Emergency Communications Officer – 911 Dispatch

Sandpoint, ID
Bonner County

Position Summary:

Applicant is expected to maintain a positive, helpful, constructive attitude and work relationship with their supervisor, peers, all county staff, customers, elected officials and the community. Applicant must be able to solve practical problems that require reasoning and be able to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret, identify, access, or diagnose a variety of instructions or information furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form and plan approaches that respond to problems or challenges; to adapt or modify existing systems, procedures, or methods to new situations; to find alternative solutions by weighing alternatives and developing action plans; to multi-task duties. There are no supervisory responsibilities with this position.

Essential Functions:

  • Responds to all incoming emergency requests for assistance in the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and accurately enter all pertinent data into the CAD system.
  • Routinely dispatch fire, medical and law enforcement emergency responders to all requests for emergency assistance, using the CAD and radio communications systems as well as ARC View mapping, according to priority and availability of units.
  • During medical emergencies, must properly triage (medically evaluate) individuals using the Association of Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Guidecards, to properly determine the level of medical response required. Administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other medical emergency instructions to third party individuals as required.
  • While supporting law enforcement units, accurately requests and retrieves critical wants, warrants and vehicular information from state (ILETS) and federal (NCIC) computer information systems.
  • Demonstrates excellent customer service skills.
  • Maintains records and data for items, such as warrants, missing persons, stolen property, and emergency protection orders by confirming the information is correct, entering and modifying information in different databases and clearing information as applicable. Validates information on state and FBI level.
  • Provides assistance to residents and visitors by communicating and relaying messages, responding to requests for information, referring questions to the appropriate department or agency and interacting with citizens on a regular basis.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors and the general public.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Must keep all information confidential.
  • Must possess a High School Diploma or GED.
  • Must be able to type 40 WPM or better.
  • Operates computer terminal and associated peripherals, use Microsoft Windows XP Professional or higher, Microsoft Office 2000 or higher, databases specific to the County, Internet and email; uses multi-line telephone, facsimile machine, copy machine, printers, scanning devices, calculator and general office equipment.
  • Operates and maintains communications equipment, including radio consoles, computer terminals, telephone equipment for 9-1-1, CAD and TTY systems.
  • Maintains composure and takes responsible action during highly stressful situations.
  • Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Accurately and precisely relays information; reads and comprehends simple instructions, safety rules, policies and procedures; reads and writes concise, short and simple correspondence. Effectively presents information in one-on-one and in small group situations; reads, writes and speaks English.
  • Must be able to work with relay services and language interpretation services.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks with extreme accuracy.
  • Must thrive as a team builder and as a team player.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain prior to completion of training period, APCO Public Safety Telecommunication –a (PST1)/Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification, APCO Fire Communications Certification(FSC1), NCIC/ILETS Certification, Biannual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, TDD Basic Certification and Emergency Alert System (EAS) Certification.
  • Receives, inputs, files, distributes, tracks, confirms and maintains warrants, civil protection orders, no contact orders, missing persons, and stolen articles or vehicles.
  • Ability to successfully complete the Bonner County 911 Training Program.
  • Ability to successfully complete one year probationary period (with a six month review) with a grade of Good or better.
  • Ability to master basic principles/techniques of radio communications.
  • Must be willing to work all shifts, days of the week and Holidays. Shifts are assigned by seniority in department.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Idaho state vehicle operator’s license.
  • Must be able to hear the English language clearly in both ears (aided or unaided).
  • Must successfully pass the County’s pre-employment drug testing and thorough Criminal History Investigation as set by the Idaho State Police Standards ( IDAPA 11.11.01).
  • Knowledge of County geography and transportation system is helpful.
  • Ability to think creatively.
  • Exercises excellent judgment, self-confidence and has a desire to serve the community.
  • Possess or be able to obtain within two years of hire, Idaho State Certification as a Emergency Communications Officer or greater through the Idaho State Police Academy, Police Officer Training Standards (POST).