Police Communications Specialist Trainee

The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) is responsible for the enforcement of laws, regulations, and ordinances for crimes committed on, to, or against facilities owned, controlled, or operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

The MTPD has tri-state jurisdiction and operates in the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, the MTPD offers a rich benefit package to include health, dental, group life insurance, paid holidays, annual and sick leave, a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and a 401a Plan, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, and free transportation.

The successful candidate for this Trainee position will have preferred skills in: Call taking in a high volume call center, preferably in an emergency setting, quick and accurate data entry skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task. Candidate should have the ability to make sound decisions and respond quickly to requests that assist in the safety of WMATA patrons, employees and MTPD officers. Strong preference for candidates who are Bi-lingual.

This position is in person/onsite with days off consistent with the training officer. The salary range for this position is $56,852.36-$85,869.95.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• A high school diploma or GED

Experience

• One (1) year of clerical experience, customer service or experience working with the public.

Preferred

Experience

• One (1) year of clerical experience, customer service or experience working in a high-volume call center

Other Requirements

• Must attend training to attain and maintain certifications from Maryland and Washington, DC, which allows incumbent access to criminal justice databases, used daily while on duty (WALES and METERS). A passing score on the test (s) issued by each state/jurisdiction is required to obtain the initial certification, as well as bi-annual recertification to remain a valid user of the system.
• May be required to work variable shifts as needed, at times during inclement weather and when necessary, work extended tours of duty without notice.

Medical Group:

Ability to satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position. Must be able to perform the essential functions of this job either with or without reasonable accommodation(s).

Job Summary/Duties:

The Police Communications Trainee performs technical and administrative public safety communications work in an emergency communications call center. The Incumbent is responsible for learning how to receive and process all calls for service to the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), coordinate with other jurisdictional police and fire departments, make appropriate notifications and then performs these duties under supervision. The Trainee is responsible for making appropriate decisions during periods of stress. The incumbent provides support services to the unit and other MTPD divisions.

Essential Functions:

• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Operates communications console equipment, computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, telephones, and personal computer to expedite a variety of emergency, non-emergency and complaint calls from the public.
• Conducts queries in police multi-jurisdictional criminal information systems.
• Provides callers with customer support, acknowledges WMATA customer complaints, inquiries and recommendations during non-business hours, when WMATA customer service center is closed.
• Sends notifications as required to various WMATA management and external government recipients, reference police or public safety emergencies.
• Dispatches police officers, officials and emergency management personnel to calls for service.
• Evaluates the closest and the safest location for first responders to intercept moving trains and moving buses when an emergency call has been received.
• Reports radio malfunctions to WMATA's radio maintenance department
• Finds current locations of buses and trains. using WMATA Bus and Rail tracking systems. to find current locations of buses and trains.
• Reviews calls and produces recordings of calls using the NICE recording system.

Other Functions:

• Provides support services to the unit and other MTPD divisions.

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.