Emergency Dispatcher is responsible for responding to calls for emergency and non-emergency assistance and dispatching law enforcement, fire fighting, or rescue units. Transmits and receives coded and conventional messages. Being an Emergency Dispatcher differentiates between routine, priority, and emergency messages, and initiates or follows through on responses as required. Communicates details of situation and location. Additionally, Emergency Dispatcher enters unit response details into a database. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Emergency Dispatcher works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. To be an Emergency Dispatcher typically requires 3-5 years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
Open until filled.
Job Title: Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher
Department: Public Safety Communications
Supervisor: Communications Director
Status: Union
Salary: Step 0 $22.87 per hour*
Union: Seekonk Communications and Clerical Union
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Hours/Week: 40
*The salary is based on a nine (9) step table. Step 0 is $22.87 per hour and Step 9 is $33.26 per hour.
POSITION OVERVIEW: The Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher (ETD) is essential in providing public safety communications for fire, police, EMS, and utility services responding to emergency situations to assist citizens in need. The ETD receives, reviews and transmits emergency and law enforcement related communications by operating a multi-band sophisticated radio broadcast system, teleprocessing system, cellular emergency 911 telephone network and a worldwide police telecommunications system under the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission to disseminate information on crimes and emergencies.
SUMMARY: The following description is a general summary of responsibilities with some specific duties. It is not a total delineation of all duties nor does it limit the responsibilities to those stipulated. This position functions as a part of the overall public safety team to ensure effective and efficient public safety operations.
The Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher monitors radio frequencies, sets priorities among incoming events and dispatches police, fire, or medical personnel to necessary locations using both radios and computers. They keep accurate status of exact location of equipment and personnel by maintaining radio contact. Answer complaints and transmits broadcast orders to coordinate the dispatching of law enforcement, medical and fire emergency personnel. All Emergency Telecommunications Dispatchers also serve as 911 Telecommunicators as needed.
The positions requires the individual to think quickly, calmly, and clearly in emergency situations and apply judgement, discretion, and initiative in accomplishing work. The Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher uses initiative in carrying out repetitive assignments independently with specific instruction. The position entails the performance of complex tasks of varying degrees of difficulty. The normal work week for Emergency Telecommunications Dispatchers will consist of four (4) eight (8) hour days on duty and two (2) days off.
SUPERVISION: Works under the policy direction of the Board of Selectmen through the Town Administrator and Communications Director, while applying a degree of independent judgment and initiative. The employee is expected to recognize instances which are out of the ordinary and which do not fall within existing instructions or policy; the employee is then expected to seek advice and further instructions. Reviews and checks of the employee’s work are applied to an extent sufficient to keep the supervisor aware of progress, and to insure that completed work and methods used are technically accurate and that instructions are being followed.
JOB ENVIRONMENT: The Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and requires minimum staffing levels. All Emergency Telecommunications Dispatchers work a rotating schedule of days, nights and overnights which includes weekends and holidays. In addition, because of the nature of the position within public safety, there are instances where forced shift overtime is mandatory to meet a minimum staffing level, fill a sick call or due to high peak work periods. Long periods of minimal activity followed by sustained periods of intense activity or multiple events at once. Frequently required to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining flexibility to appropriately adjust to the needs of each situation. Extensive use of computers, keyboards, radios, office equipment, and similar specialized technical and electronic equipment commonly found in communication centers. Work is conducted in the Communications Center and involves sitting for extended periods of time, some walking, and standing. May be subject to extended work periods without relief.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience
Must be a high school graduate, Associate degree preferred. Not less than four (4) years of administrative support experience or one (1) year of public safety dispatch experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidate must be able to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge skills and abilities to perform this work.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge: General knowledge of emergency services and its operations. Knowledge of Seekonk’s policies, procedures, and bylaws. Knowledge of office equipment and the operation of computer software applications, particularly word processing, spreadsheet, database, email and internet. Detailed knowledge of the Town of Seekonk with demonstrated knowledge of Seekonk streets and locations.
Ability: Ability to handle difficult interpersonal interactions and complaints with tact and diplomacy. Manage and accomplish multiple priorities and diverse responsibilities with a high level of accuracy. Ability to actively listen to callers on the telephone and first responders on the radio. Ability to learn how to use various 9-1-1 equipment such as telephones, computers, radios, and various software applications. Must have the ability to type 40 to 60 words per minute, with minimal errors.
Skill: Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills to work in a team environment. Excellent communication skills, in person, by phone, and electronically. Execute multiple tasks involving keyboarding, telephones, writing, speaking, and listening. Skills in operating computers and utilizing appropriate software applications to include computer aided dispatch, state 911 system, and Microsoft office. Excellent prioritization skills. Understand, respond to, and apply complex concepts, information, and instructions including policies, procedures, laws, and regulations. Engage in frequent interpersonal interactions that are stressful or sensitive in nature.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Hear, understand and respond to verbal information in person, by phone, and by radio, including difficult to understand callers, and over background noise. Speak clearly and concisely. Work long shifts, up to 16 hours, while sitting for extended periods of time with light physical effort. May spend sustained periods on a computer, telephone, or operate other office equipment. When there is limited opportunity for physical movement the PSD must remain alert and responsive while observing computer display screens for uninterrupted periods of time. Perform multiple tasks requiring manual dexterity at the same time. Regular interaction with the public, other Town employees, and members of public safety. Occasionally required to move, push or pull items weighing up to 30 pounds.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in the skills necessary to successfully be a key member of the Town and to work in conjunction with all public safety personnel.
Posted on 4/5/2024
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