Dispatcher I or II

dispatcher position

dispatcher i:

a dispatcher i utilizes the telephone, radio, and computer systems to receive calls for service in the emergency services dispatch center; dispatches appropriate emergency service providers including police officers, and fire personnel and equipment. Performs administrative and clerical duties, including typing, filing, and computer data entry.

this position requires a person capable of rapidly addressing multiple tasks in order of priority. The dispatcher is required to interact with departmental employees, communications employees and supervisors from other agencies, and the general public. Because of the vast amount and sensitivity of information that is maintained in various computer systems, the dispatcher must acquire knowledge of laws, rules, and court decisions relating to criminal/victim rights, civil rights, criminal justice and law enforcement procedures;

knowledge of methods of crime detection, radio communications and communications systems; knowledge of laws and ordinances; thorough geography of the town and matanuska susitna borough; be resourceful and exercise sound judgment in emergencies; demonstrate integrity; writing skills and tact; and master a high level of skills in oral communications. The dispatcher must have the ability to testify clearly and accurately in court;

have resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies; the dispatcher must be characterized by personal and professional integrity.

dispatcher ii:

the employee occupying this position is expected to maintain control of actions performed by less senior dispatchers when training or when acting as senior dispatcher on shift. Employee will utilize telephone, radio and computer systems to receive calls for service in the emergency services dispatch center, and dispatch appropriate emergency service providers. Employee must perform administrative and clerical duties, including but not limited to typing, filing, and data entry.

the dispatcher ii is expected to organize, coordinate, and assist in the day-to-day functions of the dispatch center. Employee must perform administrative and clerical duties and use a variety of office equipment. The dispatcher ii must use independent judgment, frequently in emergency situations. Employee must be able to work well under pressure, stay focused and rapidly assess and address multiple priorities.

Employee must possess a high degree of initiative and responsibility to make rapid decisions that can affect lives and property. Decisions are made independently based on written operating procedures, and often without the benefit of supervision. Must be familiar with the region's services and agencies to properly refer or coordinate calls for service.

essential functions & duties:

dispatcher i:

• must successfully complete the fourteen-week communications training program.
• answer and document all incoming telephone calls on business lines, multiple emergency/911 lines, direct agency hot-lines, tdd telephone for the hearing impaired, crimestoppers hotline and numerous in-house phone extensions.
• initiate telephone contact with citizens and other agencies as requested by officers, fire units, and other services or as required by duties.
• receive and process requests for emergency and non-emergency calls for service and information. Requests include police and fire, including requests for wreckers, social service agencies, and family and youth services. Must be able to quickly determine nature of telephone call, determine responsible agency, and assign priority.
• utilizing radios, pagers and telephones, dispatch combinations of police and fire services and their apparatus for the city of palmer.
• monitor and document all incoming and outgoing radio transmissions on several radio frequencies. Maintain control of frequencies during periods of high-volume radio usage.
• act as intermediary between units on calls that requiring multi-agency response and ensure superiors are briefed and updated on events as necessary.
• utilize multiple computer systems; apsin, ncic, nlets, cad, arms, or others that may evolve, to retrieve, enter, update, forward, and delete all information…