911 Senior Police Telecommunicator (SPTC) – HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT – City of Houston

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: SENIOR POLICE TELECOMMUNICATOR
Posting Number: 25407
Division: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Reporting Location: 5320 NORTH  SHEPHERD
Workdays & Hours: * VARIOUS SHIFTS/ROTATING HOURS
                                                                                          *Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs law enforcement services by receiving, processing and transmitting public safety information and criminal justice data for the agency using a computer-aided dispatch system, digital radio system, and other modes of communications to accomplish duties. Dispatches calls for service of reported incidents to police patrol units within Departmental time standards following policies and procedures. Constantly monitors all activities of field police units to help ensure unit availability and officer safety. Maintains a professional demeanor when coordinating with other dispatchers, divisions, citizens and/or other agencies as required. Demonstrates outstanding communication skills and record-keeping duties relative to law enforcement and emergency service/public safety applications. Responds to inquiries and/or provides information relative to service incidents; provides information to other dispatchers, Divisions, or Agencies in accordance with department and division policy. Able to multi-task duties and maintain a calm, professional demeanor while working under stressful situations. Employees may be required to work overtime. This position is considered an "Essential Employee" during times of severe weather or other emergency conditions for the continued operation of critical functions and for special emergency preparedness functions. Will perform all duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.

"Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required."
 
If applicable, the applicant’s past performance evaluations, past and present supervisory recommendations, and/or Internal Affairs complaint history will be reviewed and considered.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 
Requires a high school diploma or a GED

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 
Two years of customer service experience.

SUBSTITUTION
Forty-eight (48) semester hours of college credit, in any area of study, from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two years of experience.
OR
Completion of an approved Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) curriculum Telecommunicator licensing course from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two years of experience.

Ability to multi-task high volumes of calls for service while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor and working under stressful situations.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Must provide certification of successful completion of, or complete within one year of employment, the Basic Telecommunicator proficiency certification per Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements; and successfully complete a telecommunicator training program. 

PREFERENCES

Preferences will be given to those applicants with experience in a call center or an environment similar to Public Safety (e.g. Police or Fire). Quality customer service in a fast-paced environment is critical. An applicant with previous Public Safety/Law Enforcement dispatching experience is highly preferred.
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED 
Must pass a City-administered typing test with a typing speed of 40 words per minute with no more than 4 errors. Must pass department testing. 

 Applicant must pass a hearing, psychological evaluation and polygraph test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION                         
YES, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION             
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

HIRING INCENTIVE -$2,000
$1,000 after first 30 days of continuous employment
$1,000 after completion of first year, which consist of the following:
1) Successful completion of TCOLE State licensing exam
2) Successful completion of the Senior Police Telecommunicator Training Program
3) Successful completion of probationary period
 
Pay Grade 17
                       
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. 
 
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (713-308-1287).
 
If you need special services or accommodations, call (713-308-1287). (TTY 7-1-1)
 
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
 
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
 
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.  
 
EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.