Public Safety Telecommunicator

Advocate Health; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Aurora Health in Park Ridge, IL, seeks a Public Safety Telecommunicator to monitor security systems, dispatch responders, and maintain precise incident logs from the hospital command center. The role operates 24/7/365, with night shifts, weekend rotations, and holidays; you will receive and triage calls, coordinate with internal teams and external agencies.

Candidates must have a GED or HS equivalency, at least 1 year responding to alarms, APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator 1

Qualifications

• GED or HS Equivalency Diploma required.
• 1 year experience responding to alarms and monitoring security systems.
• APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator 1 certification within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Monitors security systems to maintain situational awareness and dispatches staff.
• Responds to security, fire, and safety service requests and inputs data into systems.
• Prioritizes calls, evaluates information, and coordinates with responders.
• Maintains logs of staff activity and communications for incidents.
• Keeps informed of policies and maintains confidentiality.

Skills

Typing 35-40 wpm

English fluency

Communication skills

Education

GED/HS Equivalency

Job description

It's More Than a Job, It's a Calling!

Position: Public Safety Telecommunicator

Location: Lutheran General hospital command center; Park Ridge, IL.

Full Time; 3rd shift

~10:00pm-6:30am. Work every other weekend and holidays as scheduled.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors and utilizes security systems to maintain common operating picture of the enterprise. Uses advanced technology systems in the SOC for situational awareness, threat management, and investigative purposes. Monitors risks that could adversely impact the organization using internal and external systems (internet, newsfeeds, and other data sources). Monitors and utilizes the security management system, CCTV, visitor management, infant protection, burglar alarm, fire alarm, and related systems to detect emergencies such as fires, emergencies, or criminal activity. Maintains status and locations of on‑duty Public Safety/Security personnel. Monitors and dispatches Public Safety/Security staff activity and assignments via radio systems and computer‑aided dispatch systems. Maintains automated logs of Public Safety/Security staff communications and activity.
• Responds to Security, Fire, and Safety service requests, incidents, and alarms. Receives emergency and non‑emergency calls from team members, public, Public Safety/Security staff, law enforcement, and others via telephone, radio, and computer‑aided dispatch systems and inputs pertinent data into security management systems. Evaluates incoming information. Questions callers to determine their location and the nature of their problem. Follows established procedures to determine the severity and validity of the call or alarm. Prioritizes calls and dispatches Public Safety personnel and/or others.
• Communicates effectively in routine, urgent, and emergency situations. Maintains central database information to facilitate efficient operations and continuously update organizational data. Seeks guidance from supervisors and peers to effectively communicate with stakeholders throughout an incident life cycle.
• Keeps informed of organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.

License/Registration/Certification Required:

Association of Public‑Safety Communications Officials International (APCO); specifically, APCO’s Public Safety Telecommunicator 1 certification within (12) months of employment.

Education Required:

GED or HS Equivalency Diploma

Experience Required:

1 year responding to alarms such as burglar, fire, etc. Monitoring hardware and/or software such as signal receivers, alarm monitoring software; Security and Fire hardware, CCTV, burglar, or fire panels; Emergency Response protocols and processes (public and private).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Strong computer skills. Ability to type 35-40 wpm.
• Read, understand, and clearly speak English; constantly use speech and hearing (correctable to normal level required) in communicating with public/co‑workers, providing, and receiving instructions, using phones and radio. Constant mental alertness and attention to detail required while setting priorities and following up on assignments
• Must possess effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with ability to deal with all levels of personnel and the public in a professional and effective manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• The AAH Security Operations Center provides security monitoring and dispatch to the Advocate Aurora enterprise on a 24/7/365 basis. Public Safety Telecommunicators must be willing to work in a 24/7 operation.
• Incumbents function in a stressful, fast paced environment and work shifts are specified by department need and management direction. The shifts may include nights, weekends, holidays, as well as mandatory overtime as required.Sitting is required for extended periods at a workstation wearing communications equipment, which limits mobility, except for scheduled work breaks.
• Work is performed onsite in a secured, controlled, closely supervised, and highly structured work environment.
• Work requires visual and muscular dexterity to operate communications equipment (computer‑aided dispatch equipment, telephones, and radios).
• Constant use of eyes (correctable vision to normal level required) to observe, read, interact with public and co‑workers, view security monitors; includes hand/eye coordination.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.