What are the responsibilities and job description for the Telecommunicator position at Alamance County Government?
Job Purpose
A Telecommunicator is a skilled emergency services worker that is responsible for receiving emergency 911 and non-emergency requests for assistance, determining nature/urgency of calls, initiating emergency personnel action and maintaining close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements. This position requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to the public in a variety of situations. This position must be able to work competently and perform under stress when confronted with emergency and critical situations. Communicating effectively, courteously and clearly in English to ensure the safety of the public and responders is crucial. Opportunities are available on night shift 5:45 PM - 6:00 AM and weekend rotating shifts. Salary posted is hiring range based on shift differential as well as certifications possessed.
Responsibilities
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
COMPETENCY STATEMENTS:
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D. required. Associates Degree or further education preferred.
Experience: Prior knowledge and experience with public safety and local government services. Proficient in reading maps and significant knowledge of local area's geography. Prior knowledge of emergency services' terminology and procedures are a plus.
Computer Skills: Must have a basic to intermediate functional knowledge of computers. Will be required to complete a computer based exam and score at an acceptable level.
License/Credentials: Possession of a valid NC driver's license. CPR Certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification is preferred.
Physical Demands
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs./day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs./day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs./day)
Physical Demands
Stand F
Walk O
Sit C
Manually Manipulate O
Reach Outward O
Reach Above Shoulder O
Climb N
Crawl N
Squat or Kneel O
Bend O
Talk/Hear C
See C
Taste/Smell N
Lift/Carry
10 lbs. or less O
11-20 lbs. O
21-50 lbs. O
51-100 lbs. O
Over 100 lbs. O
Push/Pull
12 lbs or less O
13-25 lbs. O
26-40 lbs. O
41-100 lbs. O
Other Physical Requirements
Office Environment – Low-light conditions, discerning distinct colors used by a computer aided dispatch system.
Health Insurance - Full-time employees are eligible for medical/health (Cigna Insurance) benefits upon the 1st of the month following the 30-day waiting period. Changes to elections can then be made during the annual open enrollment period, usually in the fall, or within 30 days of a qualified life event (marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, change in child's dependent status, death of a spouse or other dependent and other change in employment status).
Alamance County Government currently offers three plans of medical/pharmacy benefit options including a COPAY Plan 70, COPAY Plan 80 and a QHDHP with HSA.
Dental Benefit - Alamance County offers one dental insurance (Delta Dental) plan for FT employees. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment. Coverage must be elected within your first 30 days of FT employment or upon a qualifying event.
Vision Insurance - A voluntary vision program (Superior Vision) is available to FT employees. The current PPO style plan allows employees to seek treatment and hardware from any vision care provider of their choice. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment. Coverage must be elected within your first 30 days of FT employment or upon a qualifying event.
Voluntary Benefits: Alamance County Government provides a variety of voluntary health related benefits (Voya) to allow employees to purchase protection from what life may bring. A sampling of voluntary benefits includes Flexible Spending Accounts with dependent care opportunities, Health Saving Account with an employer contribution, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Cancer Protection Plan, Group Critical Care Insurance and more.
Death Benefit - Alamance County Government has elected to contribute towards a Death Benefit associated with the Retirement System for all employees that are contributing Retirement System members. Once an employee has met at least one (1) year as a contributing member to the retirement system, the employee will have a benefit payable to their beneficiary of no less than $25,000 and no more than $50,000 based on the employee's salary. Benefit is payable if the employee is actively working and has not reached 70 years of age.
Life Insurance – Basic term life insurance is the amount of one times the annual salary (no greater than $70,000) is provided for all FT employees. Additional coverage is available for purchase through payroll deductions for employee and eligible dependents.
Retirement Benefits - Membership in the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System (NCLGERS) is a requirement for all full-time and regular part-time employees (working more than 1,000 hours annually). Employees contribute six percent (6%) of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave the County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have at least five (5) years of service, you are considered 100% vested in NCLGERS. Alamance County will be contributing a percentage as required by NCLEGRS on your behalf as well.
Time Off Accruals
Vacation Time – All Alamance County full time employees immediately earn a bank of vacation hours that can be used after 6 months of employment (exhausting their probationary period). Vacation time accrues based on the full-time hire date (most recent hire date is used in the case of rehires). Employees with a hire date before the 15th of the month will receive vacation credit for that month; otherwise, time will not be earned. Time will be contributed to the employee's time off bank on the 15th of the month based on a monthly proration of the schedule below.
Years of Service - Days of Vacation Annually
0-4 years of service 10 days equivalent to 80 hours
5-9 years of service 13 days equivalent to 104 hours
10-14 years of service 16 days equivalent to 128 hours
15-19 years of service 21 days equivalent to 168 hours
20 years or more 25 days equivalent to 200 hours
Sick Time – All Alamance County full-time employees will earn a bank of sick hours to be used when they are away from work for instances related to their own illness or the illness of an immediate family member, death of an immediate family member or when they (or an immediate family member) need to attend a health-related appointment. All County employees earn 12 days of sick leave per year with an earnings of 8 hours per month if employed on or before the 15th of the month.
County Observed Holidays – Alamance County will observe the State of North Carolina Holiday Schedule. Holidays will include the following and will be paid at 8 hours holiday pay. Exceptions have been made for certain departments given the nature of the services provided.
Wellness Benefits & Programming
Employee Assistance Program: There are times when everyone needs a little help or advice. The confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through a local provider can help you with things like stress, anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, relationship issues, legal issues, parenting questions, financial counseling and dependent care resources. Best of all it's free for County employees and available for your household to utilize. Utilization of the EAP is completely confidential and participation isn't recorded.
Help is available 24/7/365 by telephone.
Alamance County Employee Health Center opperated by Everside Health: Available to employees and spouses who are covered under the Alamance County Insurance Plan and their covered dependents, 18 years of age and older. Retired employees under age 65 are also eligible to use the clinic. Depending on insurance coverage elected, care at the clinic ranges from free to a fair market value cost.
Services Available
Treatment of injuries or illnesses such as Flu, Sinus Infection, pink eye, sprains, strains or fever.
Monitor chronic conditions (Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Health Disease, Asthma, etc...)
Assistance with finding a Primary Care Provider
Health Education and Counseling
Triage and referrals to specialists when appropriate.
Alamance County provides a variety of additional benefits including bereavement pay, Paid Parental Leave (up to 4 weeks), Wellness Leave to focus on work-life balance initiatives, Volunteer Time Off (paid time) opportunities to be a part of the Alamance Community, to opportunities for professional certification pay.
Employee Fitness Center
Alamance County encourages all employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle both at home and at work. In support of this philosophy an Employee Fitness Center is available for all County employees to use at their convenience during non-work hours and is open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday-Sunday. This center includes weight training equipment, cardio equipment, a small aerobics room along with restrooms, changing room and lockers.
A Telecommunicator is a skilled emergency services worker that is responsible for receiving emergency 911 and non-emergency requests for assistance, determining nature/urgency of calls, initiating emergency personnel action and maintaining close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements. This position requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to the public in a variety of situations. This position must be able to work competently and perform under stress when confronted with emergency and critical situations. Communicating effectively, courteously and clearly in English to ensure the safety of the public and responders is crucial. Opportunities are available on night shift 5:45 PM - 6:00 AM and weekend rotating shifts. Salary posted is hiring range based on shift differential as well as certifications possessed.
Responsibilities
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls including enhanced 911, and non-emergency calls from the public, emergency personnel, and other agencies via telephone and radio systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.
- Processes and evaluates information received, prioritizes calls and dispatches required units and or agencies.
- Monitors and coordinates unit activity and assignments via radio frequencies.
- Utilizes technology including numerous computers and monitors, radio systems, telephones, fax machines and other communication equipment jointly and throughout shift.
- Responsible for accesses and entering sensitive data in local/state and national databases correctly and efficiently.
- Creates and maintains automated and manual logs for central communication documented activity.
- Maintains appropriate security and confidentially of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
- Stays abreast of departmental policies and profession regulations and procedures.
- Must be able to read and accurately interpret electronic maps to locate, track, provide information to responders, and or deploy units.
- Responsible for communicating with hearing and speech-impaired citizens by operating specialized teletype devices.
COMPETENCY STATEMENTS:
- Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
- Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
- Analytical – Ability to analyze statistical data, keep accurate records and complete reports.
- Confidentiality – Ability to distinguish confidential information and maintain the sensitive nature of the information.
- Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
- Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
- Concentration, Ability to concentrate on tasks through many distractions.
- Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers' needs while following company procedures.
- Empathetic - Ability to appreciate and be sensitive to the feelings of others.
- Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
- Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful, maintain high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace.
- Judgment – Ability to use good judgment and discretion as it relates to interpreting policies and procedures.
- Multitasker – Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
- Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.
- Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with customers and co-workers.
- Safety-Minded – Creating a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.
- Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D. required. Associates Degree or further education preferred.
Experience: Prior knowledge and experience with public safety and local government services. Proficient in reading maps and significant knowledge of local area's geography. Prior knowledge of emergency services' terminology and procedures are a plus.
Computer Skills: Must have a basic to intermediate functional knowledge of computers. Will be required to complete a computer based exam and score at an acceptable level.
License/Credentials: Possession of a valid NC driver's license. CPR Certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification is preferred.
Physical Demands
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs./day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs./day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs./day)
Physical Demands
Stand F
Walk O
Sit C
Manually Manipulate O
Reach Outward O
Reach Above Shoulder O
Climb N
Crawl N
Squat or Kneel O
Bend O
Talk/Hear C
See C
Taste/Smell N
Lift/Carry
10 lbs. or less O
11-20 lbs. O
21-50 lbs. O
51-100 lbs. O
Over 100 lbs. O
Push/Pull
12 lbs or less O
13-25 lbs. O
26-40 lbs. O
41-100 lbs. O
Other Physical Requirements
- Vision (Near, Distance, Peripheral)
Office Environment – Low-light conditions, discerning distinct colors used by a computer aided dispatch system.
Health Insurance - Full-time employees are eligible for medical/health (Cigna Insurance) benefits upon the 1st of the month following the 30-day waiting period. Changes to elections can then be made during the annual open enrollment period, usually in the fall, or within 30 days of a qualified life event (marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, change in child's dependent status, death of a spouse or other dependent and other change in employment status).
Alamance County Government currently offers three plans of medical/pharmacy benefit options including a COPAY Plan 70, COPAY Plan 80 and a QHDHP with HSA.
Dental Benefit - Alamance County offers one dental insurance (Delta Dental) plan for FT employees. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment. Coverage must be elected within your first 30 days of FT employment or upon a qualifying event.
Vision Insurance - A voluntary vision program (Superior Vision) is available to FT employees. The current PPO style plan allows employees to seek treatment and hardware from any vision care provider of their choice. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment. Coverage must be elected within your first 30 days of FT employment or upon a qualifying event.
Voluntary Benefits: Alamance County Government provides a variety of voluntary health related benefits (Voya) to allow employees to purchase protection from what life may bring. A sampling of voluntary benefits includes Flexible Spending Accounts with dependent care opportunities, Health Saving Account with an employer contribution, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Cancer Protection Plan, Group Critical Care Insurance and more.
Death Benefit - Alamance County Government has elected to contribute towards a Death Benefit associated with the Retirement System for all employees that are contributing Retirement System members. Once an employee has met at least one (1) year as a contributing member to the retirement system, the employee will have a benefit payable to their beneficiary of no less than $25,000 and no more than $50,000 based on the employee's salary. Benefit is payable if the employee is actively working and has not reached 70 years of age.
Life Insurance – Basic term life insurance is the amount of one times the annual salary (no greater than $70,000) is provided for all FT employees. Additional coverage is available for purchase through payroll deductions for employee and eligible dependents.
Retirement Benefits - Membership in the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System (NCLGERS) is a requirement for all full-time and regular part-time employees (working more than 1,000 hours annually). Employees contribute six percent (6%) of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave the County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have at least five (5) years of service, you are considered 100% vested in NCLGERS. Alamance County will be contributing a percentage as required by NCLEGRS on your behalf as well.
Time Off Accruals
Vacation Time – All Alamance County full time employees immediately earn a bank of vacation hours that can be used after 6 months of employment (exhausting their probationary period). Vacation time accrues based on the full-time hire date (most recent hire date is used in the case of rehires). Employees with a hire date before the 15th of the month will receive vacation credit for that month; otherwise, time will not be earned. Time will be contributed to the employee's time off bank on the 15th of the month based on a monthly proration of the schedule below.
Years of Service - Days of Vacation Annually
0-4 years of service 10 days equivalent to 80 hours
5-9 years of service 13 days equivalent to 104 hours
10-14 years of service 16 days equivalent to 128 hours
15-19 years of service 21 days equivalent to 168 hours
20 years or more 25 days equivalent to 200 hours
Sick Time – All Alamance County full-time employees will earn a bank of sick hours to be used when they are away from work for instances related to their own illness or the illness of an immediate family member, death of an immediate family member or when they (or an immediate family member) need to attend a health-related appointment. All County employees earn 12 days of sick leave per year with an earnings of 8 hours per month if employed on or before the 15th of the month.
County Observed Holidays – Alamance County will observe the State of North Carolina Holiday Schedule. Holidays will include the following and will be paid at 8 hours holiday pay. Exceptions have been made for certain departments given the nature of the services provided.
Wellness Benefits & Programming
Employee Assistance Program: There are times when everyone needs a little help or advice. The confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through a local provider can help you with things like stress, anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, relationship issues, legal issues, parenting questions, financial counseling and dependent care resources. Best of all it's free for County employees and available for your household to utilize. Utilization of the EAP is completely confidential and participation isn't recorded.
Help is available 24/7/365 by telephone.
Alamance County Employee Health Center opperated by Everside Health: Available to employees and spouses who are covered under the Alamance County Insurance Plan and their covered dependents, 18 years of age and older. Retired employees under age 65 are also eligible to use the clinic. Depending on insurance coverage elected, care at the clinic ranges from free to a fair market value cost.
Services Available
Treatment of injuries or illnesses such as Flu, Sinus Infection, pink eye, sprains, strains or fever.
Monitor chronic conditions (Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Health Disease, Asthma, etc...)
Assistance with finding a Primary Care Provider
Health Education and Counseling
Triage and referrals to specialists when appropriate.
Alamance County provides a variety of additional benefits including bereavement pay, Paid Parental Leave (up to 4 weeks), Wellness Leave to focus on work-life balance initiatives, Volunteer Time Off (paid time) opportunities to be a part of the Alamance Community, to opportunities for professional certification pay.
Employee Fitness Center
Alamance County encourages all employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle both at home and at work. In support of this philosophy an Employee Fitness Center is available for all County employees to use at their convenience during non-work hours and is open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday-Sunday. This center includes weight training equipment, cardio equipment, a small aerobics room along with restrooms, changing room and lockers.
Salary : $70,000
