Emergency Communications Call Taker I

City of Spokane; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Spokane is seeking a Public Safety Telecommunicator to receive, process, and relay requests from the 9-1-1 and non-emergency systems. You will answer calls, evaluate incidents, and route information to the appropriate responders.

Basic qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to obtain Washington State Public Safety Telecommunicator certification during training. The role requires clear communication and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: No previous experience is required.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience.
• Certifications: Washington State Public Safety Telecommunicator certification during training and to maintain throughout employment.

Responsibilities

• Answers, prioritizes, and routes incoming telephone calls and text messages for non-emergency services.
• Receives and evaluates non-emergency calls, determines the nature of the request, and forwards reports or information to the appropriate personnel for follow-up.
• Determines and verifies the location of the reported incident using automated identification and location systems and other available resources.
• Questions callers to obtain information about the specific type of reported incident using established policy and procedures. Enters information including details about the caller and incident into a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and other software applications.
• Takes follow-up actions to disconnected calls to ensure proper response.
• Performs related work as required.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Interpersonal Skills

Listening

Memory

Oral Communication

Proofreading

Keyboarding

Computer Skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

CAD System

Job description

Receives, processes, and relays requests received through the 9-1-1 and non-emergency crime reporting systems.

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Answers, prioritizes, and routes incoming telephone calls and text messages for non-emergency services.
• Receives and evaluates non-emergency calls, determines the nature of the request, and forwards reports or information to the appropriate personnel for follow-up.
• Determines and verifies the location of the reported incident using automated identification and location systems, and other available resources.
• Questions callers to obtain information about the specific type of reported incident using established policy and procedures. Enters information including details about the caller and incident into a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and other software applications.
• Takes follow-up actions to disconnected calls to ensure proper response.
• Performs related work as required.

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: No previous experience is required.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.

Pre-employment Requirements:

• All applicants are subject to a background check.

Certifications

• Individuals in this classification are required to obtain the Washington State Public Safety Telecommunicator certification during the initial training period and to maintain the certification throughout employment. Certification and training is provided by the City of Spokane.

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will be conducted in the form of a multiple-choice test and skills simulation. The skills simulation portion, an assessment that replicates real job tasks in a virtual environment, will evaluate your abilities essential to the position.

Possible subjects covered in the multiple choice examination:

• Attention to Detail
• Computer Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Listening
• Memory
• Oral Communication
• Proofreading
• Keyboarding

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Examination links with instructions will be emailed. Once you receive the link, the testing window is Thursday, 12:00 AM to the following Monday at 11:59 PM.

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Additional examinations shall be administered as applications are received with results merged into one eligible list according to final ratings, pursuant to the Merit System Rules of the Civil Service Commission: Rule IV, Section 13 – Continuous Examinations.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.