Dispatcher

Mount Vernon, City of (IL); Mount Vernon (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Mount Vernon, City of (IL) seeks a Telecommunicator to receive, monitor, and relay emergency calls, operate telephones, radio, and teletype equipment, and maintain confidential records used in investigations. Position requires working rotating shifts including evenings and weekends.

The candidate must be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch, LEADS, and CPR, with strong communication under stress and knowledge of local geography. Background checks are required.

Qualifications

• Must be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch, LEADS, and CPR.
• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to pass a background security and credit check.
• Knowledge of the City of Mt. Vernon geography.

Responsibilities

• Receive, monitor, and relay calls for emergency services.
• Operate telephone, radio, and teletype equipment.
• Maintain complete records of calls and communications.
• Respond to information requests from public safety personnel.
• Appear and testify in court when subpoenaed.

Skills

Clear speaking voice

Calm under stress

LEADS certification

CPR certification

Communication with public

Confidential records handling

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

LEADS

CPR

Job description

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK

Under the administrative direction of the Police Chief or designee, this individual receives, monitors, transmits and relays calls for emergency services; operates emergency telephones, radio, and related teletype equipment; maintains records of all communication transactions; obtains and processes confidential records and related information commonly used in criminal investigations and related situations.

HOURS OF WORK

Telecommunicators are scheduled to work per bargaining unit agreement. Evening, night, holidays, and weekend work is part of a scheduled workweek. FLSA Classification is non-exempt.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Receives calls for emergency fire, police, ambulance, paramedic and related services; relays emergency calls to appropriate agencies for response.
• Receives non-emergency calls
• Provide pre-arrival instructions for medical emergencies (Emergency Medical Dispatching)
• Prepares and maintains a complete record of calls received and communications related to each call.
• Operates telephone, radio and teletype terminal; obtains and processes confidential information used in criminal investigations.
• Monitors all public safety radio channels; maintains information regarding the location and activities of public safety personnel; responds to requests for information and /or assistance from public safety personnel.
• Maintains log of vehicles services as public safety personnel call in information.
• Performs other related duties assigned by the Chief of Police or his designee.

• Significant Responsibilities

  • Clear speaking voice free from speech impediments.
  • Ability to perform duties effectively and efficiently under emergency stress situations.
  • Ability to be certified as a Law Enforcement Agency Data Systems (LEADS) Operator.
  • Ability to operate modern telecommunications equipment accurately and efficiently.
  • Ability to maintain confidential records and reports
  • Ability to react courteously, calmly and effectively to citizen requests and calls for emergency services.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain accurate detailed logs, records and reports.
  • Ability to work a rotating shift or a steady shift as assigned.
  • Ability to learn and follow established federal, state, and local laws governing public safety policies and procedures.
  • Ability to learn, operate and be certified as an enhanced 911-system operator.
  • Ability to write legibly and spell correctly
  • Ability to effectively listen and communicate
  • Ability to prepare and compile departmental data for use in various types of reports.
  • Ability to work independently, confidentially, and efficiently without direct or continued supervision.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the general public and fellow employees.
  • Ability to pass vision and hearing exam with or without accommodations.
  • Appear and testify in court when subpoenaed
  • Run the voluntary overtime and mandatory overtime "turn sheets"

• Ability to pass oral interview to determine communication skills.
• Requires high school diploma or general equivalency degree
• Must be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch, LEADS, and CPR

Experience

• Experience in dealing with the general public on a one-on-one basis.
• Working knowledge of the geography of the City of Mt. Vernon.
• Ability to organize duties and produce results in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Strict confidentiality in daily duties.
• Ability to successfully pass a background security and credit check.

Physical Requirements

• Use non-verbal auditory sources of information
• Regular and consistent attendance at work.

• Maintain physical fitness level to perform all essential job functions

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

• All City Employees are required to reside within Jefferson County or one of the following adjacent counties: Franklin, Hamilton, Marion, Perry, Washington, or Wayne.