Public Safety Call Taker/Dispatcher Trainee/Dispatcher I

Prince Frederick, MD
Calvert County Government

Salary: $22.47 – $25.73 per hour

Position Summary:

Performs public safety communications work receiving, screening, prioritizing, and relaying information over a communications system involving multiple phone lines and a computer aided dispatch system. Work involves receiving and processing emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for police, fire, rescue and emergency medical services. The work has unusual demands in terms of responding to callers under stress and requires emergency call-taking training. The work is performed under direct supervision.

Essential Functions:

  • Answers emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for Calvert County and enters data into the Computer Aided Dispatching System.
  • Operates computerized 911 VESTA Patriot phone system successfully for all incoming 911 phone calls, as well as all other non-emergency phone calls received. Operates Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), GIS (mapping), and emergency dispatch (Pro-QA) software systems in conjunction with receipt of 911 emergency and non-emergency calls. Uses TDD within the phone system to communicate with hearing or speaking impaired persons.
  • Receives reports of fire, medical emergencies, and law enforcement, and utilizing (CAD) processes information for rapid dispatch of emergency services. Provides emergency pre-arrival and/or post-dispatch instructions over the telephone for all emergency calls including, but not limited to CPR, bleeding control, and childbirth assist instructions.
  • Uses computer to enter data and access criminal justice information systems to obtain information for law enforcement officers.
  • Records and maintains a log of daily 911 calls with the utilization of CAD and maintains records of fire, medical, and law enforcement activity.
  • Monitors security cameras and County’s building alarm system and dispatches appropriate service when activated.
  • Places calls for repairs to radios, pagers and other communications devices.
  • Makes after-hours non-emergency notifications for the dispatching of other County agencies, i.e., General Services, Public Works.
  • Completes and maintains required course work for mandatory ETC, CPR, EMD, EFD, EPD, CJIS/NCIC/METERS certifications and licenses; complete mandatory ICS-100A, ICS-200A, IS-700A, HAZMAT Awareness, and Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness.
  • Performs all work as directed by the Division Chief and as established in the Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Performs related work as required.

Requirements:

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent.
  • One year experience in an emergency service environment or work experience with data entry/keyboard functions, answering phones, and involving contact with the public in person.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application.
  • Subject to criminal records check and detailed background investigation which includes a polygraph examination.
  • Successful completion of “Criticall” testing.
  • Successful completion of a typing test with a minimum 35 WPM.
  • Work involves handling highly stressful calls, and giving basic first aid and life-saving instructions.
  • Must successfully complete CPR, ETC, EMD, EPD, EFD, ICS-100A, ICS-200A, IS-700A, HAZMAT Awareness, Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness, and Meters/CJIS Training within the probationary period and maintain all required certifications.