Public Safety Dispatcher - 911 Communications

City of Wylie; Wylie (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at the City of Wylie as a Dispatcher in the 911 Communications division. This vital role involves handling emergency calls, dispatching public safety units, and providing critical assistance in high-pressure situations. You'll be at the forefront of ensuring community safety, utilizing your communication skills to manage complex information and help those in need. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment that values employee development. If you thrive under pressure and are passionate about public service, this is the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; 6 months of municipal dispatching preferred.
• Telecommunications Certification and EMD must be obtained within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Answer multi-line telephones and dispatch emergency services.
• Provide EMD rescue assistance and triage emergency requests.
• Document all activities and maintain communication with public safety personnel.

Skills

Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)

Communication Skills

Multi-tasking

Stress Management

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computer-aided dispatch system

Multi-channel public safety radio system

Job description

Why work for the City of Wylie?
The reason we exist is to serve our residents and guests. By combining our unique talents to ensure the preservation of the small town feel of our area, we are committed to building and sustaining a safe community where economic development and neighborhood enrichment can flourish while creating an unparalleled experience for all.

How we accomplish our mission:
Leveraging the diversity of our workforce to continually think and do things differently, the City of Wylie invests in the development of our employees by providing them with a working environment that serves to enhance their personal happiness and elevate their professional goals.

The City of Wylie's 911 Communications division is seeking a Dispatcher. The selected applicant will receive requests for Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Animal Control, and Utilities. Will dispatch public safety units, operate various telecommunications equipment, prepare reports, maintain files, and perform other related duties. Must be available to work regular and irregular shift rotations, which may include weekends and holidays, as well as extended hours in emergency, disaster, or other situations influenced by workload or staffing difficulties. Orientation period is a full 12 months.

Supervision: Supervision is provided by the Communications Supervisor.

The 911 Communications division offers lateral transfers for individuals with 911 Communications experience. Starting salary will be determined by years of experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher.

• Answers multi-line telephones; takes 911 calls. Quickly analyzes complex information in emergency or dangerous situations and makes decisions of a life or death nature.
• Provides Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) rescue assistance; triages incoming requests for emergency medical service to determine the level of response; provides pre-arrival instructions to the caller including but not limited to cardiac arrest, airway management, control of bleeding, and assisting with childbirth. Must use established Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols to immediately provide help to the victim or other party; operate within an established quality assurance standard of service.
• Communicates effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, both verbally and in writing, speaking distinctly, responding promptly. Communicates with irate, hysterical, aggressive, and/or abusive individuals while maintaining composure and attempting to verbally calm them.
• Hears in the normal range.
• Simultaneously listens to and comprehends both telephone and radio traffic.
• Assists and records requests for police, fire, and emergency medical services from the public and departmental personnel via telephone, radios, and in person.
• Comprehends and applies City ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Adheres strictly to the Department Code of Conduct and directives.
• Documents all activity, locations, and status in the computer-aided dispatch system for public safety personnel, quickly disseminating any additional information.
• Operates computer terminals for specialized access with various automated data banks in compliance with all applicable laws.
• Works in a confined area for 12 hours and remains seated for long periods of time entering data into various computer systems on a constant basis.
• Simultaneously inputs, retrieves, and maintains information, reading from multiple computer screens and printouts while operating multiple keyboards.
• Operates multi-channel public safety radio system.
• Assigns appropriate public safety personnel for routine and emergency calls for service.
• Concentrates on tasks through many distractions.
• Operates and performs maintenance of equipment, e.g., video, audio, and printing equipment.
• Attends training/schools/seminars and other City related events requiring travel.
• Performs in a manner that cannot pose a direct threat to the health/safety of self and/or others.
• Supports other departments during non-standard business hours.
• Maintains an excellent attendance record. Rarely absent or tardy.
• Subject to call-out on occasion.
• Female Dispatchers may be required to search female prisoners, if needed.
• As requested, assists in training of various City of Wylie public safety employees.
• As requested by a member of management, performs temporary supervision in the absence of the Communications Supervisor.
• Attends and testifies in criminal and civil courts when summoned.
• Performs as a responsible steward of the public trust and strives for excellence in public service, enhancing the quality of life for all.
• Acts in a civil, respectful manner at all times to management, co-workers, and others.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent. Six months or more of municipal Police, Fire, and 911 Enhanced dispatching experience is preferred. Telecommunications Certification as issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education and Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) must be obtained within 1 year of employment and maintained as a condition of continued employment. Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) training courses as outlined by Emergency Management after hire.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH REQUIRED: Low: Exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently or negligible amounts constantly. Position carries the possibility of exposure to infectious diseases through contact with prisoners, detainees, and other public safety personnel. Position has a high stress level due to constant radio/telephone/public traffic and the nature of the emergency/public safety environment.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRED:

• Balancing
• Bending
• Carrying
• Climbing
• Crawling
• Crouching
• Fine Dexterity
• Handling
• Hearing
• Kneeling
• Lifting
• Pushing/Pulling
• Reaching
• Sitting
• Standing
• Talking
• Twisting
• Vision
• Walking

PRIMARY WORK ENVIRONMENT: Indoors

SHIFT WORK: Yes

CALL-OUT: Occasionally