Emergency Telecommunicator - Full Time

$21.89  - $28.14 / hour General Summary Under the general supervision of the Executive Director, the Deputy Director and the Supervisors, the emergency telecommunicator (dispatcher) performs the following job responsibilities :

• Receives, processes and dispatches 911 calls and non-emergency calls for police, fire and / or emergency medical services.
• Maintains a customer service attitude and has the ability to handle a large volume of calls or contacts, under stressful conditions as required.
• Essential Duties and Responsibilities Receives incoming telephone calls for assistance.  Obtains information for type of service needed (police, fire, medical).  Classifies the complaint and determines its priority.  Questions the person on the telephone to determine circumstances and exact location of the incident being reported.  Enters information into Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD).  Listens for background noises.  After Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training and certification, may give pre-arrival medical instructions over the telephone using medical dispatch cards.  Provides emotional support and uses hysteria management techniques.
• Dispatches police to the scene as determined by jurisdiction.  Describes to officers via radio transmission the nature of call, address, contact person, and other information necessary to ensure safety of officer and citizens.  Monitors officers' radio transmissions and takes appropriate action.  Tracks all traffic stops, motorist assists, units on in-progress and report-status calls.  Assists in street location guidance for officers unfamiliar with area.
• Dispatches fire department to the scene as determined by jurisdiction.  Describes to responding units via radio transmission the nature of the call, address, cross-streets, and other information necessary to ensure safety of fire personnel and citizens.  Conduct notification of the proper department on requests for mutual aid.  Other fire dispatch duties as requested.
• Dispatches medical units to the scene as determined by Medical Control.  Coordinates the unit's times in CAD.  Monitors traffic and renders assistance as needed.
• Once EMD certified, offers medical emergency instructions to callers by following the approved EMD protocols.
• Operates LEIN computer.  Receives queries and information from officers and enters into the computer terminal.  Relays the response to the officers.  Advises officers if there has been a wanted response to a person, vehicle or item checked.  Advises the use of caution in appropriate cases.  Advise officers of area or special broadcasts.
• Handles non-emergency calls and refers callers to appropriate agency when possible.
• May train new dispatchers until able to function independently, evaluating the trainees progress and ability.
• Performs minor maintenance on equipment or notifies proper authorities for repair work.
• Controls access to the Center permitting entry only to employees and authorized persons.
• Participates in community and other agency’s education and promotional activities.
• Assists the Executive Director and / or other designated persons with interviewing candidates for dispatcher positions and contributes to the final selection process.
• Functions as on duty warning coordinator.  Monitors need for and disseminates public warning information as required, according to established plans and procedures.
• Makes decisions on unusual situations and when questions arise within the center.
• Performs clerical and janitorial support and other tasks as assigned by management.
• Incidental Duties and Responsibilities Must attend training or seminars as specified by the Executive Director which may include travel.
• Must maintain EMD and CPR certification.
• Must maintain Michigan Emergency Telecommunicator training standards.
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of personnel so classified, as well as any additional duties that may be assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications Education  High school diploma or equivalent.  Successful completion of training requirements are as follows :

Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements :