Emergency Communications Dispatcher

Department: Police Information Services

Location: Police Building

Employment type: Full-Time Regular, non-exempt

Annual salary range: $75,759.00 - $103,126.00 (paid biweekly). Starting salary without experience is $75,759.00 (Level 1). With prior 911 communication-center experience, successful applicants may be hired at Level 2 ($80,304.00) or Level 3 ($84,473.00).

About the role

Work supporting the day-to-day operations of a 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize all incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and determine appropriate response.
• Perform crisis intervention with distraught callers during high-risk situations until emergency field units arrive on scene.
• Question callers to determine nature of problem, priority, jurisdiction, and type/number of personnel and equipment needed.
• Scan status charts and computer screens to determine available units and their locations.
• Operate multi-channel radio to dispatch police, fire, medical, and other personnel and relay instructions or information to first responders.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers, such as emergency medical information.
• Provide information to police officers, such as criminal histories and warrant confirmation.
• Enter, retrieve, and update information into state and national crime computer systems (e.g., stolen property, runaways, warrants).
• Perform clerical duties such as delivering mail and messages and updating files.
• Provide information and referrals to citizens and other law enforcement and emergency agencies.
• Monitor CAD, security cameras, television channels, and internet sites throughout the shift; operate security gates and doors.
• Train new emergency services dispatchers.
• Perform other assigned duties as necessary.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three years of successful work experience in any field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to type a minimum of 40 wpm and use word-processing computer programs.
• Ability to handle high-stress and emergency situations.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to read maps and provide directions.
• Basic arithmetic skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
• Ability to define problems, collect data quickly and accurately, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to transmit facts calmly and concisely over radio and telephone.
• Physically able to operate automated office machines, including computers and copiers.
• Ability to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagrammatic form.
• Ability to differentiate between colors and shades of colors.
• Ability to talk and/or hear (expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words; perceiving sounds by ear).
• Ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately using automated office equipment.
• Ability to work shifts and overtime shifts.

Skills

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and backgrounds.
• Strong learning orientation; leverages resources and adapts to changing issues and trends.
• Understands diverse needs of internal and external customers and delivers services exceeding expectations.
• Utilizes digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (for self, spouse, domestic partner, children) – eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire.
• Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and an additional one-time bank of 40 PTO hours for new full-time hires.
• Retirement plan with company contributions after a 6-month probation period and immediate vesting.
• Flexible spending accounts: Medical expenses FSA, dependent FSA, or both.
• Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal, and financial assistance.
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
• Wellness program and workout facilities.
• Employee/family onsite health clinic.
• Learning and development opportunities at all levels with career mobility.
• Collaborative work environment.