Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee - Sierra Vista

Nature of Work

Under general supervision, answers emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone calls, determines nature and urgency of call and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment; position requires working on a rotating schedule (day, mid-shift and nights), covering 24/7 operation to include working holidays and weekends; performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

• Answers emergency and non-emergency phone lines, determines the nature and urgency of the call, obtains the necessary information and details regarding requests;
• Refers to appropriate agency or dispatches appropriate police, fire and medical personnel and equipment;
• Records time and nature of call as well as time and nature of response;
• Directs concerns or calls for service to proper channels, including other law enforcement agencies to confirm or locate stolen vehicles, missing or wanted persons;
• Continually evaluates pending and new calls for service to assure they are being assigned in order of priority;
• Performs registration and driver’s license checks.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age and successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation;
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License and the ability to be covered by county insurance;
• Successful completion of a written exam, psych exam, hearing exam;
• Mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge attained following successful training period: Emergency dispatch practices and procedures; The road, location and addresses of buildings and landmarks in Cochise County; The Cochise County and Cochise County’s municipalities organization and services; Successful certification in current Emergency Dispatch Protocols.
• Ability To Communicate, using telephone and two-way radio equipment;
• Evaluate emergency calls and determine appropriate level of response needed;
• Remain calm and function appropriately during emergency situations and communicate with persons in varying degrees of hysteria;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with emergency personnel, other government personnel, outside law enforcement agencies and the general public;
• Work in a multi-tasking environment, subject to quickly changing priorities;
• Speak clearly and actively listen;
• Negotiate;
• Use computer terminals and keyboard at 40 words per minute.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed under general supervision in an office setting with appropriate climate controls; exposure to continuous interruptions, constant noise from phone/radio and in-person communications and background noises; exposed to crisis calls which may include abusive language; requires working early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting, manual dexterity, large motor skills, ability to communicate, prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing, lifting, kneeling, squatting, stooping, extended periods of viewing a monitor, and operating a keyboard.

Mental Application

• Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills.