Dispatcher Jobs

Job Summary You can be the FIRST, first responder when someone calls for help on potentially the worst day of their life. This job requires the ability to think fast, your split-second decisions make a difference. Our police, fire and medical professionals rely on you to provide the essential information they need when responding to emergency calls. At the same time, you will be the calmness and reassurance the caller is depending on when experiencing potentially the most stressful, heartbreaking, painful, chaotic, or traumatizing moment of their life. You will also hear the relief in the callers' voice when help arrives, smile when you hear the fire department was able to pull a puppy to safety from a water drain in the street and breathe your own sigh of relief when first responders (that you sent) are able to prevent an accident from becoming a tragedy. This job is stressful but will push you to reach your greatest potential as you strive to serve the members of our community. This video provides additional insight into the dynamic profession of 911 dispatching. Dispatch Testimonial Video Receive 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls and promptly relay sufficient information to appropriate law enforcement, fire, ambulance, or other agencies as necessary. Provide radio communication and other support to county, city, and state agencies to assist them in providing emergency response in a timely and efficient manner. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Provide communication support to Sheriff's deputies and law enforcement agencies operating within the county. Support includes, but is not limited to, running computer checks, confirming inquiries, making work-related phone calls, arranging for tow trucks, and arranging support from other civilian agencies. Monitor multiple computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing and documenting caller information. Provide callers with appropriate advice or referral, or initiate police, fire and/or emergency medical (EMS) services to the caller. Enter CAD/ICR information and dispatch to the appropriate responders. Access and operate multiple federal, state and local data base systems (NCIC, MNCIS, others) to query, enter, modify, clear and cancel information as requested. Perform routine record checks as necessary. Provide "hit" confirmation to law enforcement officers on warrant checks. Maintain missing person files, stolen/wanted vehicle files, and the lost/found article files. Maintain restraining order, harassment order, and other civil files. Provide information when appropriate or requested. Run criminal history checks for authorized personnel and agencies. Perform weekly pager tests for the fire departments and monthly call out tests for Sheriff ERU and Mobile Field Force units. Comprehend and adhere to data practices laws and policies. Provide information to the public when applicable or refer them to appropriate personnel for further assistance. Activate and deactivate all civil defense sirens when directed to do so. Activate the Sherburne County Sheriff's Dept. Emergency Operations Center in the event of a major emergency and coordinate with all emergency service personnel and agencies until such activation is complete. Arrange for emergency repairs of all essential equipment in the dispatch center, including the computer system, phone system, radio console, and other essential equipment. Maintain accurate records on each request for assistance. Type messages and requests to other agencies for information, receive and respond to messages from other agencies via teletype. Testify in court as necessary. Monitor all assigned radio channels. Manage large and expanding public safety radio system with law enforcement personnel, fire departments, ambulances, civil defense, and other emergency service agencies. Perform other duties as directed. Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships. Regular and reliable attendance according to the department's work schedule. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required Ability to use a computerized map and quickly learn the county geographic layout, emergency service area, and highway systems. Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations/guidelines relating to the operation of public safety radio systems. Ability to operate a number of telephone, radio, and computer terminals simultaneously while remaining calm and decisive when dealing with calls for emergency assistance. Ability to remain professional despite the potential for callers to be in distress, angry, overwhelmed and speaking erratically. Ability to pass a state administered test for certification of a state computer terminal operator's license and Security Awareness Training Ability to comprehend and follow difficult written and verbal instructions. Ability to condense large amounts of information from multiple sources, recognizing pertinent information and relaying it as applicable. Demonstrate ongoing commitment to provide excellent customer service by managing difficult or emotional callers, promptly respond to caller's needs, convey reassurance that the caller will receive proper response to their needs. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with fellow employees, the public, and users of the communication system. Ability to type 40 WPM Minimum Qualifications High school diploma and two years of work experience in a call center, multi-tasked oriented retail or restaurant environment or other similar customer service related work required (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). Licenses or certifications required for the position: CJIS terminal operator certification, but can be obtained after hire. Other training which is desirable for the position: Experience as a 911 Dispatcher, 911 dispatch certification and 911 emergency telephone system experience within the last five years is desirable but not required. Current CJIScertification is desirable also. Supplemental Information Work Environment: The majority of tasks are performed while seated. Acute hearing, vision, speech, memory recall, and manual dexterity are necessary to perform essential tasks. The position requires frequent to constant turning/twisting, reaching, grasping, and pinching. The ability to distinguish between colors is essential. Assigned tasks require attention to detail and concentration to numerous activities occurring simultaneously. The nature of the job causes persons working in this position to sometimes be under periods of stress. Equipment utilized includes but is not limited to: CAD, computers, 911 systems, TTD machines, a variety of alarms and monitors, head sets, phones, and two-way radios. Work Schedule: Shifts are bid on a seniority basis for the calendar year. Based on seniority work schedule could be a 10 or 12 hour day or overnight shift with either set or alternating days off. The training period for this position consists of 8-12 weeks of one-on-one on-the-job training with a certified trainer, with both classroom and practical training. This position is subject to random drug tests after employment has started.