Emergency Dispatcher Requirements

Position Title: Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher)

Salary Range: $22,880 to $25,584

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Serves as a professional Telecommunicator for Washington County.  Works directly with the public, law enforcement, fire departments, ambulance service and numerous other public safety agencies providing a communications link for both emergent and non-emergent responses to incidents.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Works under the direct supervision of a senior telecommunicator, Communications Supervisor, Assistant Director and/or Director.  Trainees must successfully complete a mandatory 3 month training period, as part of a nine month probationary period.  Trained telecommunicators supervise those with less seniority.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

• Answers incoming radio, telephone and computer generated calls of both and emergent and non-emergent nature; ascertains the nature of each situation and appropriately dispatches all necessary personnel and equipment according to jurisdiction and specific standard operating procedures.
• Maintains incident and status histories accurately in the Computer Aided Dispatch system and other records, documenting agency response and location of personnel and equipment.
• Operates a four screen console terminal, requesting and reacting to interagency data on the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System database.  Obtains criminal histories drivers histories, enters warrants, etc. and maintains strict confidentiality on all information pertaining to the same.
• Maintains a current knowledge and understanding of all departmental policies and procedures, ensuring consistency in responding to situations.
• Performs minor care and maintenance communications, office and radio equipment.
• Performs Emergency Medical, Emergency Fire and Emergency Police Dispatch functions; i.e. relays information to callers to provide immediate assistance to victims.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Participates with ongoing projects within the dispatch center.

REQUIRED ABLITIES

COMMUNICATIONS: Able to listen to, read and/or understand directives, correspondence and memoranda; able to write and speak in an understandable, accurate and positive manner; able to gather pertinent information quickly and accurately ; able to communicate received information professionally and precisely to the proper personnel; able to display accuracy and react courteously in communication with other employees, user agencies and the public; able to communicate effectively all aspects of the job requirements to new dispatchers; i.e. effective training skills.

DECISION MAKING: Act in a decisive manner, using good judgment; able to asses problems and situations in a timely manner; able to anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives; able to deal with emergency and stressful situations while avoiding overreaction; demonstrates knowledge of and utilization of appropriate resources and the willingness to initiate the use of available references with expediency.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Demonstrates consistency dealing with people, shows personal integrity and sensitivity to other’s problems without direct involvement; excludes personal biases from work performance; able to accept discipline and constructive criticisms while promoting a cooperative, positive attitude and a team atmosphere.

PROFESSIONAL ATTUIDE: Displays emotional stability, self motivation, loyalty and commitment to the department and Washington County; willing to take initiative and act in a dependable and mature manner in relationships with others; represents the department to other agencies and citizens with a courteous, helpful, accurate and professional attitude in all radio, telephone, teletype and personal contacts.

STRESS MANAGEMENT: Consistently works well under pressure and manages stressful situations without compromising job performance or mental and physical well-being.  Able to detect and correct errors, able to perform tasks simultaneously when necessary.  Able to coordinate heavy work load to maintain organization.  Able to utilize work time properly.

WORK SCHEDULE: Able to work holidays, weekends and rotating shifts.  Able to work eight or twelve hours shifts as required.  Must be prepared to stay four hours after certain shifts to cover sick time for other shift.  Must be prepared to have schedule changed as necessary.  Able to report for shifts on time without exception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Twelve hour shifts require mostly sitting.  Lighting and temperature agreed upon per shift and as a team.  Breaks are sometimes delayed or foregone depending on the shift workload.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: The following skills and certifications are provided and must be maintained by the employee:  EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch), EFD (Emergency Fire Dispatch), EPD (Emergency Police Dispatch), CPR Certification, M.U.L.E.S Training, and other courses as deemed necessary.  Able to act as an FTO and train new employees in the absence of Telecommunicators, after the first year of employment.  Working knowledge of radio, telephone and computer function, including limitations and alternatives.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Able to work at least 40 hours per week.

Able to pass a typing test at the time of application (30 WPM).

Able to pass written testing for spelling, mapping and logical skills.

Able to pass a dispatch performance examination according to established standards.

Able to pass a criminal background investigation.

High school graduate or equivalent.

Employment Application Packet.pdf