EC - E911 Dispatcher

Department: Emergency Communications

Reports To: Emergency Communications Administrator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary
The Communications Dispatcher position is skilled emergency service work that involves receiving emergency 911 and non-emergency requests for police, fire and ems assistance, determining nature/urgency of calls, initiating police, fire or EMS personnel action and maintaining close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements.

It requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to emotional, disturbed and sometimes abusive people in a variety of situations. Work may be done separately or in conjunction with dispatchers and dispatchers may assist in training, teaching and basic operational equipment management.

The Communications Dispatcher position requires night and shift assignments along with overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24 hour facility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls including enhanced 911, and non-emergency calls from the public, dispatchers and surrounding 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 Police unit activity and assignments via Police radio frequencies;
• Monitors and coordinates Fire/EMS unit activity and assignments via Fire/EMS radio frequencies:
• Maintains status and locations of public safety personnel;
• Utilizes technology such as computers, radio systems, telephones, fax machines and other communication equipment;
• Creates and maintains automated or manual logs of public safety communications activity;
• Accesses and enters sensitive data in local/state/national databases as necessary for investigative purposes;
• Enters and maintains files for persons or property pending apprehension/recovery;
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties;
• Keeps informed of departmental regulations, policies and procedures;
• May assist in providing on-the-job training for Communications Dispatchers and submit progress reports and evaluations on trainees.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of public service activity and methods of local government;
• Knowledge of computer technology and equipment;
• Knowledge of law enforcement, fire and EMS terminology and procedures;
• Knowledge of geography for the city of Southaven and surrounding areas;
• Knowledge of English language for spelling and proper word usage;
• Skill in multi-tasking- coordinating simultaneous mental, manual and visual activities;
• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately;
• Skill in communicating using two-way radio and telephone equipment;
• Skill in operating a variety of communications equipment effectively;
• Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries;
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely;
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergencies;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Police, Fire & EMS personnel, other Town employees, outside agencies and the public;
• Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.
• Greet people when they enter the Police Department
• Perform other duties as directed

Job Context

The Communications Dispatcher is a full-time, permanent position with the City of Southaven under the supervision of the Emergency Communications Administrator and Shift Supervisors. The dispatcher works regularly scheduled hours year-round, with occasional overtime. Night and/or shift work is required; police, fire and EMS services are provided 24 hours a day. There is an on-call schedule associated with this position. 100% of the work for this position is indoors in an office setting. The position has accountability for monetary, safety and legal issues related to the work for which this position is responsible.

Basic certifications through APCO, NECI or NAED are preferred but not required. A high school diploma or its equivalent. In addition, the person in this position must become APCO, NCIC and EMD certified within one year of hire. The stress level associated with this position is moderately high, but can be very high during emergency situations. Physical work involved with this position includes, but is not limited to, standing, sitting, typing and answering a telephone. There is no exposure to chemicals and/or hazardous materials.

Miscellaneous Requirements
No tattoos from the wrist to fingertips.
No tattoos from the neckline up to top of head.
No felony criminal arrest or record.