Emergency Communication Specialist Lateral

About the role

This skilled position is responsible for the receipt and processing of emergency and non-emergency calls for public safety services, timely and accurate deployment of appropriate public safety personnel and apparatus to the location of emergencies. Training and supervision are received from the Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) Manager or Emergency Communications Specialist IV with oversight from a DEC Administrator, Assistant Director, and/or the Director.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process incoming calls of emergency (911), non-emergency, informational and business nature under supervision
• Utilizing a protocol-based call processing systems obtain necessary information facilitating the dispatch of appropriate public safety personnel, apparatus or resource
• Communicate with EMS, Fire-Rescue, Law Enforcement and affiliated agencies personnel and equipment
• Maintain computerized and manual records
• Relay information to appropriate officials or agencies
• Operate public safety radio consoles and maintain communications with allied EMS, Fire-Rescue, Law Enforcement, and associated Local, Municipal, County, State, and Federal government agencies
• Operate Text-to-911 and TTY equipment (telephone equipment for persons who are hearing/speech impaired)
• Handle multiple tasks and track multiple in-progress incidents simultaneously while developing proficiency under supervision
• Alert other jurisdictions when necessary
• Operate computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and other computer software products
• Dispatch required apparatus, resources, equipment, or personnel in accordance with standard operating policies and procedures

Requirements

• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Minimum age 18 years
• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Possession of valid International Academies of Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Medical, Emergency Fire, and Emergency Police Dispatch (EMD, EFD, EPD) certifications (non-IAED equivalents will not be considered)
• Minimum 6 months of 911 / emergency communications call processing work experience for police, fire and medical requests

Qualifications

• A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:
• Ability to obtain and maintain State of Maryland (MIEMSS) Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification
• Ability to obtain and maintain National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) access
• Knowledge of Frederick County geography and surrounding areas
• Effective keyboarding/data entry skills in order to accurately enter information during conversation with callers
• Knowledge of fire rescue and law enforcement disciplines
• Effective reading and giving directions
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly and distinctly, and to accurately summarize and describe information with correct, precise terminology
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, user agencies and the general public
• Ability to perform quickly and effectively in emergency situations
• Knowledge of county, towns, road names, landmarks, and directions of travel on routes and highways
• Knowledge of surrounding jurisdictions
• Knowledge of Departmental policies and procedures
• Skilled in the use of relevant technology and equipment
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to communicate appropriately and maintain composure when responding to callers
• Ability to calmly and accurately provide potential lifesaving instructions in high stress situations
• Ability to gather and process information in a timely manner
• Ability to deal with uncooperative callers

Skills

• Ability to obtain and maintain State of Maryland (MIEMSS) Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification
• Ability to obtain and maintain National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) access
• Knowledge of Frederick County geography and surrounding areas
• Effective keyboarding/data entry skills in order to accurately enter information during conversation with callers
• Knowledge of fire rescue and law enforcement disciplines
• Effective reading and giving directions
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly and distinctly, and to accurately summarize and describe information with correct, precise terminology
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, user agencies and the general public
• Ability to perform quickly and effectively in emergency situations
• Knowledge of county, towns, road names, landmarks, and directions of travel on routes and highways
• Knowledge of surrounding jurisdictions
• Knowledge of Departmental policies and procedures
• Skilled in the use of relevant technology and equipment
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to communicate appropriately and maintain composure when responding to callers
• Ability to calmly and accurately provide potential lifesaving instructions in high stress situations
• Ability to gather and process information in a timely manner
• Ability to deal with uncooperative callers

Benefits

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan).
• This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary
• Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Vesting after 5 years of service
• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

Pay

The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Schedule

Varying schedule; rotating shifts; full-benefits