Telecommunications/Emergency Dispatch

City of O'Fallon; O'Fallon (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of O'Fallon is seeking an Emergency Communications Dispatcher to receive and assess 9-1-1 calls and coordinate police, fire and EMS units. You will perform EMS dispatch, crisis intervention, and monitor multiple radio channels in a high-volume center.

The role requires strong typing, communication and multitasking skills, plus reliability for 4–12 hour shifts including evenings and weekends. Candidates should be proficient with Omnigo CAD and common office software.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; further education a plus.

Responsibilities

• Determine the nature and location of emergencies and dispatch police, fire, ambulance or other units.
• Perform Emergency Medical Dispatch and crisis intervention with pre-arrival instructions.
• Receive and process 9-1-1 calls; monitor unit status and locations.
• Enter, update and retrieve information from computer systems.
• Monitor radio frequencies and operate dispatch equipment; provide data on requests.
• Support Metro East Communications Center and Public Safety Department.

Skills

Typing 40 wpm

Communication skills

Multitasking

Customer service

Computer literacy

English proficiency

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

9-1-1 systems certification

Tools

Omnigo CAD

Office software (word, Excel, databases)

Job description

Uses a computer-aided dispatch system to receive emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, medical or other emergency services. A career in emergency communications can be fast paced, challenging & rewarding. To ensure that all potential applicants understand and appreciate both the rewards and demands of the profession, a checklist has been developed to outline these details and each applicant is required to sign off on having read through this list.

Starting wage begins at $32.33 an hour. Qualified lateral candidates with previous public safety telecommunications experience may start up to $34.99 an hour based on experience and education. Lateral candidates may also qualify for a one-time lump payment of 40 hours of vacation time upon hire.

The primary duties of the position include (but are not limited to): determine the nature and location of the emergency; determine priorities, and dispatch police, fire ambulance or other emergency units as necessary (ranging from routine to critical) and in accordance with established procedures; manages situations as conditions change; perform Emergency Medical Dispatch and crisis intervention including pre-arrival instructions using available resources; receive and process 9-1-1 emergency calls, maintain contact with all units on assignment, maintain status and location of local police and fire units; monitor direct emergency alarms, answer non-emergency calls for assistance; enter, update and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems; receive & respond to requests for information regarding vehicle registration, driving records and warrants, and provides pertinent data; monitor several complex public safety radio frequencies and talk groups; operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones and computer systems; other duties as required to support the Metro East Communications Center and Public Safety Department.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent; additional education/training a plus;
• Preference may be given to those certified in the use of 9-1-1 Telephone systems, Emergency Medical Dispatch, LEADS, REJIS; ability to learn in-house computer systems is needed;
• Reliability and regular attendance – ability and willingness to work 4, 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts (including evenings, overnights & weekends) and working over when needed;
• 40 words per minute typing speed;
• Ability to speak English clearly and accurately, have normal visual acuity and meet NENA hearing standards;
• Ability / experience to comfortably and productively use computers such as word processing, spreadsheet and database software and ability to quickly learn how to use specialized dispatch software (Omnigo CAD);
• Ability to use a multi-function telephone, fax machine, copy machine, calculator, and other office equipment;
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and be able to work independently;
• Excellent customer service skills including the ability to efficiently and courteously interact with people;
• Ability to calmly multi-task dispatch services and provide crisis intervention: collect necessary information from callers and officers; simultaneously dispatch public safety personnel, search for information, accept telephone/radio calls, assist callers, when an emergency arises.

Physical Requirement

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment; stamina to remain seated for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone and over the radio. Work is performed in a high call volume emergency dispatch environment, where there is limited opportunity for physical movement and the dispatcher must remain alert and responsive while observing computer display screen for uninterrupted periods of time; may be subject to extended work periods without relief, periods of high call volume, and stressful situations.