911 Dispatcher

Richardson, TX
Richardson Police Department

Salary: $54,223.00-$75,309.00

Position Summary:

Under direct and general supervision, receive requests for police, fire, and emergency medical services. Dispatch and deploy public safety units and notify other support services. Provide pre-arrival emergency medical instructions. Operate various telecommunications equipment. Prepare reports and maintain files. Work any assigned shift, holidays, weekends, and additional hours, as needed for staffing and/or training purposes. This position functions at a high stress level and may deal with life-and-death situations. Applicants/employees must be able to multi-task, think clearly, and remain calm at all times. Perform other related duties as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Answer multi-line telephones including 911 lines.
  • Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, verbally and in writing; includes speaking distinctly, responding promptly, hearing within the normal range, to protect the safety of the public and responders.
  • Communicate with hearing/speech-impaired citizens by operating specialized software.
  • Simultaneously listen to and comprehend telephone, radio, and interoffice communications while processing calls for service.
  • Perform multiple tasks at one time, e.g., talk on a telephone and directly input data into a computer.
  • Operate multi-channel public safety radio system, including interoperable communications with other agencies.
  • Correctly process and record requests for police, fire, and medical services, utilizing direct entry into a Computer-Aided Dispatch system or by following manual call processing procedures.
  • Assign appropriate public safety personnel to routine and emergency calls for service and deploy support services as well.
  • Document all activity, location, and status in the Computer-Aided Dispatch system for public safety personnel and quickly and correctly disseminate any additional information.
  • Upon certification, provide pre-arrival emergency medical instructions following department elected protocol with International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) compliance.
  • Read and accurately interpret electronic maps to locate, track, provide information to responders, and/or deploy units.
  • Operate computers and websites to access information requested by public safety personnel, the public, or other City employees, e.g., records management, TCIC/NCIC, jail management, RPD Intranet, etc.
  • Simultaneously input, retrieve, and maintain information, reading from multiple computer screens and printouts, utilizing multiple keyboards.
  • Work in a confined area for 12+ hours and remain seated for long periods of time entering data into various computer systems.
  • Operate in low-light conditions, discerning distinct colors used by a Computer-Aided Dispatch system, 911 telephone equipment, or other visual resources.
  • Concentrate on assigned tasks through many distractions.
  • Monitor and identify activations of various alarm systems, following defined department protocols.
  • Safely operate a wide range of equipment, e.g., door monitors and locks, printers, voice recorders, intercoms, alarm panels, weather monitoring devices, television monitors, copiers, document shredders, etc.
  • As a Training Officer, train new employees, which include timely preparation and submission of training documentation.
  • As required, act in the absence of the shift supervisor.
  • Prepare incident reports, supplement reports, and maintain various files.
  • Comprehend and apply state laws, city ordinances, city and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Attend/testify in all criminal and civil courts when summoned.
  • Attend training schools/seminars and other city related events, which may require travel (occasionally overnight).
  • Maintain high level of confidentiality.
  • Read and accurately interpret graphic material in print and computer formats.
  • Read written materials prepared in handwritten and multi-font print formats.
  • Must not pose a threat to the health/safety of self or others.
  • Remain aware of the security of the Richardson Public Safety Campus and immediately report any suspicious persons/activities to a supervisor.
  • Independently make and carry out effective and timely decisions.
  • Competently perform under stress when confronted with emergency and critical situations.
  • Perform a variety of tasks, transitioning quickly from one to another while maintaining proficiency and composure.
  • Must be able to work effectively without constant, direct supervision.
  • Operate a city vehicle in a safe manner.
  • Access remote body worn and fleet cameras in emergency situations.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate required.
  • CPR certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification (through IAED), TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate and TX Telecommunicator License required, or must be obtained within one year of hire.
  • Texas Driver’s License, Class C, required.
  • US Citizenship required in order to obtain TCOLE certifications listed above.
  • Must pass a background investigation that meets all local, state, and federal requirements as well as to be without felony convictions.
  • Must complete a computer-based exam with an overall score of 80% and typing speed of 40 words per minute.
  • Must successfully complete all phases of training provided by Richardson Police Department and demonstrate proficiency in each of the assigned areas 911/Call Take, Fire/EMS, Records &Information (NCIC), and Police dispatch.
  • If applying as entry level, preference is to have at least 2 years of recent work history in a customer service environment, or have a Bachelor or Associate degree, or must have 1 year of recent training with an accredited learning institution in computer operations and data entry.