Career Opportunity

The city of Las Vegas is accepting applications for DPS Communication Specialist. This position receives and transmits general and emergency communications for the corrections and law enforcement units; operates electronic and communications equipment; monitors the safety, security, movement and placement of inmates in the detention center.

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Minimum Qualifications to Test

• One year of full-time customer service or public contact experience. 

• Equivalent to graduation from high school. 

• Must type 30 net words per minute.

Type of Examination

Additional Background Process

Any position with the Department of Public Safety requires the following additional screening: (1) background investigation, (2) polygraph, and (3) psychological suitability assessment. Sensitive and/or confidential aspects of your personal life will be explored during this this phase of the process.

Selection Process

Final candidate selection will include list placement and may include hiring interview with skills assessment. Any individual offered employment will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test, complete background check, education and experience verification, and may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the physical requirements of the job. Some positions may require preliminary background checks.

Supervision Received

Receives general supervision from higher level management staff.

Essential Functions:

1. Receives and responds to calls from the public requesting information or assistance regarding detention services, animal control, parking enforcement, municipal court marshals or deputy city marshals and dispatches the appropriate officers and equipment as needed, or transfers calls requiring emergency response to the appropriate agency.
2. Enters calls for service into the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in order to dispatch appropriate response to emergency and non-emergency incidents reported by member of the public.
3. Coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to provide and confirm information about inmate and warrant status, and arranges transportation for inmates.
4. Maintains contact with field units using telecommunication systems. Coordinates emergency calls and relays information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and fire agencies. Retrieves and inputs communications and public safety information into National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS), Shared Computer Operations for Protection in Enforcement (SCOPE), and other applicable databases.
5. Controls and monitors all video security screens, access gates and door entrances within the detention facility; monitors the location of all inmates, visitors and staff within the detention facility.  Monitor park cameras (video streams) and dispatch appropriate personnel as needed.
6. Responds to activated alarms by contacting the appropriate personnel as needed.
7. Coordinates activities with the city court staff including verifying the court schedules of inmates scheduled to appear.
8. Monitors equipment operations for proper functioning and possible problems, and notifies appropriate service and maintenance personnel of equipment malfunctions.
9. At beginning of shift, receives briefing on Communications Center activity from previous shift; at the end of each shift, briefs incoming personnel of current activity.
10. Receives after-hours calls for other City departments and dispatches appropriate resources.
11. Maintains and verifies a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files; performs a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work.
12. Provides support to other stations with control centers as necessary. 

Marginal Functions:

1. Tests and inspects equipment as required; conducts fire drills.
2. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Experience:

One year of full-time customer service or public contact experience.
 
Desirable Qualifications: Previous experience  as a radio dispatcher, telephone/PBX operator,  or experience related to the essential functions.

Training:

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Must attend training and pass test required by FBI National Crime Information Center within six months of date of appointment, and proficiency must be affirmed every two years thereafter by the designated Terminal Agency Coordinator.

License or Certificate

Must type 30 net words per minute, as demonstrated by a typing certificate dated prior to hire date. 

Knowledge of:

Rules, regulations and procedures governing the operation of a radio communications transmittal and receiving system.
Procedures used in operating computer-aided dispatch systems.
Responsibilities and jurisdiction of other public safety agencies.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Law enforcement codes, practices and methods.
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Basic computer and data entry procedures.
Geographic features, facilities and streets within the area served.

Skills in:

Learning the rules, regulations and procedures governing the security and access of a detention center.
Effectively performing public safety communications activities.
Operating computer-aided dispatch systems.
Operating radio transmitting equipment.
Prioritizing calls received.
Performing routine clerical duties.
Working under pressure, exercises good judgment and makes sound decisions in emergency situations.
Effectively communicating with and eliciting information from upset and irate citizens.
Operating a computer terminal, teletype and other office equipment.
Working various shifts as assigned.
Understanding and following oral and written instructions.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
 
Competencies:

Core Workforce Competencies

Professionalism – Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.

Effective Communication – Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.

Customer Focus – Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.

Adaptability – Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.

Problem Solving – Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.

Productive Partnerships – Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.

Technical and Safety Expertise – Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.