Emergency Communications Specialist — 911 Call Taker

Public Safety Dispatch Network; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid leave

Employee-assistance programs

Continuing training

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Smithfield, VA seeks 911 Call Takers to initiate emergency communications and document essential details for responders. The role supports both call taking and potential dispatch functions, with training and certifications required as part of the position.

Successful applicants typically have a high school diploma, strong listening skills, accurate typing, and clear verbal communication.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong listening comprehension and accurate typing are essential.
• Clear verbal communication and ability to follow structured procedures are required.
• Assessments and minimum scores are determined by the hiring agency.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming emergency calls and assigned nonemergency lines.
• Confirm incident location and caller’s callback information.
• Use approved questions to identify the nature and urgency of the situation.
• Enter accurate details into call-processing or dispatch software.
• Forward incident information promptly to the appropriate dispatch function.
• Help distressed callers focus on essential questions and instructions.
• Use approved language-access and accessibility resources when needed.
• Provide authorized pre-arrival instructions only within training and certification.

Skills

Active listening

Typing

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Smithfield, VA seeks 911 Call Takers to initiate emergency communications and document essential details for responders. The role supports both call taking and potential dispatch functions, with training and certifications required as part of the position.

Successful applicants typically have a high school diploma, strong listening skills, accurate typing, and clear verbal communication.