Public Safety Communications Supervisor

Job Description:

Public Safety Communications Supervisor

Description

Public Safety Communications Supervisor
The Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center (ECC)
Full-Time or Part-Time, 12 months
Non-Exempt, Public Safety Pay-scale
Benefits-Eligible

THE CHARLOTTESVILLE-UVA-ALBEMARLE COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (ECC)
The Emergency Communications Center (ECC) provides all emergency communications services for Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia. The ECC receives all 9-1-1 calls in the area and serves as the central dispatch for the three local police departments, three rescue squads and fire calls. The ECC is a nationally recognized center, having earned CALEA Accreditation as well as being designated as an APCO National Certified Training Program and Virginia Accredited Emergency Medical Dispatch Communications Center.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR :

The Public Safety Communications Supervisor (PSCS) is a skilled communications professional, performing work that is core to the health, safety, and well-being of our communities. As the “first, first responder”, the PSCS receives, processes, dispatches, and manages emergency and non-emergency requests for service from the public, law enforcement, and fire/rescue communities in a fast-paced, technology-rich environment.

The PSCS exercises supervision over an assigned platoon and performs responsible staff duties. Supervisory duties involve the use of a variety of skills and techniques to motivate co-workers to positive achievement in support of center objectives. Supervisors are expected to demonstrate high standards of knowledge and competence which sets an example for their team. Through performance appraisal, supervisors inform co-workers and managers of co-worker and team progress. PSCS frequently participate in the work performed by their direct reports while performing various administrative duties. Supervisors work within established guidelines but must exercise some independent judgment in applying policy and procedures.

The PSCS is assigned to work at the Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center (ECC), a consolidated primary public safety answering point which provides emergency communications services for Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia. The ECC receives all 9-1-1 calls in the area and serves as the central dispatch for all regional law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies. The ECC is a nationally recognized center, having earned CALEA Accreditation as well as being designated as an APCO National Certified Training Program and Virginia Accredited Emergency Medical Dispatch Communications Center.

This position may be hired as PSCS or PSCS-Lead depending on agency needs and vacancy.

This position includes progressive knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions in the following areas:

• PSCS: Responsible for directly supervising PSCO-I, II, and IIIs, ensuring that appropriate equipment and materials are available for operational decision making, functions as a CTO, and may be assigned to a call-taking or dispatch position on a regular basis
• PSCS-Lead: Responsible for supporting and supervising PSCO and PSCS. Routine tasks include performance evaluations, administration of corrective actions, completion of forms/administrative documents, performing IAED quality case reviews, and serve as a lead on a workgroup or project team Maintains ability to function as a CTO and designee for the next level of organizational leadership. Majority of work is performed off-console, but the PSCS-Lead may be called upon to work on-console at any time.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

PSCS:

• Performs all essential functions of a Public Safety Telecommunicator or equivalent;
• Maintains proficiency and ability to work all PCSO roles within the ECC including dispatch and monitoring response activities for police, sheriff, fire, EMS, mental health crisis teams, security and others;
• Supervises the emergency and administrative communications functions between multi-jurisdictional police, fire and rescue departments;
• Supervises and coordinates response to all 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance from the public;
• Supervises the activities of communications staff to ensure tasks are completed and procedures used conform to department(s) policies and applicable laws;
• Evaluates the performance of communications staff using training, coaching, counseling or discipline to obtain desired behaviors;
• Investigates citizen, responder or employee complaints as directed;
• Performs special assignments as delegated by the Operations Manager(s) to include performance management data, quality assurance and technology training;
• Prepares and submits special or periodic reports as directed;
• Prepares plans and work schedules as directed;
• Makes public presentations on assigned topics as directed;
• Supervises and assists with the training of new personnel;
• Instructs at the regional training academy as directed;
• Positive change agent within their team and center;
• Fosters good working relationships with other public safety agencies;
• Other related duties as assigned.

PSCS-Lead:

• Performs all essential functions of the PSCS;
• Responsible for supporting and supervising PSCO and PSCS;
• Routine tasks include performance evaluations, administration of corrective actions, completion of forms/administrative documents, and performing QA/QI case and dispatch reviews;
• Maintains ability to function as a CTO and designee for the next level of organizational leadership;
• Majority of work is performed off-console but may be called upon to work on-console at any time;
• Works closely with Operations Managers to identify and implement operational efficiencies;
• Develops agendas and facilitates shift briefings;
• Regularly attends and facilitates operations meetings;
• Mentors co-workers to become new leaders within the organization;
• Looks for opportunities for their own professional development and their team.
• Serve as a Lead on a workgroup or project team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of supervision and personnel management; ability to analyze emergency situations objectively and make sound decisions; ability to plan and organize response to complex emergencies; ability to maintain good working relationships with center employees, other public agencies, the media, and the general public; ability to train, direct, and lead communications officers; thorough knowledge of all telecommunication equipment and systems and emerging technologies; thorough knowledge of the geography, road systems and landmarks in the County, City and University of Virginia; general knowledge of the geography, road systems and landmarks of surrounding counties within the emergency medical response area; knowledge of community resources that may be used in emergency situations; ability to receive and process text, video, and other multi-media information which may contain sensitive, explicit, or emotionally challenging content; courtesy; tact; demonstrated ability to complete common job tasks while using a computer and multi-tasking; ; ability to satisfactorily complete the Communications Academy, , Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Crime Information Center, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation for Telecommunicators, and ability to anticipate needs of field responders using guidance provided by policy and procedure. Ability to obtain and maintain EMD, EFD, EPD through International Academy of Emergency Dispatch certification within 90 days of hire.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from High School or possession of a GED and three years of progressive 9-1-1 telecommunications experience with an emergency response agency. APCO Supervisor, CTO, RPL, CMCP, and ENP certifications are preferred.

PSCS requires demonstrated mastery (typically, minimum of three years) of advanced telecommunicator core functions and responsibilities or equivalent.

PSCS-Lead additionally requires demonstrated mastery of PSCS core functions and responsibilities or equivalent. Prior experience in like roles will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be utilized for placement.

Must obtain and maintain ED-Q certification through International Academy of Emergency Dispatch certification within 90 days of hire.

Special Requirements: Completion of appropriate training prescribed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for this level of position. Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and good driving record which will be based on standards set by insurance carrier (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification).

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:

Duties are normally performed in a public safety emergency communications center setting, under frequently stressful and emotionally challenging conditions, primarily sitting or standing for extended periods of time at a telecommunications console position utilizing radio, telephone, and computer equipment. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The employee is primarily scheduled for shift work hours which normally are 2-3-day periods consisting of 12-hour days. Work periods may have permanent or rotating days off; frequently requiring the employee to work holidays, evenings, or nights. The employee in this position is considered essential personnel and falls under Albemarle County AP-4 and in addition, is subject to working overtime, being held over, or called back for disasters, local emergencies, or special events. Frequent contact with the public, police, sheriff, security, fire, emergency medical service and mental health providers is necessary. Occasional contact with other federal, state, and local government agencies is required. These contacts may require considerable skill in diplomacy, tact or discretion.

THE SALARY RANGE
The hiring range for this position is $29.22 - 59.27 per hour . Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

Deadline for applications: Position open until July 15, 2025 .

Virginia Values Veterans
Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO
Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.