911 Telecommunicator - Starts At $28.16 Per Hour!

Description

Are you looking for a 'recession-proof' career that truly makes a difference in people's lives? Are you ready to be the calm voice that guides and reassures during times of crisis? If you possess empathy, resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure, we invite you to apply for our opportunity as a 911 Telecommunicator. Starting pay is $28.16 per hour. No previous experience or college degree required!

911 Telecommunicators receive and prioritize 9-1-1, 10-digit emergency and non-emergency telephone calls for service from the public and the agencies we serve. They process the information using a computer-aided-dispatch (CAD) system and dispatch appropriate emergency service agencies such as police, fire, and emergency medical units. We are more than a dispatch center, we are a lifeline to our community.

Telecommunicators are called upon to continuously update and monitor public safety responders in the field, and they also deliver quality, protocol based instruction (medical/police/fire) when it is appropriate and possible. They are truly the "first" first responders to any reported emergency situation.

Working as a 911 Telecommunicator is both challenging and rewarding. Your work will have a profound impact on the lives of individuals in need, helping them navigate through the most difficult moments they may ever face. We are looking for gifted, caring people who, if selected, are provided the unique opportunity to go through our outstanding training program. Successful candidates should possess the desire to embrace this position as a career and should also have the willingness to grow as a professional in the public safety communications field.

About Us:
Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading The Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and well-being of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and Lean principles as we regularly ask ourselves, "Is there a better way?"

Location:
Located in the City of Waukesha, our facility offers a fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Brewers, Bucks, Wave, Admirals, Marquette University Golden Eagles and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Basketball Programs.

Example of Duties

This is a general description that reflects the very basic job content and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the work requirements that may be inherent to this position.

Under supervision, performs work involving emergency and non-emergency call-taking and dispatching of law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies in response to requests for assistance by the public, and aids in dispatching and coordinating the agencies in accomplishing their official duties; and to perform other duties as required.

• Processes calls for service and communicates by radio, phones, and computers with units in the field.
• Records information and maintains necessary and accurate records of activity and performance.
• Receives emergency and non-emergency complaints and requests for services from citizens and public safety personnel such as law enforcement, fire, and EMS.
• Operates the Time System (TIME) used for driver's license checks, registration checks, checks for wanted persons, etc.
• Answers emergency and non-emergency telephone calls using computerized equipment; identifies the nature of the incident and the proper agencies to respond; refers the caller or relays the message when further internal action is not required.
• May be assigned to assist in the training of telecommunicators and provide feedback to both the employee and supervisor.
• Maintains an activity status record of units; selects proper unit to respond based upon incident criteria; alerts units of needed response; tracks acknowledgement of dispatch messages and well-being of response resource; alerts additional units for response based upon incident or message criteria; serves as command and control mechanism for client agencies.
• May perform the duties of Operator in Charge (OIC) or Certified Training Officer (CTO) as assigned.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Serves as an information resource to response units and the general public; relays requests for information through data sources and returns response to units; locates requested information through additional sources as resources permit; acts as liaison between public officials and the general public.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relations with coworkers, the public and public safety personnel.
• Operates radio transmitters in accordance with Federal Communications Commission rules regulations and County procedures and policies; operates voice and message retrieval systems; operates data processing systems in accordance with required rules and regulations; maintains confidentiality of information; and periodically performs testing of electronic and mechanical equipment to indicate proper performance.
• Participates in job related training sessions and seminars; observes field operations of public safety response units; attends required staff meetings and keeps certifications current as required by management.
• Operates varied and complex computerized communication and emergency warning systems equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to respond to emergency situations and work a varied and flexible schedule.
• Ability to read, write and speak English fluently; speak clearly; hear and understand radio, telephone and verbal communications.
• Ability to read a map; and to maintain a mental picture of the geographical location of law enforcement, fire and EMS vehicles, and their status.
• Ability to prioritize decisions based upon multiple criteria and identifiable standards of policy and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of departmental standard operating procedures, practices, rules, and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of the proper arrangement of material for transmission including priority of messages.
• Ability to keyboard at a speed of 40 net words per minute.
• Working knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of the procedures and methods of operating specialized computer communications equipment, telephones, teletype, and two-way radio.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, the public, and law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time at a dispatch console.
• Considerable knowledge of the location of federal, state, and county highways, town roads, and city streets within the County's geographical limits.
• Considerable knowledge of basic computer operations, data entry, and retrieval.
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions, and to think and react calmly and quickly in all types of situations.
• Ability to compile, analyze, record, and assemble data and information in a meaningful and effective manner and make good decisions and judgments.
• Ability to multi-task.

Minimum Qualifications

You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:

• High school graduation or GED equivalent.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to remain at a work station for long periods of time.
• Must be able to successfully pass background investigations which include fingerprinting.
• Applicants must have access to reliable transportation to ensure punctuality and availability for scheduled and unscheduled shifts. This includes the ability to commute to our location promptly if called in to work.
• All applicants, including those with felony convictions, must receive clearance to access the Federal and State Criminal Justice Information Systems and other required law enforcement systems and records.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment drug screen and hearing test.
• Must be available to work any shift, including nights, weekends, holidays, during severe weather conditions and mandatory overtime to maintain minimum staffing levels.
• Applicants must be able to type 25 words per minute.

Recruitment Process Information
Due to the high volume of applicants for this position, we will not be able to respond to all inquiries on this position. All communication will be sent via email, please be sure to check your email or your GovernmentJobs/Neogov account regularly for updates and instructions for next steps. Candidates will be required to take an online keyboarding skills test (10 minutes in length for practice test and the keyboarding test) as a part of the recruitment process.

Waukesha County's pay plans, group insurance programs, and other benefit policies comprise a package that is highly competitive and satisfies the needs of its employees. This is intended to give only a brief summary of the employee benefit package. Additional information will be provided at the time of hire. Benefits for part-time positions are pro-rated.

Health Insurance
High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment (not to exceed ninety (90) days). Dependent upon participation in a health risk assessment, employees may be eligible for an employer contribution to their Health Savings Account.).

Waukesha Employee Health & Wellness Center
Employees of Waukesha County and their dependents (ages 2+) who are enrolled in health insurance have access to an onsite medical clinic operated by Everside Health. The clinic is located at 615 W. Moreland Blvd in Waukesha. Patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance as all staff are employees of Everside Health. Providers of the clinic include a Board-Certified Physician, three Physician Assistants, one Physical Therapist, and one Health Coach.

The clinic is open Monday - Friday and has early morning to evening appointment times. Patients should be able to schedule same day or next day appointments for service. Services available include: health coaching, preventative/wellness care, non-preventative (illness/injury visits), immunizations, lab work, disease management, physical therapy, medication dispensing, and work-related injuries.

Office Visit Fees Cost
Preventative Care Free
Non-Preventative Care $28.00 per visit (After Deductible Met Copay is $0)
Physical Therapy $28.00 per visit (After Deductible Met Copay is $0)
Medication No separate charge
Medication Refill Appointments No Cost
Health Coaching No Cost
Office visit fees are applied towards health plan deductible and out-of-pocket maximums.

Employee Wellness Activities, Program and Fitness Center
24/7 access to a wealth of health tools and information on the wellness portal. On-going education programs, fitness challenges and classes. On-site fitness center.

Health Care Flexible Spending Account
This plan allows you to make pre-tax payroll contributions to use for the reimbursement of qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. The 2023 contribution limit is $3,050. This benefit is not available for employees enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
This plan allows you to make pre-taxed payroll contributions to use for reimbursement of your dependent care expenses. The IRS allows you to contribute up to $5,000 per year from your paycheck for child and/or elder care. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Dental Insurance
Waukesha County offers you a choice of two dental insurance plans. Coverage will begin on the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Vision Insurance
Coverage will begin the first of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Premium Option Plan
Employees are automatically enrolled in this pre-tax option. This plan allows you to pay your share of the health, dental, and vision insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. This means you pay less state, federal, and FICA taxes, thus saving you money. You can elect to pay on a post- tax basis if you prefer.

Vacation
Waukesha County’s vacation plan provides you with paid time off from work. Regular full-time employees are credited with forty (40) hours of vacation upon hire. Thereafter vacation is earned in one calendar year to be used in the next calendar year.

Full-Time Vacation Accrual Schedule

Holidays
Employees are eligible for eleven (11) paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, The Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day, and Two (2) Floating Holidays that are earned on February 1 and June 1 of each year.

Sick Leave
The Sick Leave Plan is designed to provide you with salary continuation in the event of personal injury or illness. Regular full-time employees earn sick leave at the rate of eight (8) hours for each month of work up to a maximum of nine hundred sixty (960) hours.

Long-Term Disability
Waukesha County pays the full premium on employee’s behalf for this benefit. The long-term disability insurance plan provides for a monthly income in the event of a disabling injury or illness which renders you incapable of performing your job. Coverage will begin the first of the month after hire date.

Life Insurance
Waukesha County pays the full premium cost on your behalf. You will be insured for an amount equal to one (1) times your prior year gross wages rounded to the next higher thousand dollars. In addition, you are insured for Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefits. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Voluntary Worksite Benefits
Waukesha County offers supportive voluntary benefit options for Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance. These benefits help pay for unexpected medical costs and other expenses. Each offering is ala carte so you can select the plan that is right for you and your family. Monthly payroll deductions for the Voluntary Supportive benefits are only offered as after-tax deductions, so any benefits received under these plans are tax-free.

Dependent Life Insurance
You may choose to elect dependent life insurance for your spouse and/or eligible dependents. Employees pay the full premium cost for dependent life insurance. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance
You may choose to purchase additional supplemental term life insurance. Employees pay the full premium cost for supplemental term life insurance. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Wisconsin Retirement System - Pension Plan
As a full-time employee, you will automatically be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System. This pension is administered by the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
You will be required to pay the employee’s share of contributions to the fund, while Waukesha County contributes the employer’s share. Employees are vested in their portion of contributions immediately and after five years of creditable service for the employer contribution.

Deferred Compensation
Waukesha County offers access to a 457 Deferred Compensation program that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This completely employee funded. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time. Employees may contribute on a pre-tax or Roth basis.

Payroll Roth IRA
Waukesha County offers access to a payroll Roth IRA that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This completely employee funded. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time.

Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan
This is a benefit funded by Waukesha County. Waukesha County will contribute up to $550 ($400 for Waukesha Deputy Sheriff’s Labor Union represented employees) per year into an employee’s RHS account. Funds are available to the participant following separation of employment and can be used for reimbursement of qualified medical expenses or qualified insurance premium payments that occur post-employment. Contributions begin the first month after date of hire. Contributions for employees represented by the Waukesha Deputy Sheriff’s Labor Union will begin the first of the month after twelve (12) months of employment with Waukesha County).

Social Security
During your working years, you regularly contribute a certain percentage of your income toward Social Security. Waukesha County matches your contribution, dollar for dollar.

Electronic Direct Deposit Program
Employees will be required to have their paychecks electronically deposited into the financial institution and account of their choice. Participants will receive a statement of earnings each payday as opposed to a payroll check.

Worker’s Compensation
As an employee of Waukesha County, you are protected under the Worker’s Compensation Act, which provides for hospital, medical, surgical care, and income loss payments for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Jury Duty & Witness Service
In the event you are subpoenaed for jury duty or subpoenaed to serve as a witness in connection with an incident occurring while at work, you will be eligible for paid leave.

Funeral Leave
In the event of a death in your immediate family, you will be allowed up to twenty-four (24) hours of leave with pay to attend the funeral.

Employee Assistance Program
Waukesha County offers access to a free confidential Employee Assistance Program for all employees and members of their household. The program provides a helping hand with such problems as stress, family & relationship concerns, alcohol or drug dependency, workplace conflicts, work life balance, depression and anxiety, parenting concerns, grief or loss, crisis situations, child or elder care resources, and convenience resources. Participants can receive up to eight (8) visits in person or telephonically with an EAP Provider per clinical issue per 12 months at no cost.

Tuition Assistance Program
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees who have passed a 6-month employment period are eligible for this program. The County will reimburse 75% of eligible educational costs up to $400 per semester (up to $800 per calendar year). Courses must be job-related and of direct benefit to the County or in a designated program to qualify.

Employee Discount Programs
Waukesha County offers discounts on Dell products, cellular service through U.S. Cellular, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, and discounted rates on Microsoft 365 through Microsoft Home Use Program.

Pay for Performance
Employees are eligible for performance based merit awards with exceptional and commendable performance ratings.

Student Loan Forgiveness
Employees may qualify to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Special Programs - MyFedLoan).