Emergency Communications Specialist

Essential Job Functions

• Interact with callers requesting emergency / non-emergency response or service from the community or public agencies.
• Uses established protocols and the computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) to determine appropriate actions to be taken.
• Maintains the location and status of police, fire and other authorized agency units in the field.
• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls from incoming lines, including 911 and special service lines (e.g. hearing-impaired).
• Elicit facts from the caller, determine type of assistance required for the situation, and relay necessary information to the appropriate source i.e., police officers, fire field units, emergency ambulance services, mutual aid agencies and volunteers, City, County, State or Federal agencies.
• Participate with the Administration in the development, implementation, and review of procedures.
• Monitor radio communication channels for police, fire, ambulance; Department of Public Works; local government; and relay information to the appropriate authority.
• Record and maintain accurate computerized summaries of all emergency calls using C.A.D. system.
• File and organize resource information including but not limited to sensitive information, in a discreet and professional manner by maintaining confidentiality.
• Established Emergency Communication Specialists will train new ECS employees using the department's Dispatch Training Manual.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate Degree in Communication or Business Preferred) required.
• Must successfully pass the written, typing examinations, panel interview and background check conducted by the Department.
• After acceptance of conditional offer of employment applicant must pass physical examination by the Medical Board.
• Emergency Communications Specialist will obtain and maintain Vermont Criminal Information Center (VCIC) and National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) certifications upon starting the position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the street system and the geography of the Burlington area, with some knowledge of law enforcement, public safety and/or fire science procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office preferred.
• Ability to maintain a positive customer service attitude at all time with public, user agency members, co-workers and supervisors.
• Must be able and willing to work overnights, weekends, holidays and overtime shifts.
• Regular attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies.