Public Safety Dispatcher I or II

Job Description

Dispatcher I: Grade 12 ($23.05 - $32.34 DOE) - Must have high school diploma or equivalent. Must successfully complete all required training and obtain the necessary certifications quickly.

Dispatcher II: Grade 14 ($25.37 - $38.20 DOE) - Must have high school diploma or equivalent. Must have successfully completed all required training. Must have three (3) years direct experience in a public service dispatch center.

Department:

Public Safety

Position Reports to:

Dispatcher Supervisor

Pay Grade:

12/14

Employment Type:

Full-time

Exempt/Nonexempt:

Non-exempt

Description:

Under the direction of the Dispatch Supervisor, Police Lieutenant, and Police Chief, this position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the dispatch or communications center. As a Public Safety employee, they are assigned to the Support Services Division of the Police Department.

Duties:

Dispatchers shall perform the following essential functions:

Receive complaints from citizens, either in person as they come into the police station, or via telephone.

Take appropriate action as dictated by the nature of the complaint; advising and directing the proper Public Safety employees and equipment to answer calls for service, routing calls to various personnel, etc.

Notify other City employees and Departments, as necessary and prudent, of situations requiring after-hours response.

Coordinate police, fire, and ambulance response to any reported emergencies, and shall assist in emergency situations by relaying messages, instructions, and/or questions and responses.

Assist members of the Department and the public in such other non-emergency situations as may be required.

Coordinate, when appropriate, operations with neighboring public safety agencies, under the direction of the Watch Commander, and according to protocol.

Record all necessary information, according to the protocol of the department, and shall keep all department records with accuracy, making appropriate entries into the records system of the department.

Maintain certifications and training necessary to function in this position.

Be familiar with and strictly observe all confidentiality and access rules and regulations as established by the state and federal regulatory agencies, and by the department.

Perform other duties as shall be assigned by higher competent authority or ranking officers.

Qualifications:

High school graduate or equivalent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Dispatchers must:

Communicate well both verbally and in writing.

Be clear and calm in all situations.

Deal effectively under stressful situations.

Operate a complex telephone and radio system.

Have a good working knowledge of public safety procedures.

Type at a minimum of 45 words per minute.

Be familiar with and able to operate computers.

Have a reasonable working knowledge of local, state, and federal codes.

Access necessary information quickly and efficiently.

Qualify themselves as Emergency Medical Dispatchers, and must maintain the necessary life-saving skills and training.

Work well under pressure and be able to monitor and track police, fire, and medical personnel during multiple on-going situations.

Physical Demands:

The Dispatcher must be able to meet the physical demands of shift work. Must be able to sit at a computer for long periods of time. May occasionally do light lifting or moving of small office items or boxes up to 25lbs.

The position of Dispatcher is a civilian position and is exempt from the requirements of Section 5-4-1 (Physical Fitness).

Drug screen and background checks performed

Full-time