What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dispatcher position at City of Springfield, MA?
Position Purpose/Summary
Essential Functions
- Complies with all state and federal dispatch standards for telecommunications.
- Monitors telephones, radio, and other dispatch equipment.
- Answers incoming calls and ascertains nature of calls, gathering all necessary information to transmit or relay.
- Handles simultaneous radio communications as well as simultaneous telephone calls, asking a series of pre-determined questions and simultaneously entering response information into the CAD system for a unit to respond.
- Dispatches for emergency responses, broadcasts nature, location and time of call. Contacts all required personnel in the event of an emergency situation and relays information as required.
- Maintains log on radio and telephone communications, location of personnel, in the event of an emergency situation maintains on-going contact with the responding personnel and keeps them informed of all incoming pertinent information.
- Maintains Dispatch Center work area and equipment according to department standards and reports any deficiencies to their immediate supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of City streets and locations.
- Must be able to evaluate emergency situations and make decisions under pressure.
- Must be able to print legibly so report entries can be easily interpreted.
- Considerable knowledge of procedures in operating communication equipment.
- Ability to follow chain of command in Communications Center in accordance with department policies and procedures.
- Willingness and or ability to work holidays/weekends and work irregular duty assignments.
- Interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
- Ability to interpret Police/Fire Department rules and regulations and ability to explain such rules to the general public.
- Ability to maintain confidential information.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent, with two years of responsible full-time working experience.
- Minimum of one year of experience in operating communications equipment including, but not limited to, multi-line phones, computers, or two-way radios.
NOTICE: The following benefits are contingent upon hours worked and bargaining vs. non-bargaining agreements.
Medical/Dental/ Vision
75% City Subsidized
All health insurance plans include Dental and Vision
Retirement
Available to employees working 20 hours per week
Paid Vacation
Bargaining unit positions are subject to contractual obligations.
Paid Holidays
All City employees receive 11 paid holidays per year.
Paid Sick Time
Full time employees are immediately eligible to begin accruing 1 1/4 days per month which can be taken after 6 months of service. Unused sick days can be rolled over to subsequent calendar years. Supplemental Long Term and Short disability coverage is available to employees at the employee cost.
Paid Personal Days
Use up to 3 of your accrued sick days as Personal days. Personal days cannot be rolled over into the next calendar year.
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
A means for eligible employees to balance work and family responsibilities by taking unpaid leave for authorized reasons.
Training
On the job and instructor led courses available
Employee Assistance Program
Free, confidential and personal assistance to employees and their families to resolve issues that affect their personal lives as well as job performance.
Direct Deposit
Easy, convenient, and free!
