Communications Specialist

Salary : $39,520.00 AnnuallyLocation : Horizon CityJob Type: Full-Time EmployeeJob Number: 202500001Division: Public Safety - DispatchOpening Date: 07/01/2025 General Summary Under general supervision, this is administrative position which reports directly to the Communications Specialist Manager and is responsible for dispatching all calls for service in a timely manner. In addition to dispatching, the Communications Specialist assists the public at the front window, answers the public's questions on the phone and refers callers to the correct department all in accordance with Police Policies and Procedures and other regulations as pertaining to all City employees.SupervisionDirect supervision is provided by the Communication Shift Supervisor with general supervision by the Communication Specialist Manager. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Performs customer service functions by answering telephones and assisting the public at the front window.When answering a call for service where a unit needs to be dispatched, the dispatcher obtains and records the information, and calms, negotiates, and otherwise communicates with the caller. Must be able to exercise independent judgment and perform tasks in the absence of supervision, especially in emergency situations. Must be able to handle stressful situations. Maintain contact with all units on assignment, maintain accurate status and location of police units, maintain daily computerized log of all field calls and units dispatched.Assists officers by looking up information in the local and national databases; retrieving information from computerized networks relating to wanted persons, missing persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other related information.Ability to speak and write English clearly.Ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset or irate citizens.Ability to learn and use standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules.Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive materials, records and conversations.Ability to learn job related material primarily through observation, structured lectures and training; understand and follow written and verbal instructions; and to correctly use these instructions during training and while performing dispatching duties.Ability to simultaneously monitor at least five computer screens and to immediately access each.Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; ability to dispatch based not only on priority but also on the basis that we value life over property.Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies and project a positive image.Ability to operate desktop computers, telephone, fax/copy machine, and base and hand-held radios.Performs any other duties as assigned and as may be necessary to complete regular work. Minimum Job Requirements High School Diploma or GED or its equivalent Bilingual required (English and Spanish). At least (1) one year of experience of high-volume public contact experience. Minimum 18 years of age. Must be able to type a minimum of 35 words per minute with 95% accuracy. Previous emergency dispatch experience desirable.Licenses/Certificates/Other RequirementsMust be eligible to obtain a temporary TCOLE operator license or possess an active Telecommunicator Operator License. As required by TCOLE, all new applicants must complete a drug screen prior to employment. Applicants with less than 180 days break in service need to complete the drug screen. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to read NCIC/TCIC entries and extract viable information, ability to read and comprehend comments on a call for service. Ordinarily, such education is obtained at the high school level or above. However, it may be obtained from experience and self-study.Ability to deal with system of real numbers. Ordinarily, such education is obtained in high school up to college. However, it may be obtained from experience and self-study.Ability to write emails to officers, take information from a caller and translate that into police codes, if necessary, and write officers comments on a CAD call card. Ordinarily, such education is obtained at the high school level. However, it may be obtained from experience and self-study.Application of ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, contractors, supervisors, coworkers and other departments.As essential personnel, subject to recall and working flexible or extended hours including weekends, holidays or emergencies.Hearing ability to answer and dispatch calls.Continuously sit, wearing a headset.Able to use basic office machines such as fax, copier, and phones. Computer literate. Communicating with personnel and the public and on telephone and on the radio.Must be fluent in English and Spanish, both orally and in writing.Ability to cooperate with fellow employees as a team member. Other Job CharacteristicsPhysical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 5 pounds; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment.Subject to sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting and kneeling to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are primarily inside an office environment or field environment.We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees who work 30 or more hours per week includes medical insurance, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, paid leave, longevity pay, education/certification pay incentive and paid training. 01 The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. Yes, I understand and agree No, I do not agree 02 Are you available for on-call employment? Yes No 03 This position requires full flexibility to work all shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as mandatory overtime when needed. Are you able to meet these scheduling requirements? Yes No 04 How many years of professional __________ experience do you have? No experience Less than 1 year of experience 1 year but less than 2 years of experience 2 years but less than 3 years experience 3 or more years of experience 05 If you indicated having professional ____________ experience in the previous question, please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A." 06 What is your tested typing speed? less than 20 words per minute 20-29 words per minute 30-39 words per minute 40-50 words per minute More than 50 words per minute 07 Do you have a High School diploma or GED? Yes No 08 Do you have a Texas or New Mexico driver's license? Yes No 09 Are you fluent in both Spanish and English? Yes No 10 Are you over the age of 18? Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-04-02