Emergency Communications Director - Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, LA

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the overall direction, and performance of the Archuleta County Combined Dispatch Center. This includes overall fiscal management of the department as well as long-term strategy, including researching and planning for future technology changes. Provides highly responsible and complex staff input and assistance to the Dispatch Executive Management Board.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general supervision from the Dispatch Executive Management Board. Works under the guidelines of various governmental financial and accounting regulations as well as under Archuleta County policies and procedures, as well as various other industry-specific regulations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises staff directly or through assigned managers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The duties described herein are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for the Combined Dispatch Center; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.

Act as the spokesperson for the organization; responsible for planning and organizing services and infrastructure for the center.

Primary contact for media and press related information.

Maintains professional affiliations and attends related training, workshops and seminars. 

Directs operations and programs, reviews procedures, provides guidance to resolve technical problems, analyzes costs and recommends cost control measures.

Develops and administers all policies and procedures governing the operation of the center.  

Develops with the guidance of the Executive Management Board and oversees implementation of short- and long-range strategic plans and initiatives, setting goals and developing business plans aligned with user agencies. 

Establishes action plans to meet goals and objectives.

Evaluates performance indicators, conducts operational assessments to identify and evaluate operational proficiencies.  

Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures, reviews as appropriate with the Executive Management Board and user agency command staff.

Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.

Supervise senior staff in all aspects of operations, directs and reviews all evaluations of all staff, makes hiring or termination decisions.  

Plan and coordinate ongoing meetings with user agency representatives regarding performance measures and policy or procedural requirements.  

Develop and administer the budget for the Combined Dispatch Center; direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.

Oversees the maintenance, development and use of the Dispatch facility.

Represent the Combined Dispatch Center to other County departments, elected officials and outside agencies.

Represent the Combined Dispatch Center to vendors and state and national level governing organizations.

Build awareness among area residents regarding the Archuleta County Combined Dispatch Center, the 911 system, and public safety communications capabilities and technologies through special programs, educational efforts, public awareness campaigns, and interaction with the news media. 

Assist with maintenance of Geographic Information utilized in the center including Computer Aided Dispatch system and mapping information and emergency phone system data.

Maintain functional operation of backup Dispatch Center and related Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan.

Maintain a short- and long-term vision for the proper usage of surcharge funds.

Direct and oversee any purchases or projects approved by the Executive Management Board and Board of County Commissioners.

Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Emergency Communications.

Attend and participate in regional and state meetings regarding 911 related legislation and rulemaking.

Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Maintains statistical records for efficient data retrieval.

Drafts grant proposals.

Authorizes expenditures that have gone through the budget process and internal controls.

Represent the Combined Dispatch Center to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate Departmental activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.

Provide staff assistance to the County Manager; participate on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

Provide staff support to assigned boards and commissions.

Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying.

Education – Associate’s Degree required.  Supplemental college level course work in public or business administration or a related field accepted.

Experience -  Five to eight years of increasingly responsible experience in public safety dispatching experience including three years of supervisory responsibility. 

Current NENA ENP, APCO RPL, or APCO Communications Center Supervisor certification, or equivalent combination of training and experience, preferred.

Licenses and Certifications: CCIC/NCIC operator and Emergency Medical Dispatch certifications.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid Colorado driver's license. 

Preference will be given to candidates with current NENA ENP or APCO RPL certification.  Required to possess current APCO Communications Center Supervisor certificate, or obtain such within 6-months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

E-911 and NG911 operations, infrastructure, and technologies.

Management and supervisory principles and practices including financial management, planning, budgeting, direction, coordination, and evaluation.

New and changing developments in information systems hardware and software.

Principles and practices of program development and administration, grant funding and administration, and project management

Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a public safety communications center program.

Modern and complex principles and practices of public safety communications.

Principles of budget preparation and control including financial management, planning, and budgeting.

Principles and methods relating to contemporary law enforcement, fire suppression, and other emergency services.

Principles of emergency disaster planning and of NIMS ICS and NIMS Courses IS100, ICS 200, and ICS 700.

Principles of emergency disaster planning.

Standard radio or telecommunications receiving and transmitting procedures, rules, and equipment; network operating system management including installation, system administration, configuration, installation and maintenance.

Department procedures and policies pertaining to the dispatching of user agency emergency equipment.

Principles and operations of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD).

Basic network operating system management including installation, system administration, configuration, installation and maintenance of standard radio and telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment including procedures and rules.

Principles and procedures associated with the implementation and use of VHF, UHF and 800MHz radio equipment in a communications center environment.

Standard radio or telecommunications receiving and transmitting procedures, rules, and equipment.

Procedures and policies pertaining to the dispatching of all emergency equipment and those of other user

agencies.

Modern office procedures, practices, and computer equipment; correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Management and supervisory principles and practices including personnel direction, coordination, and evaluation.

Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, database applications and specialized software consistent for this position.

Appropriate state, federal, county and city laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to center operations. 

Department and County rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standard operation procedures.

Skill in:

Analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems, and evaluating alternatives, and recommending methods, procedures, and techniques for resolution of issues.

Managing multiple projects and prioritizing multiple tasks and demands.

Applying solid business acumen, management reporting and problem-solving.

Applying employee management principles and standards. 

Communicating clearly and concisely in both written and verbal form.

Developing department goals and objectives and perform planning and budgeting functions.

Applying judgment and discretion in resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.

Working under pressure of deadlines and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships

Interpersonal relations and exercising independent judgement. 

Strategic planning and development.  

Ability to:

Manage and coordinate the work of shift, supervisory, and technical personnel.

Interpret and explain dispatching policies and procedures.

Prepare clear and concise reports.

Prepare and administer Combined Dispatch Center’s annual budget.

Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.

Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.

Exercise  effective organizational skills and work in a diversified environment.

Supervise and mentor professional and support staff in a productive and positive manner.

Read, understand, and interpret written materials, often of a technical or detailed nature.

Translate verbal communication and information into effective written material, e.g. reports and other documents.

Identify and respond to community, user agency and governing body issues, concerns, and needs.

Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.

Analyze facts and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.

Handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.

Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of Freedom of Information Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes.