Communications Dispatcher for Redwood Empire Dispatch Communications Authority (REDCOM)

Muchmore Than Consulting; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The Redwood Empire Dispatch Communications Authority (REDCOM) is seeking qualified candidates for a Communications Dispatcher. This entry-level, full-time role handles 911 and non-emergency calls in a 24/7 dispatch center, triaging for fire and EMS and dispatching resources.

Ideal candidates stay calm under pressure, possess strong communication, and are willing to train. Applicants must pass CritiCall online exam and typing test; bilingual skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or GED required and 18 years of age.
• Experience: minimum 6 months in phone and customer service; 2+ years EMS/Fire dispatch preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications: CPR, Color Vision, security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Receive and triage 911 emergency calls for fire and EMS; monitor radio traffic.
• Dispatch resources and fulfill work orders for out-of-county Strike Teams and Task Forces.
• Operate in a 24/7 dispatch center with professional and compassionate conduct.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Strong communication

Empathy and patience

Bilingual desirable

Typing 40 wpm

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

DO YOU REMAIN CALM AND COMPOSED UNDER HIGH-PRESSURE SITUATIONS?

The Redwood Empire Dispatch Communications Authority (REDCOM) is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of a

COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER

FULL-TIME

Pay Range: $37.42 - $48.93 hourly

Plus a great benefits package

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

REDCOM is seeking a friendly, sympathetic, dependable, and proactive Communications Dispatcher. The Communications Dispatcher executes the handling of emergency and non-emergency calls within a 24/7 dispatch center. The incumbent triages 911 calls for fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), determines the appropriate response level, and efficiently dispatches resources. We are currently creating an eligibility list for future openings.

This recruitment is for Entry-level Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) dispatchers. All applicants meeting the minimum criteria will be asked to take an online interactive examination called CritiCall. In addition to the exam, applicants will be asked to show a minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute. (Lateral applicants desired) Incumbents are expected to acquire greater skills over time and eventually perform all duties of the position fully, competently, and independently. The duties involve and are not limited to receiving and triaging 911 emergency calls for fire and EMS, monitoring radio traffic, and fulfilling OES, CALFIRE, and USFS work orders for out-of-county Strike Teams and Task Forces.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will:

• Able to keep calm and patient with members of the public in stressful or volatile situations.
• Exercise sound independent judgment, discretion, maturity, impartiality, and professionalism.
• Be skilled in interpersonal relations with excellent ability to listen and understand, diffuse situations, and build relationships.
• Demonstrate empathy and compassion towards those in contact with at work.
• Be a highly disciplined dispatcher demanding a high moral compass.
• Interact comfortably and effectively with a diverse population of individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds both orally and in writing.
• Possess strong communication skills when interacting with co-workers and other public service agencies.
• Being bilingual is highly desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Possession of a High School diploma or Equivalent (GED) required and must be 18 years of age.

Experience: Must have a minimum of six months of prior work experience with phone and customer service duties and at least two years of progressive experience within a high-profile EMS or Fire dispatch system preferred.

License and Certifications

• Valid certification of healthcare provider CPR, IC: 100, 200
• Color Vision: Must be able to distinguish and identify colors.
• Pass security clearance with the Sheriff's Office and employer background check

ABOUT THE AUTHORITY

REDCOM is located at the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) in Santa Rosa, California. REDCOM is equipped with a state-of-the-art computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, with multiple monitors at individual consols, and functional ergonomic furniture. Currently, REDCOM is staffed with 18 full-time dispatchers and seven part-time dispatchers who work 12-hour shifts, managing an estimated 123,000 calls for help per year. REDCOM dispatchers are a unique group of individuals who work in an exciting and challenging environment and thrive on a fast-paced workload. During the probation period (6 months), the new hire will receive efficient training and learn how to effectively manage emergency situations.

SELECTION PROCESS

Each candidate’s background will be evaluated on the basis of information submitted. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to the next phase in the recruitment process, which will be invited to take the CritiCall test. Only the names of the most qualified candidates who pass the test process will be submitted to the Authority for consideration for final selection.

This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The REDCOM is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process or have questions about the position should advise [e-mail].

THE REDWOOD EMPIRE DISPATCH COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY

IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER