Public Safety Telecommunicator

Advocate Health Care; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Aurora Health is seeking a Public Safety Telecommunicator for the Park Ridge, IL area. This full-time role on the 1st shift involves monitoring security systems, receiving alarms, and coordinating responses to incidents using CAD and CCTV tools.

Applicants should have a GED or HS equivalency, at least 1 year of alarm-response experience, and strong typing and communication skills to manage urgent situations with accuracy and professionalism.

Qualifications

• GED or HS Equivalency Diploma.
• 1 year experience responding to alarms (burglar, fire, etc.).
• Strong computer skills and ability to type 35–40 wpm.
• Clear spoken and written English with professional communication.

Responsibilities

• Monitors security systems and dispatches staff using radio and CAD systems.
• Responds to security, fire, and safety service requests and alarms; evaluates data.
• Maintains logs and central database information for incidents and personnel.
• Communicates effectively during routine and emergency incidents.
• Keeps up-to-date on policies and maintains information confidentiality.

Skills

Typing 35-40 wpm

English fluency

Strong communication

Education

GED or HS Equivalency Diploma

Tools

CAD systems (computer-aided)

Security management systems

CCTV

Alarm monitoring software

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; 1st shift

~6:00am-2:30pm. 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.