911 Telecommunicator Part-time

City of Lawrence; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Lawrence is hiring part-time 9-1-1 Telecommunicators. This challenging role is critical for public safety, requiring strong multi-tasking abilities and calmness under pressure.

Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent communication skills, professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality while handling emergencies.

A high school diploma is necessary, alongside ongoing training to stay current with public safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Ability to work up to 12-hour shifts on any assigned shift.
• Must acquire and maintain various certifications.
• Ability to type at least 30 words per minute.

Responsibilities

• Receive, screen, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Dispatch police, fire, and EMS based on assessments.
• Maintain professionalism under pressure.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Professionalism

Emotional intelligence

Mental resilience

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Word processors

Spreadsheets

CAD systems

GPS systems

Job description

The City of Lawrence is seeking part-time, 9-1-1 Telecommunicators. 9-1-1 Telecommunicators are integral members of the public safety system as the initial point of contact and vital link between citizens in need and emergency and non-emergency services. This demanding, high-stress position requires a candidate who can demonstrate exceptional proficiency in multi-tasking, attention to detail, confidentiality, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and mental resilience. The overall objective of a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator is to ensure the safety of the citizens of the City of Lawrence & its public safety personnel by effectively communicating, collecting pertinent information & data, & dispatching the appropriate resources when seconds matter.

Essential Job Functions

• Receive, screen, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching appropriate responses for police, fire, and EMS.
• Adhere to established policies and procedures for managing requests to accurately assess situations, prioritize incidents, and dispatch the correct response.
• Exercise sound, independent judgment when managing routine and complex situations.
• Maintain professionalism in interactions with citizens, public safety personnel, co-workers, and other public safety agencies while displaying empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Use various communication and information systems to gather and relay necessary details, including medical pre-arrival instructions.
• Assist with vacancies and emergency coverage requests.

Performance Standards

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the organization and the community through work behaviors that demonstrate the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Judgment and Decision Making - Uses logic and reasoning to analyze, understand, and evaluate complex situations. Exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities.
• Crisis Management - Remains calm under pressure. Performs assigned tasks in changing environments and stressful circumstances. Effectively manages stress and easily adapts.
• Interpersonal Relationships - Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, representatives from various departments, and outside agencies. Communicates effectively in times of adversity.
• Technical Skills - Uses relevant software programs (i.e. word processors, spreadsheets, CAD systems, etc.) and information systems specific to the job with reasonable speed and accuracy. Reads and interprets maps, understands geographical locations, and uses related tools or software (such as GPS systems) to determine locations.
• Communication - Excellent ability to listen and understand information presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle various issues with tact, diplomacy, and in a confidential manner.
• Coordination of Work - Ability to plan and organize a daily work routine and establish priorities for the completion of work by sound time management.
• Training and Development - Commitment to ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with the latest protocols, technology, and best practices relevant to the position.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Ability to work up to 12-hour shifts on any shift assigned.
• Ability to respond to 24-hour emergency call-outs.
• Ability to exert light physical effort, which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials weighing 5-10 pounds.
• Ability to work for extended periods sitting at a workstation and wearing a headset.

Education and Experience

• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous dispatching and/or public safety experience preferred.
• Ability to type at least 30 words per minute.
• Will be expected to acquire and maintain the following certifications:

• American Health Association CPR
• Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator 1, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and Fire Service.
• National Crime Information Center / Indiana Data & Communication System Full Operator
• National Incident Management Systems: ICS-100, ICS-200, & IS-700

Additional Requirements

Requires a background investigation to include local, state, and federal criminal history check, sex offender registry, and consumer report. Requires satisfactory results from pre-employment drug screening.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Assist with vacancies and emergency coverage requests.

Note: This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the 911 Telecommunicator position within the Lawrence Public Safety Communications Division. The specific duties may vary based on the municipality's needs, structure, and existing processes.