911 Dispatcher
Salary: $52,644.00-$73,116.00.
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 Texas 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.