Telecommunications Specialist I (Dispatcher)

York County Government

Rock Hill (SC)

On-site

USD 23,000 - 33,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

York County Public Safety is seeking dependable, compassionate Telecommunications Specialists to join our 9-1-1 Communications team as full-time staff. You will answer emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch responders, provide life-saving guidance, and use CAD, GIS, and radio systems.

Training is provided, no prior 9-1-1 experience required. Shift: 12-hour, days/nights, weekends and holidays; 40 hours per week; projected salary range $20.60/hr.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Previous telecommunications, customer service, public safety, or relevant experience preferred but not required.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
A valid state driver’s license is preferred.
Previous 9-1-1 experience is not required; on-the-job training provided.

Responsibilities

Answer emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other public safety agencies.
Gather, evaluate, and prioritize information to determine the appropriate response.
Provide lifesaving pre-arrival medical and safety instructions until responders arrive.
Dispatch law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency resources.
Maintain radio and data communications with first responders and provide accurate information.
Monitor weather and emergency warning systems and assist with public notification when necessary.
Maintain accurate records and ensure communications comply with policies and laws.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CAD

GIS

NCIC

Job description

Be the calm voice when seconds matter.

Are you looking for a career where your work truly matters?

York County Public Safety is seeking dependable, compassionate, and motivated individuals to join our 9-1-1 Communications team as full-time Telecommunications Specialists.

As a 9-1-1 Telecommunications Specialist, you will be the critical link between people who need help and the first responders who provide it. You may guide someone through a medical emergency, help calm a frightened caller, dispatch emergency responders to a critical incident, or provide information that helps keep law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel safe.

Every shift is different. Every call matters. And the work you do can make a difference in someone’s life.

No 9-1-1 experience? We will train you. You do not need previous 9-1-1 dispatch experience to begin a career in emergency communications. York County provides comprehensive, paid training and the professional certifications you will need to succeed. We are looking for people with strong communication and customer service skills, good judgment, the ability to multitask, and a desire to serve their community.

Projected Salary Range/Grade 111: $20.60 per hour; pay may be higher based on qualifications and experience

Schedule: 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Full-time, 40 hours per week, non-exempt

We are hiring for multiple positions. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. Candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted directly by York County Public Safety.

What you’ll do as a member of our 9-1-1 Communications team, you will:

Answer emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies.

Quickly gather, evaluate, and prioritize information to determine the appropriate response.

Provide lifesaving pre-arrival medical and safety instructions until emergency responders arrive.

Help calm and guide callers through stressful, frightening, and sometimes life-threatening situations.

Dispatch law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency resources.

Maintain radio and data communications with first responders and provide them with accurate, timely information.

Monitor the location and activity of emergency personnel to help maintain responder safety.

Use advanced public safety technology, including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), NCIC, radio systems, and other communications equipment.

Monitor emergency radio activations and respond according to established policies and procedures.

Assist with cellular phone location and tracing procedures during qualifying life-threatening emergencies.

Monitor severe weather and emergency warning systems and assist with public notification procedures when necessary.

Maintain accurate records and ensure communications comply with established policies, procedures, protocols, standards, and applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For

Great 9-1-1 telecommunicators come from many different backgrounds. Previous public safety experience can be helpful, but it isn’t the only experience that prepares someone for this career.

You may be a great fit if you:

Communicate clearly and professionally.

Have strong listening and customer service skills.

Can remain calm and focused when someone else is upset or experiencing an emergency.

Can make decisions and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Are comfortable listening, typing, talking, and processing information at the same time.

Are dependable and understand the importance of working as part of a 24/7 public safety team.

Are willing to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Are comfortable learning new computer systems and technology.

Work well with others and value teamwork.

Want a career where you can serve and make a difference in your community.

Experience in customer service, call centers, healthcare, hospitality, public safety, dispatching, the military, or other fast-paced environments may provide valuable transferable skills.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Previous telecommunications, customer service, public safety, or other relevant experience is preferred but not required.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

A valid state driver’s license is preferred.

Previous 9-1-1 experience is not required.

We’ll Provide the Training

You don’t have to arrive knowing how to dispatch an ambulance, operate a public safety radio, provide emergency medical instructions, or use a Computer Aided Dispatch system. That’s what training is for.

York County provides on-the-job training to prepare you for a career in emergency communications. Telecommunications Specialists are paid their regular salary while completing required training.

Training and certifications include:

APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator 1

APCO Fire Service Communications

APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)

South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy E9-1-1 Certification

CPR Certification

NCIC Certification

FEMA NIMS IC 100

FEMA NIMS IC 200

FEMA NIMS IC 700

FEMA IS-5.A Introduction to Hazardous Materials

Annual Radiological Training

What to Expect During the Hiring Process

Because 9-1-1 Telecommunications Specialists work in a position of public trust and have access to sensitive public safety information, selected candidates must successfully complete York County’s required pre-employment process.

The selection process includes:

Background investigation

Drug screening

Polygraph examination

Psychological evaluation

Successful completion of all required steps is mandatory.

Applicants must be able to successfully pass a background investigation and must not have been convicted of a charge carrying a sentence of one year or more.

Physical Demands

This position primarily involves sedentary work with sustained keyboard and computer operations. Employees may walk or stand during portions of their shift and may occasionally exert up to 10 pounds of force.

Ready to Make a Difference?

When someone calls 9-1-1, you may be the first person they turn to for help.

You don’t need to arrive knowing how to do the job—we will teach you. What we need are people who are dependable, willing to learn, able to communicate, and ready to be there when their community needs them most.

Questions about a career with York County Public Safety?

Call 803-329-0911 or Email 911@yorkcountygov.com

York County is located in the Piedmont region, between the Broad River and the Catawba River. Its diverse landscape is home to family-friendly towns/cities, a progressive urban region and lakefront communities. We are excited that you want to join our team and recognize that our employees are the foundation for our success.

Mission Statement

York County provides quality public services in an open, efficient, and responsive manner.

Vision Statement

York County provides an environment where all citizens and businesses can thrive and succeed.

Core Values - Excellence through Professionalism

Respect -respect builds bridges, not silos. How we live it?Golden rule - treat others as you want to be treated.

Dedicated - strong work ethic. How we live it?Persistence, reliability and commitment to do your best.

Integrity - do the right thing instead of what is convenient. How we live it?Displaying strong moral principles.

Knowledgeable - ready and able. How we live it?Having the right competencies necessary for achievement.

Friendly - service with a smile. How we live it?Being respectful, pleasant and helpful to ALL.

Benefits & Total Compensation

Your compensation with York County includes more than your hourly pay. Eligible employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes: