911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher

City of Liberal; Liberal (KS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency seeks a 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher in Liberal, Kansas. This role is vital in managing emergency calls, requiring excellent communication and decision-making skills under pressure. Ideal candidates will have experience with radio or telephone equipment and must maintain certification post-hire. The position involves 12-hour rotating shifts, and the ability to remain calm during critical situations is essential. This is a crucial role offering an opportunity to serve the community in emergency services.

Qualifications

• One year of experience with two-way radio and telephone systems.
• Ability to pass the City of Liberal/Seward County Dispatch program within 6 months.
• Must be 18 years or older with a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate incoming 9-1-1 calls and dispatch appropriate emergency response.
• Log information regarding calls and coordinate with agencies.
• Assist in maintaining calm communication in emergency situations.

Skills

Operating communications equipment

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Effective communication skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher

This classification exists to operate computer and other related communications equipment to accurately receive and transmit information of importance for the City of Liberal and Seward County. Work involves evaluating incoming 9‑1‑1 calls to determine the appropriate level of Police, Sheriff, Fire and/or EMS assistance. Employees are expected to utilize their communication skills and to exercise considerable judgement. Performed work with general direction of a Communications supervisor who is available for consultation. Position requires shift, holiday and weekend work.

Essential Functions

• Operates a computer-aided dispatching console consisting of a computer-based telephone system and radio console;
• Answers incoming calls and extracts necessary information from citizens and City/County employees;
• Evaluates incoming calls to determine the nature and urgency of the call;
• Dispatches the appropriate emergency response unit or personnel;
• Receives radio calls from field units, transmits messages via radio or telephone, and makes inquiries to obtain requested information or services;
• Contacts outside agencies and other City/County departments to coordinate aid (i.e., contacts utility companies to inform that wires are down or to arrange for electrical shut‑offs, contacts the Water Services Department to arrange for water turn‑off, contacts the Police or Sheriff department for assistance);
• Transmits messages and ensures accurate receipt and understanding;
• Receives telephone calls from the public and follows through by relaying information to appropriate departmental personnel for action;
• Logs information relating to calls received over the telephone or transmitted by radio;
• Answers telephone calls for paging and performs paging functions;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Additional Duties

• Answers routine questions or refers calls to appropriate agencies on non‑emergency inquiries;
• Files data and performs other routine clerical tasks;
• Attends in‑service training classes to maintain required certifications.

Knowledge of

• Organization, policies, operating procedures, and methods of the department to which assigned;
• Emergency medical procedures;
• Medical terminology;
• The city street and county road system and geographical layout of the city of Liberal and surrounding service areas throughout Seward County.

Skill in

• Operating communications equipment (multi‑button telephones, base radio, computer terminals) quickly and accurately;
• The use of the computer‑aided dispatch system and radio console.

Ability to

• Operate computer dispatch equipment, base radio equipment, automatic switchboards, and monitoring equipment;
• Understand and follow moderately complex oral instructions in the English language;
• Remain calm and effective under heavy workload and emergency situations;
• Speak with a clear, well‑modulated voice;
• Write legibly using proper sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Obtain and act on information quickly and accurately;Respond to aural or visual signals;
• Communicate orally, in the English language using a telephone and radio;
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material;
• Learn job‑related material primarily through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place mainly in an on‑the‑job training setting;
• Learn street locations, county roads, station locations, and geography of the areas served;
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time;
• Work cooperatively with citizens, co‑workers, sworn personnel, and other City and County employees.

Working Conditions

• Office Environment; exposure to computer screens;
• Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; extensive use of computer keyboard;
• Remain calm and exercise judgment in making decisions in emergency situations under heavy workloads;
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.

Additional Requirements

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending on work location, assignment, or shift. Duties as assigned;
• Must be able to pass the City of Liberal/Seward County Dispatch program within 6 months of hire and maintain certification during employment;
• A valid driver’s license and have a good driving record;
• 18 years of age or older.

Schedule

• 6 AM – 6 PM (12‑hour rotating shifts)

Acceptable Experience and Training

One year of experience in the operation of two‑way radio and/or telephone switchboard equipment, including some experience in general typing and clerical work. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted. High School diploma or GED required & must be able to pass background check.