Public Safety Telecommunicator

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Public Safety Telecommunicator is defined as a contract, part-time, trainee, probationary, or full-time front-level classification. The Public Safety Telecommunicator trains in and performs a variety of routine and complex duties required to operate a multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction dispatch and 9-1-1 call center.

• Answer, evaluate and prioritize incoming emergency and non-emergency phone calls on multiple phone lines. Clearly and articulately question callers to determine their location and the nature of their problem(s) or request(s) to determine type of response needed. When certified, provide emergency medical instruction to callers. Resolve routine inquiries. Conference parties when applicable. Refer calls not requiring dispatch to appropriate departments or agencies.
• Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with speed and accuracy to document telephone, radio, field activity and to create calls for service. Receive and comprehend information received from a variety of sources, often simultaneously, including but not limited to telephone, radio and in-person verbal and nonverbal communications, as well as written information in both hard and electronic forms, entering appropriate information into the CAD system as it is received.
• Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established departmental protocol and procedures, instructions from a superior, or by individual judgment if required by the situation. Display sound multi-tasking and decision-making capabilities.
• Operate radio and paging equipment to dispatch the appropriate law enforcement and/or other first responder field units to routine and emergency requests for service. Monitor primary (e.g., law enforcement, Fire, Ambulance Service, search, and rescue) and support (e.g., emergency management, public works, hospital, school district) radio frequencies, receive and reply clearly and articulately to radio traffic from field units. Remain apprised of information and developing situations via the radio system.
• Deal with excited, hysterical, agitated, angry, emotional, or unpleasant callers on a regular basis. Perform crisis intervention with distraught callers during high-risk situations until appropriate emergency field units arrive on scene. Conference non-English-speaking callers with language line services for assistance whenever necessary.
• Gather all necessary information vital to officer response and safety. Monitor status displays and computer screens and accurately maintain contact, status, and location of public safety personnel and equipment.
• Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages. Responsible for the precise and accurate recording, retrieval, interpretation, and dissemination of information. Relay information and messages to and from public safety personnel, public safety agencies, and all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
• Display strong interpersonal skills. Enable a positive and professional working environment. Work effectively with a wide range of other people, departments, and agencies, maintaining professionalism and cooperation to achieve results.
• Use research skills in accessing a wide range of computer systems, files, and records to provide public safety-first responders, citizens, and departmental personnel across agencies with pertinent or requested information.
• Enter, update, and retrieve information in/from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as criminal histories, wanted, protected or missing persons, stolen property or vehicles, and driver's license or vehicle registration. Maintain associated paper and computerized logs.
• Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials. Maintain confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties consistent with applicable Federal, State, County and agency rules and regulations.
• Develop and maintain geographic knowledge of Converse County, including but not limited to the location of roads, streets, highways, landmarks, waterways, recreation areas and jurisdictional boundaries. When necessary, read, interact with, and effectively interpret small and large-scale maps from computer screens or paper-based maps to determine location and provide directions.
• Complete paperwork as required, such as for arrests. Update and maintain alarm information in the Computer Aided Dispatch system. Regularly review assigned email account for messages, reply to messages or take other action as necessary.
• Maintain familiarity with alternate dispatch location(s) and equipment and staff and operate such as needed or requested in the case of dispatch evacuation or critical incidents. Develop and maintain knowledge of evacuation policies and procedures. Develop and maintain knowledge of Emergency Operations and incident command system procedures.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of county and…