Emergency Communications Specialist I (ECS-1)
The Mission of Aurora911 is to get the Right Resources to the Right Place at the Right Time, for Everyone, Every Time.
Aurora911's Vision : We are igniting a worldwide transformation in public safety communications, fueled by innovation and heartfelt compassion. We will bridge diverse communities and nurture an Aurora where respect is foundational, integrity unites us in mutual trust, and teamwork is our North Star.
Aurora911 is staffed by public safety professionals who are trained to answer and triage 9-1-1 and non-emergency telephone calls, as well as dispatch police, fire, paramedic, and alternative response resources. Our dedicated 9-1-1 professionals gather and analyze critical life-safety information from callers and send the information via computer to police, fire and or paramedic dispatchers who are responsible for coordinating the response of field responders. The Aurora911 team works in partnership with Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire Rescue, Falck ambulance, Aurora Mobile Response Team, Information Technology, and other city departments to ensure the safety and quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors in the City of Aurora.
The Emergency Communications Specialist I (ECS-1) position is the entry level 9-1-1 operational position in the Aurora911 Communications Center. The ECS-1 will be required to successfully complete the Aurora911 Basic Training Program, and the introductory period with the City of Aurora, and will be able to independently receive and process 911 emergency calls and non-emergency calls for Police, Fire and Ambulance services. The ECS-1 works independently in the operation of multi-line telephone systems and computer systems and can expedite information to and from public safety agencies. An ECS-1 must be willing to work in a 24-hour environment, which includes shifts on swings and graveyards, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call. This is a life safety-sensitive position that handles confidential information.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities :
- Receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls and digital requests for emergency assistance from the public requesting police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency services; gather, analyze, and report critical information during life-or-death situations such as crimes in progress, medical emergencies, and fire / rescue incidents.
- Administer care by providing pre-arrival medical instruction or directing callers through lifesaving procedures such as CPR, childbirth, or controlling of blood loss while emergency medical services are in route.
- Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including (but not limited to) 911 emergency call handling system, text-to-911, advanced location systems, computer aided dispatch systems, instant recall recorder and paging and intercom systems.
- Initiate public safety response requests into computer-aided dispatch system via keyboards to provide needed data to dispatchers and responding units / agencies.
- Provide emergency aid, information and directions to non-emergency callers; refer and / or transfer calls to outside agencies as appropriate.
- Read / interpret maps for the public, field personnel, and other agencies in order to assist in locating certain geographical areas; interpret telephone call locations from maps by applying knowledge of local geography in order to provide appropriate and timely assistance.
- Perform various computer checks, input and retrieval of information to assist dispatchers and emergency services staff.
- Enter automated records of activity into the computer; maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety telecommunications activities; compile statistics on calls received.
- May provide backup to dispatchers for computer queries, processing documents and telephone notifications during busy periods and / or critical incidents.
- If eligible and certified to serve in a training capacity; review policy and procedures with trainees; work directly with trainee on shift to ensure proper techniques, call routing, and appropriate level of response; document training activity, and provide input to supervisors on trainee progress as requested.
- As assigned and upon completion of additional training, provide support to police dispatchers via the "Services" channel.
- Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
Minimum Qualifications & Working Conditions :
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.Age : Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of employmentEducation : High School Diploma or GEDSuccessful Completion of Aurora911 Basic Training Program, to include all relevant certifications (CCIC / NCIC, EMD, EFD, CPR)Experience : Successful completion of basic training and introductory period with the Department, maintaining a "successful" performance rating in all anchors of job performanceLicenses and Certifications : Required through training throughout employmentNCIC / CCIC CertificationNIMS 100, 200, 700 CertificationCertification in CPR and First AidCrisis InterventionEmergency Medical Dispatcher (MPDS) CertificationEmergency Fire Dispatcher (FPDS) CertificationEmergency Police Dispatcher (PPDS) CertificationCommunications Training Officer (CTO) Certification will be required for those who serve the department in a training capacityKnowledge : Operations, services and activities of the Aurora911 Emergency Communications CenterOperational characteristics of the department's public safety telecommunications technologyTechniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency callsPrinciples and application of diversity awareness, to include implicit / explicit biasesPrinciples of de-escalation and interacting with people in crisis.Customer service principles and problem resolution techniques.Applications of various City and Department policies and procedures.Principles and practices of record keeping and documentation.Geographic features and locations within the area served.English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.Applicable tools and equipment operations.Applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulationsAbilities : Promotion of a positive workplace environment based on open communication, recognition, and modeling the desired, in-bounds behaviors of Aurora911's Foundational Four Values.Work independently without the need for close supervisionDemonstrate effective time, task, and goal managementDemonstrate excellent confidentiality, integrity, accountability, and transparency in work activity.Interact with others with professionalism and emotional intelligence.Exhibit emotional self-regulation in a frequently high-stress environmentSpeak, write, comprehend American English languageRespond to and resolve complex and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaintsEffectively communicate and elicit information from emotionally elevated callersEstablish priority of emergency situationsPerform multiple tasks concurrently, though effective task prioritizationProtect sensitive and confidential information acquired during the course of businessMaintain composure, alertness and concentration while working under mental and physical stress for extended periods of timeWork in an environment that requires rapid multi-processingAdapt instantaneously to changes in call eventsWork a non-traditional schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure high quality service delivery to the residents and visitors of Aurora.Remain subject to callback and holdover as essential personnel.Operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment.Read and interpret maps and other navigational resources.Establish and maintain accurate records, logs, and files.Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws, and regulations.Essential Personnel : This environment involves repeatedly interacting directly with people who are in crisis or experiencing a variety of emergency and nonemergency situations. Incumbents must possess and demonstrate emotional, psychological and behavioral resiliency, self-awareness and self-regulation.Members of Aurora911 are considered essential personnel and are subject to call back, extended shifts and other forms of mandatory overtime to ensure continuity of emergency services to the city.Periodic paid breaks of up to 2