Public Safety Dispatcher I

Hialeah, FL
Hialeah Police Department

Salary: $42,120.00 – $86,294.00 Annually.

Position Summary:

This is specialized communication work, receiving and screening medical, fire, and police telephone calls for service in the 911 Communications Center. Employees in this class are responsible for the accurate, rapid and effective evaluation of, and response to telephone calls for information and medical, fire, and police assistance. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed procedures and departmental regulations. However, independent judgment is exercised in determining the necessity for dispatching medical, fire, and police units to the scene. Supervision is received from a communications supervisor who reviews work for conformance to proper procedures and who confers with the employee on unusual or difficult calls. The complaint officer may also be required to train and supervise the work of new complaint officers. This position requires extreme confidentiality and professionalism.

Essential Functions:

  • Serves on a rotating shift schedule.
  • Receives requests for emergency services from the public and screens those requests in accordance with the established policies and procedures.
  • Operates the telephone switchboard and responds to calls in a prompt and effective manner.
  • Performs all assigned tasks in compliance with Federal, State, County and City laws and ordinances as well as Departmental rules and regulations.
  • Receives telephone calls from the public relative to the reporting of accidents, crimes, disturbances of the peace, suspicious persons, fires, medical emergencies and a variety of unusual incidents.
  • Evaluates the need for medical, fire, and police assistance by determining the exact nature of the incident, geographic location, governmental jurisdiction, and if required, priority code to be used in dispatching units to the scene.
  • Reviews and answers requests for information from other law enforcement agencies, ambulance companies, hospitals, automobile wreckers, and the public.
  • Contacts ambulance services, public safety agencies, utilities and service providers and directs them to the appropriate incident locations when necessary.
  • Records all required information on Log Cards, automated terminals and/or other related forms as deemed necessary.
  • Utilizes Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) programs.
  • Performs equipment tests on a regular basis.
  • Originates orders to communications operators either in written form or via a computer aided dispatch system which will result in the dispatch of police, fire, and medical personnel to the desired location.
  • Telephones automobile wrecking companies to request removal service at the scene of traffic accidents.
  • Performs clerical duties such as light typing, photocopying, filing and inventory control.
  • Maintains activity records of telephone calls received and action taken.
  • Works as Call Back Officer.
  • Maintains activity records of request for medical, fire, and police service and action taken by entering any required data into the appropriate computer system.
  • Cleans and performs light maintenance on work stations, computer equipment and other related equipment on a regular basis.
  • Performs related work as required.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited school/institution.
  • Must type 25 words per minute, as demonstrated in an exam.
  • Trained in the handling of emergency calls is highly desirable, but not necessary.
  • Skilled in the use of computer terminals is desirable.
  • Must be able to obtain certification as “911 Public Safety Telecommunicator” by the State Of Florida within one year of date of appointment/hire.
  • Upon completion of training, must pass test and obtain certification by the International or National Academy of Emergency Dispatch in Emergency Medical Dispatch (E.M.D.) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (E.F.D.).
  • Must be able to obtain C.J.I.S. Certification immediately upon being appointed/hired.