Public Safety Dispatcher

TARGET CLOSE DATE

06/21/2024

Note: This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System.

Grade 16

The pay range for the listed pay grade varies depending on the employing agency. Click HERE and then select the desired agency to view the pay range for that employer.

• IF YOU HAVE APPLIED TO THIS POSITION WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, YOU DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY*

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 workstation 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:

• 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:

Preferred qualifications are experiences, education, and/or other job-related qualifications considered to be highly desirable by Merit System agencies. The preferred qualifications may be used by the hiring agency to identify applicants to invite to participate in subsequent selection processes.

• 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.

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

Persons requiring special conditions to accommodate a disability when completing the application should contact the Personnel Board at 205-279-3500, Option 1, prior to the target close date.

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.

Employment decisions are made by the Merit System agency where the position exists. Each Merit System agency administers its own equal employment opportunity programs in compliance with applicable state and/or federal laws and regulations.

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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.