updates NCIC, SCIC, and other records and files.
• Maintains the official station record and/or maintains a daily log of all incoming and outgoing communications.
• Activates emergency alert systems, such as bells, sirens, beepers, and tone activated devices.
• May inspect fire alarm and circuit indicator panels to ascertain whether they are functioning properly.
• Assists in the training of trainees.
• Prepares reports and statistical data.
• Inspects and makes minor adjustments or very minor repairs to 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

One (1) year 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 experience in clerical work; one (1) year of which must have been perfoming duties at or equivalent to the Clerk 2 level.

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.

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 essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• 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 operate automatic location identification (ALI), automatic number identification (ANI), and other communications equipment in a complex communications program.
• Ability to learn the purpose and operation of various law enforcement and other information systems and the Statewide 9-1-1 Enhanced Emergency Telephone System.
• Ability to answer voice and TTY/TTD (telecommunications devices for the deaf) telephone calls received from the public.
• Ability to operate a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Ability to provide clear instructions and guidance to callers in emergency situations.
• 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 read and discern visual images on a variety of media.
• Ability to apply existing call codes to emergency situations.
• Ability to organize assigned communications work and develop appropriate work methods in accordance with established procedures.
• 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 prepare reports and statistical data and to keep accurate records.
• 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 law 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 learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, writes, 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 - @ MCK 11/08/04
• This job specification is for local government use only.
• <b>CLERK 3</b>
• Knowledge of office routines, equipment, and practices.
• Knowledge of organizational rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to comprehend established office routines and department regulations.
• Ability to organize assigned clerical work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to take the lead over lower level clerical staff.
• Ability to assign work, instruct and provide on-the-job training to clerical staff.
• Ability to make simple arithmetic calculations and tabulations.
• Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions.
• Ability to perform tasks accurately within prescribed time frames.
• Ability to work effectively with associates, superior officials, and members of the public concerned with the work of the department.
• Ability to sort, index, file, and pull varied types of materials using an established filing system.
• Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on office machines and other equipment.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units after a period of training.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform 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 essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODE: MER 03/26/2011
• This job specification is for local government use only.
• DUAL TITLE CODE:

Note

The 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.

Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) means the first point of reception of a 9-1-1 call. Public Safety Dispatch Points (PSDP) means a location which provides dispatch services for one or more public safety agencies. 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 17:24-2.2.

Incumbents may be required to utilize keyboard equipment to input and/or retrieve information on a computer console, typewriter or other key entry device used by the agency. Keyboarding/typing duties may or may not be assigned depending on the needs of the employing agency. Incumbents are not expected to perform keyboarding/typing tasks with the speed and accuracy required of a Keyboarding Clerk.

The 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.

<b>DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:</b>

Positions in this title perform varied, complex clerical work requiring knowledge of the organization's rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Employees frequently exercise independent judgment and make decisions concerning processes to be followed, the appropriateness of the information to be processed, and the actions to be taken. Work is performed independently requiring minimal review upon completion.

Positions reside in various State and local government departments/ agencies and may perform clerical tasks specific in a County or Municipal department/agency (e.g. municipal courts, libraries, election offices, tax collection/assessment, code enforcement, administrative or personnel offices, hospitals, recreation offices, and other regulatory agencies.)

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Interprets and applies organizational rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Receives, screens, reviews and verifies documents.

May take the lead over clerical staff.

May provide assignment, instruction, and on-the-job training to clerical staff.

Reviews and checks assigned reports, applications, and other documents for corrections and completeness; refers the more complex problems to supervisor for resolution.

Opens, time stamps, sorts, numbers, and distributes mail.

Maintains prepared mailing lists.

Sorts, indexes, and files checks, cash stubs, vouchers, requisitions and other materials numerically, alphabetically, or according to other predetermined classification, and maintains such files.

Receives applications, documents, forms and fees; screens, sorts and assembles this information for further processing.

May wrap packages for shipment by mail or express.

Assembles materials for distribution.

Hand stamps letters, papers, and other documents.

Fills in and checks form letters, circulars, and forms as directed.

Compiles information and/or numerical data.

Provides information in person and over the telephone.

May enter and/or retrieve information on a computer terminal.

May occasionally perform keyboarding/typing duties, but not as the primary function of the position.

Stores and distributes office supplies.

Prepares and verifies payrolls and makes simple arithmetic calculations.

Schedules administrative proceedings; may process requests for scheduling changes.

May participate in the interviewing and training of new employees.

Receives, logs in and reviews permit applications for completeness and accuracy; issues permits for construction, repair, installation, and demolition operations.

Coordinates the scheduling of various activities for a park, recreational site, school district or other government entity.

May transfer information onto forms, form letters, cards, envelopes, labels, charts and transmittals.

When assigned to a court, prepares the docket (or schedule) of cases to be called and contact witnesses, attorneys, and other parties to collect or provide information; calls court to order, administers oaths to jurors, witnesses, court officers and others, announces postponements, and adjourns court; assists the judge both on the bench and in the chambers.

When assigned to a tax office, computes and record tax payments.

When assigned to a finance or tax office, may perform specialized clerical work involving the preparation and maintenance of assessment rolls and records.

When assigned personnel duties, processes personnel action forms, maintains personnel records and gathers sensitive or confidential information or data.

When assigned to a hospital, health care, or long-term care facility, may interview patients or relatives of patients to obtain admission information; performs other clerical functions involving the admission of patients.

When assigned to a finance office, may perform specialized clerical work involving the cancelation of mortgages.

When assigned to a Sheriff's Office, may perform specialized clerical work involved in the advertising and sale of real estate and chattel.

Prepares reports or assists in the preparation of reports by gathering data, tabulating results, and/or preparing charts.

Operates various types of office and mail processing machines such as a keyboard equipment, calculators, computer printers, sorter, photo-copier, fax machine, stamping machine, labeling machine, etc.; may perform simple maintenance tasks such as adding toner, paper or changing ribbons.

Maintains records and files.

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.