Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatchers support public safety agencies by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD), and dispatching public safety personnel as warranted. Employees in this job class provide information and referrals to citizens for non-emergency calls. Work is performed in a call center setting and employees operate a technological workstation to include the simultaneous operation of multiple computer monitors, video monitors, telephones, two-way radios, etc.

Public Safety Dispatchers do not supervise others. Work is reviewed by the shift supervisor by playing back recorded calls and checking records for accuracy and correctness.

Compensation and benefits vary depending upon the Merit System employing agency. Bessemer: $42,078 - $65,270 Birmingham: $40,934 - $63,502 Fairfield: $37,107 - $57,553 Fultondale: $44,304 - $68,744 Gardendale: $47,777 - $74,110 Homewood: $47,278 - $73,340 Hueytown: $43,409 - $67,329 Irondale: $49,836 - $77,313 Midfield: $33,238 - $51,563 Pleasant Grove: $42,910 - $66,580 Tarrant: $40,851 - $63,377

The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

• Experience in a customer service-oriented position (e.g., interacting with people, providing information and/or a service).
• No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violent offenses or issues of moral turpitude.
• Willing to submit to a general and criminal background check.
• Willing to work an 8- or 12-hour shift on any shift or day (e.g., nights, weekends, holidays) and overtime as needed.

The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by Merit System agencies. These qualifications may be considered by a hiring agency when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes:

• Experience as a public safety dispatcher.
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification.
• Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification.
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Typical job duties include:

• Answers and manages calls to allow effective communication and response of emergency responders (i.e., police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS)) for citizens during emergency situations.
• Provides information and referrals to citizens, public safety personnel, media, etc. by responding to calls involving non-emergency situations.
• Operates technology-based work station that includes multiple video monitors, multiple software programs running simultaneously, a personal computer, phone lines, headsets, and alarm boards in order to receive, forward, and monitor calls for services.
• Dispatches public safety personnel (i.e., police, fire, and medical emergency) and informs responding units of pertinent information regarding emergency situations.
• Monitors responses of public safety personnel and activities of other dispatchers to track progress, maintain communications, and ensure personnel safety.
• Accesses and maintains suspect and/or incident information by running database queries, updating databases, completing reports/logs, and filing documentation.
• Monitors the functions of the detention center and ensures inmate safety and well-being.
• Trains new employees, interns, or temporary employees how to perform the job to ensure employees are able to appropriately handle emergency calls and provide citizen and emergency personnel with necessary information.
• Performs miscellaneous duties such as attending meetings, handling incoming and outgoing monies for reports, monitoring the weather, and updating information.
• Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines.

Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods. Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in a call center setting. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc. Job requires working holidays, overtime (e.g., in the morning, during lunch, or after normal working hours), and/or nights.

The Person nel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination,…