**We require the completion of a paper application, which can be found at:
https://freetownpolice.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/144/2022/07/Dispatch-Application.pdf
Once completed, the application may be mailed or dropped off in-person to the following location:
Freetown Police Department
P.O Box 518
15 Memorial Drive
East Freetown, MA 02717
TOWN OF FREETOWN JOB DESCRIPTION
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
SIGNAL OPERATOR
Reports To: Dispatch-Supervisor, Police and Fire Officers-In-Charge, and the overall direction of the Police and Fire Chiefs.
Supervises: Non-Supervisory
NATURE OF WORK
The purpose of this job is to perform specialized work duties involving receiving and dispatching messages for the Police, Fire, Communication Departments, and local government. Duties and responsibilities include operating radio equipment, telephones, copy machines, facsimile machines, communications systems and computers; receiving, processing and dispatching calls/messages to/from vehicles and personnel; organizing and filing forms and information; assisting in training; and acting as a liaison between callers and police/fire/emergency representatives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES (The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed
as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned):
- Must be multi-tasked, with ability to do and listen to several things at one time
- Answer the Emergency 911 telephones, TTY telephones, multi-channel radios, business telephones and alarm telephones and systems
- Evaluate and process calls
- Determine nature, location, and priority of calls by level of urgency and dispatch units accordingly
- Provide routine and emergency information to callers
- Transfer calls to appropriate departments and agencies in accordance with established procedures
- Return calls as necessary
- Take and relay messages and/or direct calls to appropriate personnel
- Monitor and operate various radio frequencies to communicate with police/fire and local government units
- Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen in order to determine locations and provide directions
- Maintain contact with police/ fire field units, maintain status and location of police/fire units; and assist police/fire units in locating addresses
- Accurately enter information into the CAD system while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio
- Communicate with ambulances, towing services, utility crews, etc., as needed
- Monitor alarms, audio and closed circuit camera systems
- Obtain information requested by police officers (e.g., checking license plates, checking for wanted persons, checking driver's license information, etc.)
- Keep accurate records of messages, complaints, and information received and transmitted
- Perform clerical, typing and statistical work in connection with routine records
- Respond to routine requests for information or assistance from members of the staff, the public or other individuals
- Contact and maintain records related to detail and overtime assignments
- Maintain court information for officers; notify officers of court subpoena dates
- Maintain court, arrest, towing, stolen article, and missing persons records
- Maintain indices of information in the communications center; send, receive and route a variety of law enforcement reports, warrants and other materials
- Assign complaint, arrest, accident, and call identification numbers
- Prepare and/or generate routine reports, logs, directories, forms and other documents electronically
- Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials
- Recognize sensitive information and keep it confidential
- Perform minor routine maintenance tasks on equipment including dispatch, computers, and general office machines, and request service and repairs as necessary
- Organize, file, and copy, citations, reports, logs, court documents, and various forms
- Use knowledge of various software programs to operate a computer in an effective and efficient manner
- Work in a confined area
- Serve as a receptionist, greeting people in front lobby
- Adhere to orders, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
- Learn material and pass required tests
- Train and evaluate new and other Signal Operators as assigned
- Perform related duties as assigned
- Perform the duties of Dispatch Supervisor as assigned based upon organizational need or workload distribution
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma (or GED) certificate required
Certification as a 9-1-1 Emergency Telecommunicator
Completion of required prescribed courses of instruction, including but not limited to:
- State-mandated training by the Statewide Telecommunications Board (SETB) and
- State-mandated training and Certification as a CJIS/NCIC computer terminal operator
- CPR and First Responder training and refresher training, as required
- Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD)
- Training in local rules, regulations, practices and policies and procedures
The following skills and experience are preferred, but not required:
- Typing skills of 30 WPM
- One year multi-line telephone experience
- One year customer service experience or experience working with the public
- One year data entry or on the job computer experience
- Previous work experience as a dispatcher
- Previous Police/Fire/EMS experience
LICENSE
Need to possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Must pass a pre-employment background check.
- Must pass drug screening.
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Primary duties are performed while sitting for prolonged and extended periods of time with occasional or intermittent standing during an 8-hour shift. Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines which includes a computer, printer, typewriter, facsimile machine, copy machine, calculator, telephone, switchboard, radio transmitting equipment, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, safely reach, twist, bend, and lean to access, move or carry objects or materials from counter tops, file draws, and shelves. Must be able to exert up to twenty pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to ten pounds of force frequently.
Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work. Work in a confined area with controlled climate. Work in an office environment; sustained posture and intense attentiveness for prolonged periods.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, technical, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange technical and administrative information related to law enforcement, emergency medical and radio codes. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants. Requires the ability to interact with law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, fellow employees, other municipal, state and federal personnel, and members of the public in a calm and professional tone and manner.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures related to the job of Signal Operator/Public Safety Dispatcher. Requires the ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak clearly with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and a well-modulated voice.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic to complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to the job of Signal Operator/Public Safety Dispatcher.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information to supervisors and officials; to explain procedures and policies; and to follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines and objectives.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; determine time and weight; and utilize statistical inference.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
VISION AND COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Corrected vision to normal range. Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people (i.e. staff, supervisors, general public, and officials) beyond giving and receiving instructions such as in interpreting departmental policies and procedures. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency related to the job of Signal Operator/Public Safety Dispatcher.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear; corrected hearing to normal range).
The Town of Freetown is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $46,178.00 - $52,771.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Holidays
- Night shift
- Overnight shift
- Overtime
- Weekends as needed
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person