Emergency Communications Specialist (9-1-1 Dispatcher)

To apply visit www.chaffeecounty.org. To obtain an employment application and information about the position please call Nick (719)539-2596.

Enjoy mountain living in Chaffee County, located in Salida, Colorado! We seek an Emergency Communications Specialist (9-1-1 Dispatcher). This is a safety sensitive position that requires confidentiality of ECC information and activities. Must have a high school diploma or GED, age 21 or older, valid motor vehicle driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record, no felony convictions and be in possession of or ability to obtain EMD of Colorado, CPR, NIMS certifications and able to obtain Colorado Crime Information Center Computer Operator certification within 6 months of hire.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Receive and relay calls for emergency and non-emergency public safety assistance via radio and phone calls and dispatch public safety law and emergency medical/fire for an emergency communications center (ECC). Duties may include call taking and referral, providing information and assistance to non-emergency callers including referral to outside agencies; entering call records, maintaining call logs, and compiling call related statistics; operating computer aided dispatch systems for both public safety law and emergency medical/fire dispatch, and serving on an incident dispatch team. This is a safety sensitive position that requires confidentiality of ECC information and activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. The County reserves the right to modify, change or add duties or essential functions of this job at any time, with or without advance notice.

• Receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls and digital requests for help from the public requesting police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services.
• Gather, analyze, and report critical information during life-or-death situations such as crimes in progress, medical emergencies and fire/rescue incidents. Dispatch units according to policy.
• Administer care by providing pre-arrival medical instruction or directing callers through procedures such as CPR, childbirth or controlling of blood loss while emergency medical services are enroute.
• Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including a multi-channel radio, 911 emergency telephone equipment, text to 911 equipment, advanced location systems, computer aided dispatch systems, instant call recorders and paging and intercom systems.
• Read and interpret maps for the public, field personnel, and other agencies, in order to assist in locating certain geographical areas; interpret telephone call locations from maps by applying knowledge of local geography in order to provide appropriate and timely assistance.
• Provide assistance, information, and directions to non-emergency callers; refer and/or transfer calls to outside agencies as appropriate.
• Coordinate and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and fire fighting agencies; coordinate and assign resources as necessary in emergency and non-emergency situations; maintain contact with all units monitoring status and location of police, fire and emergency medical service units.
• Take protective actions for first responders by providing life-safety information during responses such as officer down and MAYDAY calls.
• Retrieve information from State and National computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other related information, relay information to officers in the field.
• Enter automated records of activity into the computer; maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety dispatch activities, and compile statistics on calls received.
• Participate as a member of Incident Dispatch Team as assigned, deploying to scene of planned events, major emergencies, or ongoing incidents; attend assigned training and meetings.
• Utilize techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
• Under unusual circumstances, may perform duties at or near the scene of any emergency.
• Deals with crisis situations that require the employee to quickly make major decisions involving people, resources, and property with frequently limited direction.
• May review policies and procedures with trainees; work directly with trainee on shift to ensure proper techniques, call routing, and appropriate level of response; may provide input to supervisors on trainee progress as requested.
• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
• May need to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays and a rotating schedule.
• Travel within the State may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Maintain knowledge of operations, services and activities of a public safety telecommunications and dispatch center.
• Maintain knowledge of operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems.
• Learn and retain federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations.
• Apply learned customer service principles and problem resolution techniques.
• Apply internal practices of recordkeeping and documentation.
• Maintain knowledge of geographic features and locations within the area served.
• Clearly and quickly communicate verbally and in writing with members of the public as well as internal team members.
• Demonstrate commitment to teamwork, a vital component of the position.
• Ability to speak, hear, type and write the English language using proper grammar and punctuation.
• Proficient with operation of office equipment such as computers, printers, fax, copier, etc.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suite; ability to learn new software programs.
• Fast typing ability using a computer keyboard.
• Ability to maintain alertness and concentration while under mental and physical stress for extended periods of time.
• Ability to maintain composure to respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Ability to work under pressure while exercising good judgement and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform tasks in a situation of multiple occurring priorities.
• Ability to prioritize emergency situations.
• Ability to adapt immediately to changes in call events.
• Ability to adapt to fluctuations in activity from no activity to fast paced and high volume activity.
• Ability to operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret maps and other navigational resources.
• Ability to pass various background checks that meet local, state and federal requirements, and occupational tests including hearing, physical and drug screen.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Age 21 or older.
• Possession of or ability to obtain EMD of Colorado, CPR, NIMS certifications.
• Ability to obtain Colorado Crime Information Center Computer Operator certification, within 6 months of placement in Emergency Communication Specialist position.
• Valid motor vehicle driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience in public telecommunications or dispatching.
• Knowledge of the Chaffee County region.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Primarily sedentary work, sitting most of the time and for prolonged periods of time. Walking and standing occasionally. Frequently move negligible amounts of force and occasionally move up to 10 pounds of force to lift, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting or standing at a console most of the time. Wear headset, participate in conversation, provide concise instruction to another person via in person, telephone, radio and distinguish radio/pager signals, alarms, sensors and other auditory tones.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The majority of this position's duties are performed within an indoor environment. The employee may be exposed to noise, mechanical and electrical, and other related hazards associated with an office environment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $26.71 per hour

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27