911 Dispatcher 1

About the role

The role of the Dispatcher 1 is to work with citizens, first responders, and emergency services personnel during emergencies and non-emergencies in a collaborative effort to protect the lives, health, safety, and property of the public. The Dispatcher 1 uses problem solving, independent judgment, and agency missions to determine the proper responses, while demonstrating the ability to monitor, report, and respond to Officer Safety concerns.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency 9-1-1 calls and non-emergency telephone calls from the public, triaging the call and rapidly analyzing the information to calculate the appropriate response.
• Research and perform data analysis of information from local, state and federal records systems and databases.
• Evaluate and interpret the obtained information to identify potential danger and risk to public safety personnel.
• Determine the appropriate course of action based on the analysis of the information received.
• Expeditiously review, interpret, analyze and prioritize law enforcement calls or requests for service applying agency missions, standard operating procedures, profession best practices and independent judgement to determine the most appropriate resource for response.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, members of various user agencies, organizations, and the public.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret oral and written communications, and apply independent judgement and problem-solving techniques during stressful situations.
• Demonstrate the ability to stay calm and composed and use strong customer service skills to de-escalate highly stressful and emotional situations.
• Demonstrate active listening and communication skills.
• Maintain compliance with all County policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required; college and/or vocational training desired.
• Keyboard/typing minimum 30 wpm.
• Read, write and clearly speak English.
• Must successfully pass a job-related specialized skill test.
• Must be free of felony convictions; free of misdemeanor convictions for 3 years.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Pass hearing test and drug screening.
• Attain certification in National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database system (provided on the job).
• Attend and successfully complete South Dakota Law Enforcement Training (SD LET) Academy 9-1-1 certification training (provided on the job).
• Attend and successfully complete ESCC classroom training in basic call taking skills, computer aided dispatch (CAD) operations and general Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) operations.
• Successfully completes supervised field training in basic call taking skills, CAD and PSAP operations.
• Successfully complete 200 hours of supervised on the job field training for a Law Enforcement Radio discipline.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid South Dakota driver license.

Qualifications

• Must be able to frequently sit, walk, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, reach and lift, push or pull and use manual dexterity needed to operate a computer, telephone and radio.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position, answer phone calls, and perform data entry and/or keyboarding for the duration of an 8-hour or 12-hour shift.
• Must be able to accurately and effectively communicate (hear, talk and comprehend) over the phone, radio, in person and in writing.
• Must be physically capable of working rotating day and night shifts 24/7, day and night, rotating shifts.

Skills

• Problem solving.
• Independent judgment.
• Agency missions.
• Standard operating procedures.
• Profession best practices.
• Interpretation of oral and written communications.
• Independent judgement and problem-solving techniques.
• Staying calm and composed.
• Active listening and communication skills.
• Compliance with County policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package including:
• South Dakota Retirement Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plan.
• Nine (9) paid holidays.
• Generous vacation and sick leave.
• Emergency leave.
• Company paid life insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• A pay differential of $2.00/hour for hours worked between 6 pm and 6 am.
• A pay at 1.5x the hourly rate for hours worked on designated holidays.

Pay

The wage depends on experience.

Schedule

Rotating day and night shifts 24/7, day and night, rotating shifts.

Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

• Health Care Program: Health – Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums. Dental – Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan. Prescription – The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit. Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.
  • Life Insurance: Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.
  • Retirement Plan: Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age. Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.
  • AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.