Class Specification
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
DEFINITION
Under direction of a Police Department Bureau Commander or designee, manages, assigns, reviews and coordinates the day-to-day activities of the Communications Unit; performs other duties as required; is a member of the Unclassified Service and is exempt from the coverage under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS
• Plans, prioritizes, assigns, reviews, coordinates and manages through shift supervisors the day-today activities of the Communications Unit including responsibility for the operation and effective functioning of the dispatch center; sets schedules and provides adequate staffing for the dispatch operation.
• Identifies resource needs; allocates resources accordingly. • Participates in the development of goals and objectives; develops and makes recommendations for improvements to standards, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance. • Participates in the selection of assigned staff; provides or coordinates staff training; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; works with employees to correct deficiencies; conducts investigations and implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Performs the duties of a Communications Supervisor during relief periods, moderate to major center activity, during emergencies or high priority incidents, or as necessary. • Participates in budget preparation and administration; monitors expenditures. • Oversees, maintains and updates a variety of dispatch records as required; maintains current radio licenses for the departments and ensures licenses are in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
• Ensures all Emergency Services Dispatchers meet training requirements set forth by the State of California and the City of Redondo Beach.
• Ensures the recording of all phone and radio traffic within the Communication Unit; retains recordings for the City Attorney and State of California.
• Oversees and participates in updating the Communications Manual for the department. • Recommends the purchase of supplies and equipment for the Communications Unit; requisitions supplies and materials as necessary.
• Prepares a variety of analytical and statistical reports and correspondence on operations and activities.
• Provides staff assistance to the Police Administrative Services Lieutenant and other police and fire staff.
• Oversees, monitors and maintains a variety of dispatch equipment including Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, automated telephone system, and radio system; coordinates repairs to equipment; works with vendors and City personnel to ensure systems are working properly. • Attends and participates in professional group meetings; makes presentations to outside agencies regarding 9-1-1 and other public safety dispatching topics as necessary. • Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a dispatch center; Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) procedures and standard practices; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Statutory and decisional law relating to confidentiality of records and legal requirements for training and civil liability. Communications equipment including radio systems, 9-1-1 systems, and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Basic principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration, Class Specification
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
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record keeping; business letter writing and basic report preparation, pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to: Meet medical and physical employment standards for the classification. Coordinate and direct activities of the Communications Unit. Supervise, organize, and review the work of assigned staff. Select, train, and evaluate staff. Recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies and procedures for providing dispatching services. Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations. Work under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations. Understand laws and regulations relating to the release and purge of information and records (Public Records Act), the control of Property and Evidence, FCC regulations, and NENA, APCO, CCUG, and CLEARS resources and practices. Establish priority of emergency situations.
Operate radio systems, 9-1-1 systems, and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications. Prepare clear and concise reports.
Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets. Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines. Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit. Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies. Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues. Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Required six years of increasingly responsible experience in public safety communications, including a minimum of four years in a supervisory capacity. A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an occupationally related field is preferred.
License(s) or Certificate(s):
Successful completion of P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher course and attendance at a P.O.S.T. Civilian Management seminar is required within 12 months of employment. Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification must be obtained within 12 months of appointment to this classification.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Environment: Work is performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms. Exposure to noise of radios, telephones, alarms and voices; dust of excessive paperwork. Work environment is fast paced and high pressure and may be performed in a dimly lit and closely confined communication room.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting; and upward and downward flexion of neck; side-to-side turning of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT lifting of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. OCCASIONAL standing, walking, bending, kneeling and squatting; lifting and carrying of objects weighing 11-25 lbs and pushing and pulling objects weighing up to 10 lbs.