Public Safety Telecommunications Operator

Under close supervision, coordinates and performs a variety of dispatch functions on behalf of the Lewis County E911 Communications Department; prepares and maintains dispatch records; and performs other related duties as assigned.

The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.

• Operates various types of dispatch and emergency communications equipment including multi-frequency radios, computer aided-dispatch, teletype, and TDD/TTY equipment.
• Receives, logs, and prioritizes incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Provides assistance, information, and/or instructions to callers; directs and transfers calls to other State agencies as required.
• Dispatches and maintains communication with police, fire, and/or emergency medical services personnel; monitors the location and status of field personnel.
• Responds to inquiries from emergency response personnel; provides directions to incident scenes; logs the arrival time of responders and/or aid apparatus.
• Coordinates response activities with outside agencies, public works personnel, search and rescue services, coroners, mortuaries, chaplains, towing companies, and/or other relevant parties.
• Receives and responds to information from alarm companies regarding commercial and residential properties; monitors County alarm systems; dispatches appropriate response personnel.
• Researches and provides information to law enforcement personnel regarding persons, vehicles, criminal histories, warrants, protection orders, and/or stolen property.
• Enters information into the Washington Crime Information Computer (WACIC) and National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) systems in relation to missing persons, runaways, protection orders, stolen items, and vehicles.
• Assists other agencies in coordinating Child Protective Services (CPS) referrals, mental health evaluations, and/or attempts to locate individuals.
• Performs data entry; prepares and maintains a variety of dispatch records, reports, and documentation.

Work is performed in an emergency dispatch center environment; subject to sitting for extended periods of time, standing, bending, reaching, and frequent use of personal computers.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Type 35 WPM.
• Within one year of employment completion of the following: A Telecommunications I and II Certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification, First Aid/CPR Certification, Access I and II Certification, and TTY/TDD Certification are required.

• Principles and practices of emergency dispatch.
• E911 communications operations, policies, and procedures.
• Emergency dispatch systems and software.
• WACIC and NCIC databases.
• Departmental records, reports, and documentation.

• Answering, prioritizing, logging, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Responding to public inquiries and providing information and instructions to callers.
• Maintaining communication with and providing information to emergency response personnel.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate dispatch records and documentation.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, County departments, emergency response personnel, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

• Learn and follow County policies and procedures.

• Regular, reliable attendance.