Public Safety Telecommunicator; Formerly 911 Dispatcher

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is currently accepting applications for Public Safety Telecommunicator. This highly technical position is responsible for answering a multi-line phone system, providing information, referral or response as required to the public and public safety responders by applying extensive procedures and using sound judgment. Answer 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, the interdepartmental calls from police, fire and ambulance services, and calls from other public safety agencies.

Monitor computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information. Provide callers with the appropriate advice or referral, or initiate police, fire, and/or emergency medical (EMS) services to the caller. Dispatches law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel by operating Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), two-way radio, and other sophisticated communications equipment systems.

• Prior experience in public safety dispatching (lateral pay for current dispatchers will be considered); or two years of customer service experience in a fast-paced environment, or an associate's degree in a law-enforcement related field of study.
• Desired keyboarding ability of 45 WPM or better. (Invitation to complete the typing assessment will be sent during application review process)

Here is a brief video overview of this highly technical position, the work environment, and the scope of impact in the community.

High School diploma or equivalent. The ability to type at a minimum of 45 words per minute is required.

A typing test will be administered to all candidates chosen for an interview.

Conditions for employment include passing a thorough background investigation, including FBI fingerprints search, passing a psychological examination, physical examination, hearing test, and drug test conducted at county expense at the time an appointment is offered. Must pass EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatching) and CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) Certification tests within the probationary period.

Your training and experience will be rated based on the required application material submitted and the top-scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office Emergency Communications Response Center staff schedule is currently a 4-2/5-2 pattern for DAYS and MIDS, and a 5-3 pattern for NIGHTS, which is a mix of 10-hour and 8-hour shifts.

DAYS SHIFT

• 8-hour:
• 10-hour:

MIDS SHIFT

• 8-hour:
• 10-hour:  or  (have a choice)

NIGHTS SHIFT

• 8-hour:
• 10-hour:

Training which takes 8 to 9 months, is typically done on the DAYS or MIDS shifts. Once off training, you will be able to "bid" a shift according to seniority ranking (i.e. more senior bid first).

$30.24 per hour

Lateral Pay Scale is based on previous dispatch experience and specialty assignments. $30.24 - $36.44 per hour

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is committed to hiring highly skilled and qualified Public Safety Telecommunicators. To ensure that candidates who have experience in this field are properly compensated for their experience and additional skills when joining the Sheriff's Office, pay is based on previous dispatch experience and specialty assignments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The job requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and the ability to type at a minimum of 45 words per minute. Prior experience in a public safety setting or customer contact job is preferred. Incumbents must pass CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) and multi-disciplinary call handling and dispatching Certification tests within the probationary period. A background check is required.

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace;
• Demonstrates ability to enter data into CRT while simultaneously talking
• Demonstrates ability to operate CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) and radio console equipment
• Demonstrates ability to speak and enunciate while maintaining order and calmness in stressful conditions
• Demonstrates ability to handle situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully
• Demonstrates the ability to make rapid decisions and sound judgments in emergency situations
• Demonstrates the ability to interpret and apply communication policies and procedures

• Receive, prioritize, and handle multiple, simultaneous emergency and administrative phone calls for assistance, evaluate and prioritize the calls received and take necessary action;
• Process complaints and make appropriate referrals on a broad variety of public safety matters, that often require referring to or memorizing detailed reference materials and standard operating procedures, including databases, maps, telephone listings, and other resources;
• Identify, through appropriate and timely questioning of the caller, the…