Emergency 911 Operator/Dispatch

Description

SUMMARY

The City of Bella Vista, AR is seeking candidates for our 911 Dispatch/Telecommunicators operator positions. The responsibility of individuals who fill these roles is to receive emergency and non-emergency phone calls.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, and represent only a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.

As emergency care providers, the City of Bella Vista Telecommunications Dispatcher is responsible for the health and well-being of those living, working and visiting the city of Bella Vista and are crucial to the operations of the Bella Vista Police and Fire Departments. Telecommunication Dispatchers process police, fire and emergency medical services-related calls.

This is a non-sworn, non-exempt classification. This position must be able to work unusual hours including nights, weekends and holidays as required. This is a safety sensitive position that requires a constant state of alertness. This is an essential and safety-sensitive position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Telecommunications Dispatcher is knowledgeable in the basic functions of a public safety dispatch center operations, record keeping, communications equipment, and use of data/word processing systems.
• Receives and transmits telephone and radio messages.
• Receives reports and complaints coming to the dispatch center by telephone, from radio cars and other sources.
• Responsible for keeping log showing all pertinent information received.
• Monitors neighboring police department radios in order to respond to a common emergency.
• Maintains radio contact with state authorities and surrounding cities.
• Contacts appropriate agencies for emergency service.
• Keeps records of number of calls received and prepared month-end and yearly reports.
• Keeps clerical records pertaining to the dispatch position.
• Dispatches fire and ambulance.
• 9-1-1 emergency dispatching and related duties.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Work assignments and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operational requirements. Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

EXPERIENCE & KEY TRAITS

• Public Safety communications knowledge is preferred, but not required
• Ability to actively listen, speak plainly and communicate effectively.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Problem-solving skills; ability to prioritize the most important situations, and think quickly
• Empathy and compassion; ability to keep calm in distressing situations
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
• Must be able to effectively deal with people and highly stressful situations, which may be for an extended period of time and be able to assess situations quickly and accurately.
• Excellent ability to use appropriate judgment when responding to incident reports includes emergency situations.
• Ability to hear and follow established policies and procedure & to operate multiple computer terminals, two-way radio, as well as related dispatch and recording equipment.
• Must be able to prepare and maintain accurate records; follow oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing; deal effectively and courteously with co-workers and the general public; perform effectively as a member; perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• Possess high School Diploma or G.E.D.

• Three (3) to six (6) months related experience and/or training preferred.

• Telecommunicator Certificate highly desired.

• Certification from the APCO highly desired.

Must be able to pass drug screen and background check.

Qualified candidates must be able to pass drug screen & extensive background check.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple in