PER DIEM Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher

The-City-of-Hartfor; South Windsor (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hartford is seeking Per Diem Emergency Telecommunication Dispatchers to serve as first point of contact for police, fire, and EMS, on an as-needed basis. Fully certified CT Telecommunicators will perform dispatch duties, assess emergencies, enter data, and coordinate field units while maintaining composure.

Incumbents work on an as-needed basis, with training and shift differentials as defined by city policy; non-union status and no set schedule emphasize flexibility and

Qualifications

• Currently employed in CT ECC/PSAP with required certifications.
• CT Telecommunications Certification and NCIC/COLLECT certifications.
• Medical Dispatch Course completed.
• Driver's License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answer calls for police, fire, and EMS and determine required response.
• Dispatch emergency units and relay information to field units.
• Input and transmit records using dispatch consoles; provide pre-arrival instructions.
• Maintain composure and communicate effectively with distressed callers.

Skills

Call taking

Unit dispatch

Dispatch consoles

Effective communication

Education

CT Telecommunications Certification

NCIC/COLLECT Certification

Medical Dispatch Course

Tools

Dispatch consoles

Radio codes

Job description

THIS IS A PER DIEM (AS NEEDED) POSITION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWER POINT* EMPLOYEES WHO ARE FULLY CERTIFIED AND CREDENTIALED AS A PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR**

*PSAP as defined by C.G.S. Sec. 28-25. (10)

**As required by the State of Connecticut Regulations, Title 28, Sec. 28-30-1 through 28-30-10 as applicable

Salary Information

• Per Diem Training Rate of Pay: $ 29.12
• Per Diem Call Taker Rate of Pay: $ 34.32
• Per Diem Fully Certified Emergency Telecommunication Dispatcher Rate of Pay: $ 39.52
• Per Diem Training Rate of Pay: To be paid while all Per Diem ETDs are in training.
• Per Diem Call Taker Rate of Pay: To be paid to Per Diem ETDs who are cleared by the Director of Emergency Services and Telecommunications or their designee in the positions of Call Taker and/or EMS Dispatcher only.
• Per Diem Fully Certified ETD Rate of Pay: To be paid to Per Diem ETDs who are cleared by the Director of Emergency Services and Telecommunications in all Public Safety Answer Point (PSAP) Positions as a certified ETD (Public Safety Telecommunicator).
• Premium overtime and benefits afforded to Per Diem ETDs will be in accordance with applicable state and federal laws except that:
  • Work performed on an actual City Holiday will be paid one and one-half (1 1/2) times their hourly rate of pay for all hours worked; and
  • Per Diem ETDs will receive shift differential pay for hours worked on applicable shifts only, as follows:
    • 2nd Shift - Five percent (5%) of their hourly rate of pay
    • 3rd Shift - Seven percent (7%) of their hourly rate of pay
• The Director of Emergency Services and Telecommunication will determine the appropriate length of time for any required training before the Per Diem ETD can independently perform at any position within the PSAP.

Vacancies are in the Department of Emergency Services and Telecommunication. Under general supervision, performs the full range of duties in emergency telecommunications on an as needed basis. Per Diem Emergency Telecommunication Dispatchers ("Per Diem ETDs") are utilized to fill vacant positions within the City PSAP on an as needed basis. Scheduling is dependent on both the availability of the incumbent and the existence of vacancies within the City PSAP on any given shift.

Incumbents in this position are the first point of contact with the public and are responsible for receiving telephone requests for police, fire, and emergency medical service, determining the nature and location of service required and taking action necessary to ensure that service is provided. Questions callers to obtain relevant information and, based on established operating procedures, determines the appropriate response required and the need for pre-arrival instructions. Analyzes speech pattern, tone of voice, etc. of caller to assess their emotional state; takes necessary action to calm caller; provides advice, counsel, assistance, and referral services as required by the circumstances. Reads and interprets information on dispatch console screen to determine the reliability of dispatch priority assigned to incident, the accuracy of district assignment, and the order in which calls should be dispatched. Speaks over radio or phone to dispatch field units to scene of requested emergency service, to check on status of field units, to relay unit-to-unit transmissions, and to receive requests for auxiliary emergency services such as ambulances and tow trucks. Operates computers to transmit, receive, or input police, fire, and emergency medical services records information.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform additional related duties.

This position is Non-Union and does not have any set schedule or hours of work. Per Diem ETDs are at-will employees and are utilized only when a permanent full-time ETD is not available to work.

Knowledge of

• Policies and procedures for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services
• The geographic layout of Hartford
• The proper application of radio communication codes and terms
• Pertinent laws, statutes, court decisions, and ordinances
• The function and services provided by various City departments

Skill in

• Taking and processing calls for emergency assistance
• Dispatching emergency units
• Operating computer terminals and dispatch console
• Communicating effectively with a variety of people who may be experiencing extreme emotional upset, may have cognitive difficulty or who may be under the influence of mind-altering substances

Ability to

• Evaluate situations quickly and accurately, prioritize tasks, adjust priorities, and remain focused when the number and variety of tasks change or when faced with situations that may be upsetting
• Take information from multiple sources regarding an ongoing situation and produce an accurate narrative with key elements and facts
• Listen and/or give instructions while quickly and accurately entering information using a keyboard
• Remember and accurately transcribe spoken information including names, addresses, sequences of letters and numbers, descriptions, and directions
• Make quick, yet sound decisions based upon policies, triage guides, laws rules, and regulations
• Maintain a valid State of Connecticut Telecommunicator Certification

Open to all qualified applicants who meet the following qualifications

Currently employed in a Connecticut located Emergency Call Center (ECC) or Dispatch Center (PSAP as defined by C.G.S. Sec. 28-25. (10)) and possesses and maintains the required certifications indicated below.

Licenses; Certifications; Special Requirements

• Valid State of Connecticut Telecommunications Certification
• Valid NCIC/COLLECT Certification
• Successful completion of State of Connecticut recognized Medical Dispatch Course
• Possession of valid Driver's License preferred

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Work is performed under stressful conditions.

A COPY OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, GED CERTIFICATE OR TRANSCRIPT MUST BE ATTACHED TO YOUR APPLICATION. A DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT SUBMITTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCES AND LEGAL NOTICES

• Hartford Residency Preferred: Preferably be a bona-fide resident of the City of Hartford at the time of application. A completed City of Hartford Residency Affidavit including proof of residency as indicated on the RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT may be submitted.
• Veteran's Preference Form: Preferential Points may be given to Eligible Veterans. Must submit a Veteran's Preference Form, along with a DD-214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran's Affairs.
• Americans With Disabilities Act: The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• An Affir... Employer: The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.