Dispatcher- Police, Information & Technology Management Bureau, Communications Division - Howard County (MD) : Job Details

Operates communications equipment to receive incoming calls, text messages and pictures/videos for assistance, dispatches personnel and equipment to the scene of emergencies and operates Police Teletype.

The starting salary for this position will be near the beginning of the salary range posted.

* Length of hiring process: Hiring process will take 2-4 months.

* Steps of the process: For most civilian positions, the process is as follows if advancing through: application, interview, background, selection, pre-employment drug screening.

Qualified candidates must apply via this link:

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs technical level through intermediate technical level dispatching operations work under general supervision from a technical superior. The one-year probationary period consists of learning and becoming proficient at the below listed functions while assigned a training officer and ends upon consistently displayed competency and supervisory sign-off. At the intermediate technical level, work includes receiving, routing and transmitting information on both an emergency and non-emergency basis via telephone, radio, teletype, computer terminal and other communications equipment and dispatching emergency equipment.Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.

Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.

Emergency Dispatchers follow established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures in carrying out all duties and responsibilities. These include the ability to operate a variety of equipment, including telephones, radios, teletype, TTD's, computer equipment, office machines and other communications equipment. Other duties may also be assigned.

CALL-TAKING:

Emergency Dispatchers:

Operate telephone consoles to receive incoming calls and text messages for assistance.

Speak clearly and distinctly.

Obtain required information from callers who may be under stress.

React quickly and calmly when processing routine and emergency calls.

Deal courteously, cooperatively and effectively with all callers.

Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers.

Answer calls promptly.

Process calls accurately and timely.

Operate call-taking sessions in the CAD system.

Operate effectively in a manual mode.

Monitor alarm system signals that indicate location of fire or other emergency.

Type commands on computer keyboard to update files and maintain logs.

Tests communications and alarm equipment and backup systems to ensure serviceability.

Recognize and process all Deaf TTD calls with speed and accuracy following all established guidelines.

Follow all established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures associated with call-taking.

METERS/NCIC:

Emergency Dispatchers:

Enter all required METERS/NCIC information into the computer and on paper with speed and accuracy.

Follow all rules and regulations associated with the METERS/NCIC system.

Properly operate FAX machine to obtain information and forward responses to properly process requests.

Follow all established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures associated with METERS/NCIC data entry.

DISPATCH:

Emergency Dispatchers:

Properly operate appropriate dispatch sessions in the CAD system.

Handle multiple tasks associated with dispatching.

Organize thoughts and speak clearly and distinctly.

Operate radio equipment for dispatch purposes and to relay instructions or information to field units.

React quickly and calmly to both routine and emergency situations.

Recognize and prioritize calls to be dispatched.

Scans status charts and computer screen to determine available units.

Update and maintain accurate unit status

Deal courteously, cooperatively and effectively with field personnel.

Maintain familiarity with Howard County geography, including all major thoroughfares, buildings and communities.

Operate effectively in a manual mode.

Maintain familiarity with the general policies and procedures of the other Howard County agencies that are served by the Bureau of Communications.

Types commands on computer keyboard to update files and maintain logs.

Follow all established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures associated with dispatching.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

High School Diploma or GED. Must pass a criminal background investigation, psychological and physical exam. Must pass test specified by the Appointing Authority.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Experience or training in a consolidated 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center. Certification in Protocols for processing Police, Fire and EMS.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Shift work (rotating day/night) is required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures manuals.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Must pass and/or qualify for and/or maintain the following training courses, certificates, licenses and registrations: Howard County Basic Telecommunicator Course, MILES/CJIS, Call-taking Protocols (Medical, Fire, Police), Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Awareness, and State of Maryland Emergency Telecommunications Specialist.

Possession of a valid driver's license.