Public Safety Telecommunicator

Introduction Are you a multitasker who enjoys work that is fast-paced and exciting? Do you want to be a hero without the badge? Consider a career as a Telecommunicator I - 911 specialist. We are looking for a responsible team player who is an excellent communicator, independent decision maker, and wants to grow within our organization. If you are ready to embark on a career that is essential to helping our community, come join the FIRST nationally accredited communications center in Virginia. Come be a part of the public safety team, make a difference in your community, and help us save lives! Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. About This Role As a Telecommunicator, you will provide service and assistance to residents, visitors, and public safety partners. You will be responsible for promptly receiving and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls from the public. This includes gathering essential information and details from callers to assess the nature of the situation accurately and dispatching the appropriate resources and public safety personnel. You will have a unique responsibility in a fast-paced environment that requires careful attention to detail, multi-tasking, and good communication skills. After you have completed training and are released to solo duty, there are many opportunities for upward growth and promotion as a Telecommunicator II (Police or Fire dispatcher) and a Telecommunicator III (Police and Fire dispatcher), with each step including a 10% increase in salary. Minimum Requirements All applicants must: Have a high school diploma or General Education Requirement (G.E.D.)Be 18 years of age at date of hireBe a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States and eligible for naturalizationType 30 words per minuteSuccessfully pass full background investigation to include polygraph, psychological evaluation, drug test and software-based application skills test. Preferences The successful candidate will have: Previous experience as a 911 operator or in a high-volume call centerCertifications in CPR, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and basic telecommunicator class (e.g., APCO)Foreign language translation skillsExperience providing instructions over the phone and dealing with the public in stressful situationsBasic knowledge of computers and software (e.g., Computer Aided Dispatch, Records Management System and Microsoft Office, etc.) Special Requirements The applicant must: Pass a software-based application skills testPass a polygraph, drug testing, criminal history check, a physical, hearing test and a psychological examinationWhile in training, must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), and CPR certification Work Schedule Schedule Requirements: The Department of Public Safety Communications is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year including holidays and weekends. The four squads each work four (4) days or nights and then are off for four (4) days or nights. The shifts are 12 hours long; either from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. There is one squad that works straight days, one squad that works straight nights, and two squads that work rotating shifts (2 days on, off 24 hours and then 2 nights on with 4 days off). Placement on specific squads/shifts is not guaranteed. The applicant must be available for duty around the clock. This position is designated as essential and must report to work during times when the local government/agencies are closed and is subject to callback/holdover to maintain minimum staffing 24/7. Starting Salary Range: $23.25 - $24.41 Hourly Hiring Process The Selection Process Takes Approximately Three Months After The Initial Application Has Been Received. Applicants Must Successfully Complete The Below Stages Application: Submit online applicationScreening and Assessment: software-based application skills test, criminal history check, interview, sit-along, personal history statement, and conditional offer of employmentEvaluations and Polygraph: psychological evaluation, medical examination including hearing and vision testing, and polygraph examinationFinal Assessments & Final Offer: background investigation, final interview and formal job offer We Also Offer Great Benefits, Including Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans Paid Annual LeavePaid Personal LeavePaid Sick LeavePaid HolidaysOptional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans Optional Group Life InsuranceAn Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Career Development Opportunities Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here for PSLF additional information. NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SEE YOURSELF HERE! Prince William County Government offers medical plans with corresponding pharmacy and basic vision coverage, as well as dental plans and a separate vision plan. Full-time and part-time Prince William County Government employees are eligible to participate in our plans; however, the level and cost of benefits depends on the classification of the position. The following positions do not accrue leave and are not eligible for holidays or other fringe benefits: Temporary Provisional Seasonal employees Click on the link below to explore our plans and rates. Prince William County Benefit Programs 01 I understand that the information provided on my application is used to determine my qualifications. A resume WILL NOT be considered in determining my qualifications for this position. Only information provided at the time of the application submission will be considered when determining my qualifications. Only responses to Supplemental Questions that can be verified in the Education and Work Experience sections on the application will be credited. I have read, understand, and acknowledge the above statementI decline to proceed any further in this process. 02 Do you hold a high school diploma or GED? YesNo 03 Have you ever applied to Prince William County Department of Public Safety Communications before? YesNo 04 If you answered yes to the question above, please provide the approx. month and year you previously applied. If you answered no, please type N/A 05 Please select the option that best represents your E911 Telecommunications experience. Please make sure your response is reflective of the information included in the education section of this application. 5 or more years3 – 4 years1 – 2 yearsNone 06 This position is considered essential. It requires the ability to work 12-hour shifts, to include nights, weekends and holidays. Staff work four (4) consecutive days or nights and then are off for (4) days. Are you able to accommodate this work schedule? YesNo 07 This position requires work in a fast paced, high call volume, multi-tasking work environment, where it is very important to remain calm while under pressure. Do you have experience working in an environment where you had to remain focused and ask pertinent questions during emergency situations while performing other tasks? YesNo 08 Do you have experience working with a team in a fast-paced environment? YesNo 09 Do you have experience in the following? Choose as many as applies. Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN)National Criminal Information Center (NCIC)TeletypeNone 10 How many years of data entry experience do you have? 5 or more years3 – 4 years1 – 2 yearsNo data entry experience 11 Customer service is a crucial aspect of this job. Communicating with citizens and providing excellent customer service is essential. Do you have experience in this area? YesNo 12 How many years of experience do you have providing customer service via the telephone to the general public? 5 or more years3 – 4 years1 – 2 yearsNone 13 How familiar are you with Prince William County geography, to include county government facilities, schools, hospitals, fire and rescue stations, police stations, military installations, government contractors, parks and recreation facilities? Extremely FamiliarVery FamiliarSomewhat FamiliarNo FamiliarityNone 14 Are you fluent in any language other than English? YesNo 15 If you answered "yes" to the question above, list the languages you are fluent in. Required Question