Telecommunicator (911 Dispatch)

Nazareth, PA
Northampton County Sheriff

Salary: $42,130.00 Annually.

Position Summary:

The Telecommunicator position serves as the emergency call-taker/dispatcher for emergency and non-emergency requests on E-911 trunked lines, administrative lines and radio infrastructure at the Northampton County Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Work includes dispatching of calls to the appropriate discipline, i.e. police, fire, EMS, municipal, in compliance with Center Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), as well as the operation of the CLEAN/NCIC system as needed.

Essential Functions:

  • Receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public as well as public service providers for public safety services. Accepts calls routed to the 911 Center via both current and future media methods such as, but not limited to, Text-to-911, Video, TTY.
  • Effectively manages each call per established guidelines, policies, and training. Requests information from callers to gather critical information, such as personal information, location, and the nature of the call; records information; assesses the need for emergency services; determines appropriate response(s) required and evaluates the relative priority of each response; dispatches the appropriate response unit(s).
  • Provides and relays necessary information regarding emergency situations to those individuals requiring notification, including public safety officials and representatives.
  • Provides EMD (pre-arrival instructions) to persons in need of immediate life-saving intervention, when appropriate.
  • Utilizes CAD and GEO tools to determine location and appropriate municipal protocols for response.
  • Utilizes TTY transmission equipment for communication with the hearing impaired.
  • Maintains daily records of calls and dispatch activity.
  • Maintains the highest level of confidentiality.
  • Adapts to unique circumstances that are presented by callers and then applies learned skills/established guidelines in resolving situations.
  • Possesses the ability to cope with highly stressful situations regularly, with minimal supervision.
  • Works a rotating shift, including weekends and holidays.
  • Serves as peer trainer, as required, upon completion of required Certified Training Officer (CTO) training.
  • Operation of Statewide National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) and the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) system for police.

Requirements:

  • Completion of a high school, or general equivalency, diploma; AND
  • One (1) to two (2) years Radio Communications Training, Call Center experience, or Public Safety Agency (Police, Fire, or EMS) experience is preferred.
  • A post offer criminal history check will be completed for all Telecommunicator candidates.
  • Failure to successfully pass the background investigation will be cause for the offer to be rescinded.
  • A post offer urine drug screen is a requirement for employment.
  • Failure to successfully pass the urine drug screen will be cause for the offer to be rescinded.
  • All Telecommunicator candidates must be able to successfully pass EMD training program, APCO emergency communications training program, NCIC/CLEAN training program, as well as pass all state required exams and maintain required certifications as necessary during employment.
  • All mandatory training as outlined by the Department of Emergency Management Services must be completed as an essential function of the job.
  • Must maintain annual certifications in First Aid, CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).