Director of Emergency Communications

Type: Full Time Salary/Pay Rate: $79,099 - $99,815 Posted Date: 10/12/2023 Director of Emergency Communications Recruitment Profile Position Summary Title: Director of Emergency Communications Department: Emergency Communications Reports To: County Administrator Location: 1345 Falling Creek Rd.
Bedford, VA 24523 Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm Responsible for all aspects of the County’s emergency communications strategies and systems, ensuring timely and adequate public safety delivery.
Enhances business operations by building and maintaining a working relationship with the leadership of the Bedford County Department of Fire and Rescue, the Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Bedford Police Department.
Oversees day to day operations by managing work schedules and ensuring adequate staffing.
Manages various programs including CAD system, 911 telephone system, and GIS mapping system.
Serves as Bedford County’s board member of the Region 2000 Radio Communications Board.
Manages the Regional Radio System for Bedford County.
Performs all duties of a Communications Officer when necessary.
Work is performed under the general direction of the County Administrator with latitude for independent judgment and action.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Establishes and achieves strategic, operational, and business goals for the 911 Communications Center by prioritizing initiatives and maintaining departmental organizational structure to support the needs of public safety.
Develops and continually analyzes operating policies and procedures for the communications center employees and operations.
Assists other public safety organizations in the analysis of performance and operating data.
Analyzes the performance of both individual communicators as well as the department as a whole; implements interventions to improve performance.
Exercises daily supervision and development of all 911 Center staff.
Coaches, develops, counsels, and dismisses staff in accordance with the organization’s policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
Analyzes staffing levels in relation to call volume and call response.
Maintains proper staffing levels.
Prepares daily work schedules.
Reviews accuracy of completed timesheets.
Oversees recruitment, evaluation, selection, retention, and promotion of employees.
Oversees the performance of the Communications Training Supervisor and Communications Quality Assurance Supervisor.
Investigates and resolves communication center concerns and/or complaints.
Prepares operating and capital budget requests for consideration by County Administration.
Implements approved budgets; monitors and manages expenditures within the constraints of available resources.
Oversees the design, procurement, operation, maintenance, and security of the Departments equipment, i.
e.
, 911 telephone systems, Regional Radio system, Computer Aided Dispatch system, message switch infrastructure, wireless 911 operational capability, internal secure communications network, recording systems, critical incident information management system and various other technical components.
Serves as liaison with contract vendors.
Coordinates with the Bedford County GIS Manager to develop and maintain a geographic database supporting emergency services and other County functions.
Establishes procedures for data coding, entry, and analysis to support the County’s emergency services performance data needs.
Compiles various reports as needed.
Collects and relays statistical information.
Supervises and assists in record keeping.
Keeps abreast of recent developments in state and federal requirements, disaster operations and advancements in the communications or emergency management fields.
Responds to request for public records pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Maintains Communications Center Security and Confidentiality.
Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested by management.
Participates in employee meetings and training as needed.
Performs special projects as assigned.
Meets attendance requirements and maintains the highest level of dependability.
Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs and reprioritizes work as necessary.
Performs other related job duties as assigned.
Qualifications Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in operating the various communications systems.
Knowledge of the geography of Bedford County Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing radio operations.
Knowledge of computers and MS Office applications.
Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
Skill in listening and receiving information.
Skill in multi-tasking.
Skill in typing accurately on a standard keyboard at a rate of no less than 30 wpm.
Ability to supervise the dispatching of equipment and personnel.
Ability to monitor several different radios and channels simultaneously.
Ability to deal effectively with hostile and/or discourteous persons.
Ability to remain professional at all times.
Ability to use active listening skills and extract pertinent information from a caller or other information source during emergencies.
Ability to use good judgment and to react quickly in emergency situations.
Ability to keep complete and accurate records.
Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse professional team and / or independently.
Ability to establish / maintain effective working relationships with employees, county officials, vendors, and the public.
Strong quality and service minded.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
Ability to hear/understand all audio communications systems (i.
e.
radio, telephone, etc) within the confines of the communications center Ability to accurately view a computer screen (i.
e.
CAD, ANI/ALI, teletype, telephone, etc.
) from a seated position as not to interfere with performing other essential duties.
Education / Experience: Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) with at least 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience as a Communications Officer or Communications Supervisor; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license, proof of insurance required to drive on county business, and acceptable driving record.
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Basic Dispatch Certification, International Academy of Emergency Dispatch EMD, EFD and EPD, International Academy of Emergency Dispatch EMD-Q, EFD-Q, and EPD-Q, Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) certification, IS100, IS200 and IS700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Harris Corporation P25 Radio System Administration Training required within 6 months of employment.
APCO RPL (Registered Public-Safety Leader), CPE (Certified Public Safety Executive Program), CMCP (Center Manager Certification Program), and/or ENP (Emergency Number Professional) Certification desirable.
Working Conditions This position is designated as essential personnel.
In accordance with the County's personnel policy, essential personnel are critical to the continuation of key operations and services and are expected to report to work, unless otherwise directed by management, in all weather conditions.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit an application, cover letter and resume with three (3) professional references and two (2) personal references to hrinfo@bedfordcountyva.
gov .
First review of applications will occur on November 3, 2023; however the position will remain open until filled.
Disclaimer Bedford County maintains a safe, drug-free workplace for its employees.
Drug screening, driving record check, a criminal background check, and previous employer references are required for all positions as conditions of pre-employment.
Bedford County, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.