911 Call Taker

National Public Safety Careers; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid leave

Employee-assistance programs

Continuing training

Job summary

National Public Safety Careers seeks 911 Call Takers in Chicago to serve as the first point of contact for emergency requests. You will verify caller information, confirm locations, and document critical details for responders.

Responsibilities include handling both emergency and nonemergency calls, entering data into dispatch software, and ensuring timely handoffs to dispatch units. The role emphasizes accuracy, calm communication, and adherence to training protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Previous customer service or public safety experience may be helpful, though some vacancies accept applicants without dispatch experience.
• Strong listening comprehension and accurate typing are essential, along with clear verbal communication and ability to follow structured procedures.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming emergency calls and assigned nonemergency lines
• Confirm the incident location and caller’s callback information
• Use approved questions to identify the nature and urgency of the situation
• Enter accurate details into call-processing or dispatch software
• Forward incident information promptly to the appropriate dispatch function
• Help distressed callers focus on essential questions and instructions
• Use approved language-access and accessibility resources when needed
• Provide authorized pre-arrival instructions only within training and certification

Skills

Listening skills

Typing accuracy

Verbal communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Dispatch software

Job description

911 Call Taker Opportunities in Chicago

911 Call Takers are often the first people to speak with someone reporting an emergency. They ask focused questions, confirm where help is needed, and document information for the personnel responsible for coordinating the response.

In some communications centers, call taking is a separate assignment from radio dispatch. In others, employees train for both functions. The official vacancy explains the duties included in this position.

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Chicago, IL
• Employer: The hiring emergency communications agency identified in the official vacancy
• Pay: {salary_min}–{salary_max} per year
• Schedule: {work_schedule}
• Appointment Type: {appointment_type}
• Who May Apply: {who_may_apply}
• Application Deadline: {closing_date}

911 call-taking services commonly operate 24 hours a day. Depending on staffing needs, employees may work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

What You May Do

• Answer incoming emergency calls and assigned nonemergency lines
• Confirm the incident location and caller’s callback information
• Use approved questions to identify the nature and urgency of the situation
• Enter accurate details into call-processing or dispatch software
• Forward incident information promptly to the appropriate dispatch function
• Help distressed callers focus on essential questions and instructions
• Use approved language-access and accessibility resources when needed
• Provide authorized pre-arrival instructions only within training and certification

Experience and Education Requirements

Employers commonly require a high school diploma or recognized equivalent. Previous customer service, telephone support, or public safety experience may be helpful, although some vacancies accept applicants without dispatch experience.

Successful candidates need strong listening comprehension, accurate typing, clear verbal communication, and the ability to follow structured procedures. Required assessments and minimum scores are determined by the hiring agency.

General Conditions of Employment

• Meet agency-specific employment eligibility and age requirements
• Complete required background checks and hiring assessments
• Complete additional screening identified in the announcement
• Successfully complete call-taking training and performance evaluations
• Obtain applicable certifications within the required timeframe
• Protect caller privacy and confidential incident information

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Call Takers spend substantial time using telephone headsets, keyboards, and computer displays. The work may involve repeated exposure to callers experiencing fear, injury, or loss. Review the official vacancy for essential functions, scheduling expectations, and available accommodations.

Benefits

• health insurance
• retirement contributions
• paid leave
• employee-assistance programs
• continuing training

Availability depends on the employer, appointment type, and work schedule.

Prepare for the 911 Call Taker Hiring Process

• Call-taker hiring-process guidance
• Listening comprehension and accurate data-entry practice
• Resume and application support
• Customer communication and interview preparationJob-search tools and candidate support

Start preparing for 911 Call Taker opportunities in Chicago.