Emergency Communications Dispatcher

Position: 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher
Position: 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher

Department:
Communications

Supervisor:
Communications Director

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

Apply at:

This classification exists is to operate computer and other related communications equipment to accurately receive and transmit information of importance accurately receive and transmit information for the City of Liberal n Seward County. Work involves evaluating incoming 9-1-1 calls to determine the appropriate level of Police, Sheriff, Fire and/or EMS assistance. Employees are expected to utilize their communication skills and to exercise considerable judgement.

Performed work with general direction of a Communications supervisor who is available for consultation. Position requires shift, holiday, and weekend work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Operates a computer-aided dispatching console consisting of a computer-based telephone system and radio console;
• Answers incoming call and extracts necessary information from citizens and City/County employees;
• Evaluates incoming calls to determine the nature and urgency of the call;
• Dispatches the appropriate emergency response unit or personnel;
• Receives radio calls from field units, transmits messages via radio or telephone, and makes inquiries to obtain requested information or services;
• Contacts outside agencies and other City/County departments to coordinate aid (i.e., contacts utility companies to inform that wires are down or to arrange for electrical shut-offs, contacts the Water Services Department to arrange for water turn-off, contacts the Police or Sheriff department for assistance);
• Transmits messages and ensures accurate receipt and understanding;
• Receives telephone calls from the public and follows through by relaying information to appropriate departmental personnel for action;
• Logs information relating to calls received over the telephone or transmitted by radio;
• Answers telephone calls for paging and performs paging functions;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Additional Duties

• Answers routine questions or refers calls to appropriate agencies on non-emergency inquiries;
• Files data and performs other routine clerical tasks;
• Answers routine questions or refers calls to appropriate agencies on non-emergency inquiries;
• Attends in-service training classes in order to maintain required certifications;

Knowledge of:

• Organization, policies, operating procedures, and methods of the department to which assigned.
• Emergency medical procedures.
• Medical terminology.
• The city street and county road system and geographical layout of the city of Liberal and surrounding service areas throughout Seward County.

Skill in:

• Operating communications equipment (multi-button telephones, base radio, computer terminals) quickly and accurately.
• The use of the compute-aided dispatch system and radio console.

Ability to:

• Operate computer dispatch equipment, base radio equipment, automatic switchboards, and monitoring equipment.
• Understand and follow moderately complex oral instructions in the English language.
• Remain calm and effective under heavy workload and emergency situations.
• Speak with a clear, well-modulated voice.
• Write legibly using proper sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Obtain and act on information quickly and accurately.
• Respond to aural or visual signals.
• Communicate orally, in the English language using a telephone and radio.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.
• Learn street locations, county roads, station locations, and geography of the areas served.
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Work cooperatively with citizens, co-workers, sworn personnel, and other City and County employees.

Working Conditions:

• Office Environment; exposure to computer screens.
• Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; extensive use of computer keyboard.
• Remain calm and exercise judgment in making decisions in emergency situations under heavy workloads.
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift. Duties as assigned.
• Must be able to pass the City of Liberal/Seward County Dispatch program within 6 months of hire and maintain certification during employment.
• A valid driver's license and have a good driving record.
• 18 years of age or older

Schedule:

• 6 AM- 6 PM
  • 12 hour rotating shifts

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

One year of experience in the operation of two-way radio and/or telephone switchboard equipment, including some experience in general typing and clerical work. Other…