DISPATCHER - Washington D.C. : Job Details

General Job Information

Job Summary

This position is located in the Office of Unified Communications (OUC), 911 Emergency Operations Division. The incumbent in this position will serve as a dispatcher operating one (1) zone and when required will be responsible for performing universal call taker assignments.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will serve as a dispatcher and will be responsible for dispatching police, fire, emergency, or medical services units to various locations throughout the District of Columbia to handle emergency and non-emergency calls from the general public and other public safety services to include occasionally, answering, screening, and processing calls and/or messages via telecommunications systems. Specifically, by following established policies and procedures, operating a CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) equipped with several computer terminals, controls, and radio frequencies to dispatch Police, Fire, and Emergency Management Services units to the assigned scene of emergencies to safeguard life and property.

The Dispatcher will determine priorities, using computer-generated recommendations to dispatch assigned units; reassigns events/incidents to additional assigned units as priorities, needs, and/or conditions change, to ensure the most sufficient and rapid response; monitors the status of police, fire, and EMS units in assigned locations within the District of Columbia. He/she will operate the Public Safety and Mobile and Radio Digitally Trunked System consisting of multi-channel, two-way radio equipment; monitor all radio transmissions conducted on assigned radio channel and assign complaint numbers to members of specified police agencies.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience : Experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Thorough experience and knowledge of police, fire and EMS policies and procedures pertaining to the proper dissemination of information and demonstrated skill and experience operating a CAD and ACD console system, radios, and digital communications systems to dispatch police, fire and EMS units and the ability to receive, recode and monitor to enter or retrieve data from local, state and national public safety database (WALES, CIN, NCIC) is strongly preferred.

Individuals with bilingual skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

Licensure/Certification

Within six (6) months of hire, you will be required to obtain the following certifications: (1) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification and (2) Emergency Dispatch Certifications such as Fire Dispatch and Police Dispatch Certifications and (3) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Telecommunicator Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (TCPR) Certification. Failure to obtain the referenced certifications shall result in termination from this position.

Working Conditions/Environment

The work environment involves everyday risks and/or discomfort that require normal safety precautions, typical of offices and training rooms. The use of telecommunications equipment will sometimes have a high level of noise. The work requires prolonged periods of sitting, talking, and listening under conditions that are often stressful. May be required to reach with hands and arms and stand.

Other Significant Facts

Screenings will take place every fifteen (15) days and candidates may be identified and a selection may be made before the closing date of the job announcement.

Tour of Duty: This position is designated as Essential and the incumbent that occupies this position will be required to report to work or stay at work during a declared emergency or any other time as designated by the mayor or his/her designee. This facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the incumbent will be required to work flexible and/or rotating 12-hour shifts. Shifts could be altered and/or extended at any time with notice. The incumbent must be able to work all shifts, holidays, and weekends; mandatory overtime may be required.

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-2151-10

Promotion Potential: CS-2151-11

Collective Bargaining Unit: NAGE R3-07 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through direct payroll deduction.

Position Designation: This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random Drug and Alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.

Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as an emergency employee position under the provisions of District Personnel Manual, Chapter 12. As such, your services may be required in emergency situations to perform crucial duties, i.e., snow removal, debris removal, transportation, shelter operation, food distribution, and communications. These duties may be performed when the government is closed or when most employees are dismissed early. Employees are required to work rotating shifts, to include evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Employees are considered emergency personnel and are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and will be required to provide the employing agency with a telephone number where they can be reached.

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming Residency Preference will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement : The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.