Emergency Communications Supervisor (911 Call Center)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each application section, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management has a vacancy for an Emergency Communications Supervisor to lead the work of an assigned shift in the County's Emergency Communications Center (ECC). This is complex communications work supervising the receipt and processing of 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls as well as the dispatch and coordination of Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and equipment.

The Emergency Communications Supervisor will work collaboratively with other supervisors on any one of the four assigned shifts. The employee manages the work of subordinate personnel. The position will provide technical assistance in emergency communications by responding to inquiries and resolving problems raised by staff and other customers.

The Emergency Communications Supervisor works closely with Police and Fire supervisory personnel, with other County agencies, and with the public safety departments of other jurisdictions within the region in the coordination of operational efforts. Overall supervision and direction are provided by the Emergency Communications Center Operations Manager.

Major Duties:

• Leading the work of an assigned shift in the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), including, monitoring and maintaining appropriate staffing levels; 
• Monitoring and providing input in the evaluation of staff performance and recommending corrective action for any necessary improvement, include Counseling, mentoring, and supporting employee development;
• Directing and participating in the implementation of staff training, including monitoring and providing input in the evaluation of staff performance; 
• Dispatching, coordinating, and monitoring emergency and non-emergency response of police/fire/EMS units including participating in call taking, teletype, and police/fire/EMS dispatch duties; 
• Reviewing calls for service and assigning units using the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system;
• Reviewing standard policies and procedures; recommending, developing and implementing changes to existing standard policies and procedures; and
• Operating and troubleshooting duty-related equipment (e.g., computer dispatch system, 911 system, radio systems) to ensure proper operation.

The ideal candidate will have exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively lead, provide training, and counsel staff.

Selection Criteria

Minimum: 

• High school graduation, or the equivalent; and
• Three (3) years of experience with demonstrated proficiency in an Emergency Communications Center performing police, fire, and medical dispatch.

Desirables:  Preference will be given to applicants who have one or more of the following;

• Experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher (police/fire/EMS);
• Skilled in the use of emergency communications equipment;
• One year of supervisory or lead experience; 
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret maps; and/or
• Bachelor’s degree in the Emergency Services field.

Possessions or completion of one or more of the following Certifications/Trainings preferred: 

• Virginia (or appropriate state/jurisdiction) Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Basic Dispatch Certification; 
• Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) Security Awareness Training: Prerequisite to NCIC/VCIN;
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Access;
• American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification; and/or
• Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Certification.

Special Requirements:

Please attach a Resume to this application.

Must possess the following valid certifications/trainings within 90 days of hire:

• Virginia (or appropriate state/jurisdiction) Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Basic Dispatch:  
• Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) Security Awareness Training: Prerequisite to NCIC/VCIN;