Public Safety Dispatcher
ATTENTION Merit System Employees : Do not apply through this site.
If you are a current Merit System employee, please click to log into
the internal career site.
Grade 16
Click for Salary Ranges
CLOSE DATE
12 / 31 / 2023
SUMMARY
Public Safety Dispatchers support public safety agencies by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the computer aided dispatch (CAD), and dispatching public safety personnel as warranted.
Employees in this job class provide information and referrals to citizens for non-emergency calls. Work is performed in a call center setting and employees operate a technological work station to include the simultaneous operation of multiple computer monitors, video monitors, telephones, two-way-radios, etc.
Public Safety Dispatchers do not supervise others. Work is reviewed by the shift supervisor by playing back recorded calls and checking records for accuracy and correctness.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES :
- Answers and manages calls to allow effective communication and response of emergency responders (i.e., police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS)) for citizens during emergency situations.
- Provides information and referrals to citizens, public safety personnel, media, etc. by responding to calls involving non-emergency situations.
- Operates technology-based work station that includes multiple video monitors, multiple software programs running simultaneously, a personal computer, phone lines, headsets, and alarm boards in order to receive, forward, and monitor calls for services.
- Dispatches public safety personnel (i.e., police, fire, and medical emergency) and informs responding units of pertinent information regarding emergency situations.
- Monitors responses of public safety personnel and activities of other dispatchers to track progress, maintain communications, and ensure personnel safety.
- Accesses and maintains suspect and / or incident information by running database queries, updating databases, completing reports / logs, and filing documentation.
- Monitors the functions of the detention center and ensures inmate safety and well-being.
- Trains new employees, interns, or temporary employees how to perform the job to ensure employees are able to appropriately handle emergency calls and provide citizen and emergency personnel with necessary information.
- Performs miscellaneous duties such as attending meetings, handling incoming and outgoing monies for reports, monitoring the weather, and updating information.
- Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and / or guidelines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
The following Minimum Qualifications are required for this job. You must demonstrate possession of these qualifications by providing a detailed description of your related experience in the work history section of your application.
Please note that replicating or restating these minimum qualifications or the information from the Personnel Board’s job description as your own work experience will result in your disqualification.
Please describe your work experience in your own words to represent the work you have performed that is related to the minimum qualifications for this job.
- Experience in a customer service-oriented position (e.g., interacting with people, providing information and / or a service).
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violent offenses or issues of moral turpitude.
- Willing to submit to a general and criminal background check.
- Willing to work an 8- or 12-hour shift on any shift or day (e.g., nights, weekends, holidays) and overtime as needed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
- Experience as a public safety dispatcher.
- Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.
- Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification.
- Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification.
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
COMPETENCIES :
- Adaptability & Flexibility.
- Computer & Technology Operations.
- Creativity & Innovation.
- Customer Service.
- Learning & Memory.
- Oral Communication & Comprehension.
- Physical Abilities.
- Planning & Organizing.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making.
- Professionalism & Integrity.
- Researching & Referencing.
- Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing.
- Self-Management & Initiative.
- Sensory Abilities.
- Teamwork & Interpersonal.
- Technical & Job-Specific Knowledge.
- Technical Skills.
- Training & Facilitation.
- Written Communication & Comprehension.
CRITICAL KNOWLEDGES :
- Knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations for dealing with confidential case material.
- Knowledge of appropriate citizen interactions when dealing with the public.
- Knowledge of basic law enforcement terminology.
- Knowledge of dispatch codes used in dispatching public safety information.
- Knowledge of public safety terminology used by public safety agencies.
- Knowledge of the geography of the jurisdiction, including landmarks, street numbers / names, boundaries, etc., and basic familiarity with surrounding area.
WORK ENVIRONMENT :
Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in a call center setting. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc.
Job requires working holidays, overtime (e.g., in the morning, during lunch, or after normal working hours), and / or nights.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS :
Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods.
DISCLAIMER : This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (Personnel Board) provides a public personnel system based on merit principles. The Personnel Board strives for the constant improvement of the public service by employing and developing the best qualified persons available.
The Personnel Board provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or genetics.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Employment decisions are made by the Merit System municipality or governmental agency in which the position exists. Each Merit System municipality, agency, or jurisdiction administers its own equal employment opportunity programs in compliance with applicable state and / or federal laws and regulations.
Related Jobs
Public Safety Dispatcher
Public Relations & Communications Manager
University Relations Event Coordinator
Influencer Marketing & Public Relations Intern