Telecommunicator: Class

The Telecommunicator, under the immediate direction of the PSAP Supervisor, will be responsible for call-taking and/or dispatching of associated 911 emergency and non-emergency calls as defined by Luzerne County's Standard Operating Procedures. In addition, the Telecommunicator will also be responsible for handling non-emergency calls from the general public, public safety agencies and municipalities as required.

• Accurately receives and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, for EMS, Fire, and Police Services.
• Receives information from callers and simultaneously enters critical information into computer system.
• Effectively determine the circumstances of each incident as to its priority for emergency services in accordance with established policies, procedures and training provided.
• Determines, from established guidelines, the appropriate level of response for medical emergencies and when appropriate, render assistance.
• Accurately receive and transmit messages by radio, telephone, computer and current technologies to local, state and federal public safety departments, specified agencies or public and private organizations.
• Effectively operate communications equipment in accordance with established policies, procedures and training provided.
• Maintains accurate records of all call-taking and dispatch actions on incident records and daily activity logs.
• Accurately perform paging notification for various public safety and County agencies.

• Public safety communications knowledge is preferred, but not required.
• Luzerne County geography, including all cities and townships, major highways and landmarks. **
• Luzerne County Emergency Service Agencies. **
• Knowledge of department rules and regulations. **
• Basic computer skills are necessary, including Microsoft Windows.
• Basic math skills.
• Basic English comprehension and spelling.

Training is provided.

• Effectively multitask, simultaneously using multiple information systems.
• Receive, comprehend and accurately respond to verbal information and instructions.

• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Accurately communicate and relay information.
• Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal communication skills for public safety communications and dispatching.
• Apply available guidelines, policies or procedures in diverse situations.
• Perform extensive data entry and data retrieval from information systems.
• Understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
• Read and interpret municipal road maps and data.
• Work shifts, weekends and holidays.
• Work long hours, at times without breaks or lunch.
• Work overtime hours as necessary in accordance with County and 911 policies.
• Comply with Luzerne County’s personnel policies in conjunction with AFSCME Local 1398.
• Meet and comply with all Luzerne County, Federal and State required certification requirements as related to the position of 911 Telecommunicator.
• Handle confidential data discreetly, disclosure of which is protected by law.
• Receive and accept regular feedback and review of job performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be 18 years of age
• Possess a High school diploma or equivalent.
• Vision at or corrected to 20/20
• Hearing loss no greater than 25 decibels.
• Must not be color blind.
• Submit and pass periodic drug and alcohol screening.
• Participate in and satisfactorily complete extensive training on policy and procedure and multiple computer systems.
• No criminal convictions or indictments of felony or misdemeanor charges or any computer crimes and be free of a criminal history that would prohibit anyone from successfully fulfilling all duties of the position as defined by the employer or PA CLEAN.
• Type 30 words per minute with 85% degree of accuracy.
• Or any equivalent combinations of experience and/or training.

LUZERNE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.