Emergency Dispatch Assistant

Summary

This is an entry level position of skilled clerical and technical nature requiring public contact work within the Coral Gables Police Department Technical Services Division. Employees in this position are responsible for answering and processing routine and emergency telephone calls. Work involves responsibility for answering through the E9-1-1 police and fire communications telephone system. This position requires the ability to answer calls in an efficient and accurate manner. Responsibilities include assisting emergency callers to establish composure to obtain essential information for documentation and action. Calls include routine requests for information as well as those requiring emergency actions to be taken. All work is performed in accordance with departmental rules and regulations and under the supervision of an Emergency Dispatch Supervisor.

This job is distinguished from others in the clerical series by the extensive telephone contact work performed under stressful, emergency and life-threatening situations. Essential Functions require operating a police or fire/medical Emergency 911 (E9-1-1) system receiving calls for service; enters calls for service into computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system; providing routine information to the public upon request. Emergency Dispatch Assistants also assists Emergency Dispatchers with dispatching of personnel and equipment for emergency service through use of radio and/or computerized or other types of communication equipment as required as secondary operator, advises public on emergency procedures; determines if a dispatch is necessary; and gives referral information on other agencies.

Operates various pieces of office equipment such as the E9-1-1 Telephone system, the computer aided dispatch system (CAD), teletype machines, accessing both Local, State and National databases. Requests wrecker service via telephone, Code Enforcement support and several other support resources when needed.

Performs other related work as required.

This position requires shift work, which includes weekends and holidays as well as on duty assignments during natural disasters

Related duties include being able to communicate with Police and Fire units using a two-way radio system and relaying information from callers, manage communications from the field units and documenting activity conducted in the field. Work involves critical decision-making skills and multi-tasking. Work is performed in accordance to established laws, rules, and regulations of the department. Employees in this position are expected to exercise considerable judgment and initiative under the direction of the Emergency Dispatch Supervisor.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO APPLYING:

STEP 1: REVIEW THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Before submitting an online application, please review the following minimum requirements, department standards, and disqualifying factors.
Education: Minimum of a high school diploma
Moral Character: An applicant, who, at any time during the employment application process, demonstrates dishonesty, withholds requested information (omissions), or whose background investigation reveals derogatory information will be disqualified.
Drug usage: The City of Coral Gables Police Department has a strict policy regarding past and present drug usage. Applicants must not have used any illegal substance, including prescription drugs without a prescription. The use of marijuana may be acceptable only if it was experimental in nature.
Other disqualifying factors include but are not limited to - Financial/credit irresponsibility, Immoral/unethical conduct, and Criminal conduct.

STEP 2: APPLY ONLINE
Submit an online application. Please be sure to fully answer each question on the online application. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

STEP 3: CRITICALL TEST (Remote Test)
Applicants who submit a complete online application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position may be invited to complete a remote online Criticall test. Note: One of the requirements on the Criticall test is to type a minimum of 40 words per minute.

STEP 4: PANEL INTERVIEW
Applicants who pass the remote Criticall Test may be selected to participate in a panel interview. The interview is facilitated by key individuals from the Police and the Human Resources Department.

STEP 5: EXTENDED BACKGROUND and REVIEW PROCESS
Applicants who pass the panel interview may be selected to move onto the Extended Background phase of the selection process. During this phase, candidates undergo an extensive background investigation and participate in the following exams: in-person Criticall test, suitability exam, polygraph exam, medical and urine/toxicology exam. Applicants who successfully complete the Extended Background phase are presented to the Hiring Review Board. The Board has the authority to approve or reject the hire of a candidate.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

DURATION OF SELECTION PROCESS:
The duration of the selection process is approximately 2 to 5 months from the date of the interview. Applicants must pass each phase of the selection process to the satisfaction of the The City of Coral Gables to be considered for employment.

REAPPLICATION PROCESS:
An applicant who does not pass the panel interview or is disqualified during the Extended Background phase, may reapply one year from the date of their online application.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Candidates must obtain the 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification, the Priority Dispatch EMD (emergency medical dispatch), EFD (emergency fire dispatch) and the EPD (emergency police dispatch) certification within twelve months from the date of hire and must be maintained valid throughout employment. All candidates must demonstrate the ability to speak English in a clear, well-modulated voice using good diction. Fluency in Creole and/or Spanish is highly desirable.

Receives emergency calls through the E9-1-1 telephone communication systems and initiates proper response.

Operates telecommunications equipment to dispatch firefighting or rescue crews and equipment.?Continues to process information until responding units arrive on the scene.?Communicates information to vehicle and field personnel.?Summons mutual aid and ambulance services upon request.?Conducts immediate record checks upon request.

Makes decisions as to categorization of emergencies received from 9-1-1 calls.

Receives and screens routine calls for assistance or information from the public, businesses, and other government agencies.?Answers general questions or refers calls to proper individuals and/or agencies.

Maintains and updates computerized and written records, prepares supplemental reports.?Also manages CJIS information, Hot Files in the FCIC/NCIC/NLETS systems. Operates computer and CAD systems.

Operates all communication systems and equipment to include specialized telecommunications equipment, CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch), teletype, NAWAS Warning System, Security/Alarm System, FCIC/NCIC/NLETS Systems, multiple software programs and TDD deaf services equipment.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Additional Information

High school diploma or equivalent.

Applicants will be subject to an extensive background check.

Valid Florida Driver's License.

A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Employees in this position will be trained in the position of call taker and fire dispatch or teletype as per operational necessity.

HOLIDAYS: 15 days including 3 floating days.

SICK LEAVE: 96 hours annually.

ANNUAL LEAVE: 80 hours in the first year of employment, increasing up to 188 hours after 25 years. Employees must take 40 hours of annual leave each year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: 5 or 10 work days for the death of a family member in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and the City's Personnel Rules & Regulations.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Fully paid by the City (HMO Select). Coverage becomes effective 1st of month following 30 days. Employee may purchase coverage for eligible dependents at a cost of approximately 50% of the premium.

DENTAL INSURANCE: Available to all employees through payroll deduction.

LIFE INSURANCE : Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment equal to 1 x annual salary, fully paid by the City (up to $200,000).

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: Several plans available, such as Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance and Critical Illness policies through payroll deductions.

LEGAL SERVICES: Legal Service plan available at a cost to employees through payroll deductions.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Employees are given the option to defer a portion of their pre-tax salary into the 457 Deferred Compensation Program.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: $2000 per semester ($6,000 maximum annually) for approved college coursework.

SAFETY GLASSES: Required safety glasses are provided every 2 years.

RECREATIONAL USE: Employee, spouse and immediate family members seventeen (17) years of age and under are entitled to the benefits below:

• Venetian Pool – No charge for daily admission.
• Tennis Centers – No charge for daily court fees.
• Youth Center – 50% off residential rates for memberships and 50% off camps and other programs.

Golf at Biltmore & Granada:

• Monday through Friday – no charge.
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays:
• Before Noon – Twilight fees apply
• After Noon – No charge

***Note: Benefits subject to change.***

Please refer to the collective bargaining agreement for current benefits.