What are the responsibilities and job description for the Telecommunicator (Lateral) position at City of Yakima?
JOB
***The City of Yakima is offering new Telecommunicators a hiring incentive of $5,000 to be paid on their first paycheck following the first full month of employment!(after execution of a 36 month repayment contract of employment)The City of Yakima needs Telecommunicator's to answer 9-1-1 calls, dispatch law enforcement and fire resources, and provide emergency medical instructions over the phone. If you like to work in a fast paced work environment and want to make a difference in your community, answer the call! Apply today!**** REQUIRED: A 5 MINUTE TYPING TEST WITH VERIFICATIONOF 30 WPM NET TYPING SPEED WITHOUT ERROR (results must include your name, the date, net words per minute, and the length of time) MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED.(Must be within the past 90 days )****APPLICATIONS WITHOUT TYPING VERIFICATION ATTACHED WILL NOT BE REVIEWED For your information, there are free keyboarding/typing skill tests available on-line. One of these sites has a field where you are able to enter your name, take the test, then print the certificate with your test results ( http://www.freetypinggame.net/free-typing-certificate.asp ) There are multiple web sites that offer free tests, just ensure that the results include your name, the date, net words per minute, and the length of time. All elements must be included with your submission. This position requires individuals to work 12 HOUR SHIFTS with a rotating schedule of 2 months on days and 2 months on nights. Weekends and holidays are required as scheduled. Candidates MUST successfully pass pre-suitability testing, comprehensive background check (assessing applicant's aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record and criminal history), polygraph, hearing exam and psychological evaluation.MINIMUM CLASS REQUIREMENTS FOR LATERAL APPLICANTS TO THE CLASS: 18 months successful employment as a telecommunicator/dispatcher at SunComm or another high-volume police, fire or emergency medical dispatch facility with enhanced 911 and computer-aided dispatch.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Under general supervision receives emergency and non-emergency requests for fire, emergency medical and law enforcement assistance via multiple communications systems. Evaluates the information provided to determine the appropriate jurisdiction, equipment and personnel to be dispatched. Operates a variety of electronic equipment to successfully dispatch the appropriate emergency response. Performs related work as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of emergency services operations and emergency service providers in Yakima County. Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Have a working knowledge of the type and uses of the emergency equipment dispatched by the Center. Knowledge of: modern office practices, procedures and techniques. Strong knowledge of related City, department and division functions, terminology and current activities; time management, planning and organizational practices, municipal records retention procedures, processes and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards. Knowledge of and adherence to a high standard of personal and professional ethics. Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, emergency personnel, government officials, and members of the public. Strong working knowledge of: computer operations, databases and industry applications including but not limited to CAD system; Microsoft Office Suite, and office equipment. Knowledge of basic arithmetic. Ability to use a variety of computer software systems/applications proficiently. Must have the ability to interpret maps and to learn the roads, streets and major geographic features of the Communications Center's operational area. Ability to: receive, comprehend and rapidly relay accurate information; control telephone conversations to obtain accurate information; listen attentively and question for necessary information, provide correct, understandable instructions; perform duties during periods of extreme stress and time limitations; and, learn and apply information, laws, codes, guidelines, directives, policies and procedures related to the job. Ability to: collect, review and organize information quickly and logically; think clearly and make quick and accurate judgements, decisions and recommendations. Must be able to efficiently and effectively enter information into a CAD systems and computer programs with speed and accuracy, to speak English clearly at sustained rapid rates in order to transmit information and locations to responding units during emergency situations. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer with touch keyboarding, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc. Ability to perform and understand basic mathematical computations. Must be able to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, with employees and members of the public, representing diverse educational levels and backgrounds, and with individuals at all levels of government and/or public safety, utilizing well- developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including, but not limited: to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to compose correspondence; produce and maintain accurate and timely records and reports. Must routinely and regularly maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations, public safety entities and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs.Ability to work independently in isolated environment with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight for long periods of time; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize and assign workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to effectively deal with own and others' daily stress situations, and to respond promptly, calmly and effectively to emergency situations. Must be able to work rotating shifts including day, swing or night and work all days of the week including weekends and holidays; and overtime as needed.PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Occasional walking, ascending/descending stairs while maintaining balance. Occasional stooping/bending/kneeling while performing duties. Constant use of both hands with repetitive motions in reaching, handling, grasping, keyboarding, and other fine skills manipulation, while performing duties and operating computers. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/listening/seeing/observing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all assigned tasks. Must have the ability to hear, with or without a hearing aids, and speak well enough to converse on the telephone. Vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus; have the ability to see, with or without corrective lenses well enough to read standard text and text displayed on a video display terminal. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May require constant focus on a computer screen for 2 or more hours at a time. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift and/or occasionally carry up to 25 pounds; Must have the tolerance and temperament to work effectively under pressure and in emergency situations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Will have frequent contact with angry, irate, panicked, emotionally disturbed and/or upset customers. May be subjected to offensive or abusive language from public. Subject to mental and physical stress due to the nature and urgency of the emergency services provided. Work is performed indoors and includes long periods in a seated position in a secured location with specialized low-light system. . There is limited opportunity for physical movement; rest and/or meal periods are dependent on workload. May be required to work extended hours outside the normal work schedule. Shift work includes evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. Must wear a department uniform.***************************SCREENING FORM FOR PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR I APPLICANTS YOU CANNOT BE A YAKIMA TELECOMMUNICATOR IF: You will not be 18 years old at the time of exam. ********************************YOU ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE HIRED AS A TELECOMMUNICATOR IF: Your traffic history shows a continuing and/or recent pattern of poor decision making.You have been convicted of any felony charges -- traffic or criminal.Your financial affairs or personal life shows a history of poor judgment and refusal to confront problems. (Example: Nonpayment of child support, ignoring overdue bills, etc.)You have recently or are currently misrepresenting yourself or ignoring any laws. (Example: Not paying taxes, using a false address for school tuition purposes, etc.)You have a pattern of involvement with illegal drugs.Your work history shows a pattern of unexcused absences, discipline, or discharge.People who know you have doubts about your honesty, integrity, or character.You have been involved in significant misdemeanor activity.You have been convicted of D.U.I. within the past five years or have two or more D.U.I. convictions. A diversion or similar action (First Degree Negligent Driving) is the same as a conviction.You have possessed any illegal drug in the past year.You have ever manufactured, sold, offered to sell, distributed, or transported for sale any illegal drugs/narcotics.You have been convicted of any crime involving false swearing.You have been dishonorably discharged from the armed services.You do not successfully pass a Department polygraph or you cannot be certified medically by Department physicians.You have been convicted of a domestic violence related crime, which precludes you from possessing a firearm.You falsify any information on your application or within any other component of the hiring and screening process.Applicants are also cautioned that government clearances or success in other police agency selection processes are no guarantee of success in our process.This list is not all inclusive and is intended only as a general guideline.****************************************DRUG USAGE - MINIMAL GUIDELINES*******************************The City of Yakima uses the following minimum guidelines for disqualification of Public Safety applicants. Exceptions can be made on a case by case basis if appropriate. Please Note: Additional screening and through background checks including polygraph and psychological exams are administered to successful candidates prior to hire.ANY USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS FALLING UNDER THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES Any illegal drug use within the last year. Use of Marijuana within the last yearInjection of amphetamines/methamphetamine. Use of opiates/narcotics (heroin, morphine, etc.) or abuse of prescribed opiate/narcotics. Use of cocaine over five times regardless of time frame. Any injection of cocaine Participating in the manufacture, selling, offering to sell, distribution or transporting for sale any illegal drugs/narcotics, regardless of the time frame. Use of any illegal drugs after submitting an application with any law enforcement agency within the last five years.Use of non-prescribed oral or injectable steroids over five sequences/cycles within the last two years.Use of illegal drugs while employed by a law enforcement agency regardless of the time frame.Use of Marijuana/Hashish over 15 times ANY USE OF THE FOLLOWING ILLEGAL DRUGS WITHIN THE PAST TEN YEARS Use of hallucinogenic drugs (mushrooms, LSD, PCP, etc) ANY USE OF THE FOLLOWING ILLEGAL DRUGS WITHIN THE PAST FIVE YEARS UNDER Use of amphetamines/methamphetamine over five timesSwallowing/sniffing/smoking illegal amphetamines or methamphetamine one time.Use of crack cocaine one time.Use of free-based cocaine/paste one time.
***The City of Yakima is offering new Telecommunicators a hiring incentive of $5,000 to be paid on their first paycheck following the first full month of employment!(after execution of a 36 month repayment contract of employment)The City of Yakima needs Telecommunicator's to answer 9-1-1 calls, dispatch law enforcement and fire resources, and provide emergency medical instructions over the phone. If you like to work in a fast paced work environment and want to make a difference in your community, answer the call! Apply today!**** REQUIRED: A 5 MINUTE TYPING TEST WITH VERIFICATIONOF 30 WPM NET TYPING SPEED WITHOUT ERROR (results must include your name, the date, net words per minute, and the length of time) MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED.(Must be within the past 90 days )****APPLICATIONS WITHOUT TYPING VERIFICATION ATTACHED WILL NOT BE REVIEWED For your information, there are free keyboarding/typing skill tests available on-line. One of these sites has a field where you are able to enter your name, take the test, then print the certificate with your test results ( http://www.freetypinggame.net/free-typing-certificate.asp ) There are multiple web sites that offer free tests, just ensure that the results include your name, the date, net words per minute, and the length of time. All elements must be included with your submission. This position requires individuals to work 12 HOUR SHIFTS with a rotating schedule of 2 months on days and 2 months on nights. Weekends and holidays are required as scheduled. Candidates MUST successfully pass pre-suitability testing, comprehensive background check (assessing applicant's aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record and criminal history), polygraph, hearing exam and psychological evaluation.MINIMUM CLASS REQUIREMENTS FOR LATERAL APPLICANTS TO THE CLASS: 18 months successful employment as a telecommunicator/dispatcher at SunComm or another high-volume police, fire or emergency medical dispatch facility with enhanced 911 and computer-aided dispatch.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Under general supervision receives emergency and non-emergency requests for fire, emergency medical and law enforcement assistance via multiple communications systems. Evaluates the information provided to determine the appropriate jurisdiction, equipment and personnel to be dispatched. Operates a variety of electronic equipment to successfully dispatch the appropriate emergency response. Performs related work as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of emergency services operations and emergency service providers in Yakima County. Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Have a working knowledge of the type and uses of the emergency equipment dispatched by the Center. Knowledge of: modern office practices, procedures and techniques. Strong knowledge of related City, department and division functions, terminology and current activities; time management, planning and organizational practices, municipal records retention procedures, processes and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards. Knowledge of and adherence to a high standard of personal and professional ethics. Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, emergency personnel, government officials, and members of the public. Strong working knowledge of: computer operations, databases and industry applications including but not limited to CAD system; Microsoft Office Suite, and office equipment. Knowledge of basic arithmetic. Ability to use a variety of computer software systems/applications proficiently. Must have the ability to interpret maps and to learn the roads, streets and major geographic features of the Communications Center's operational area. Ability to: receive, comprehend and rapidly relay accurate information; control telephone conversations to obtain accurate information; listen attentively and question for necessary information, provide correct, understandable instructions; perform duties during periods of extreme stress and time limitations; and, learn and apply information, laws, codes, guidelines, directives, policies and procedures related to the job. Ability to: collect, review and organize information quickly and logically; think clearly and make quick and accurate judgements, decisions and recommendations. Must be able to efficiently and effectively enter information into a CAD systems and computer programs with speed and accuracy, to speak English clearly at sustained rapid rates in order to transmit information and locations to responding units during emergency situations. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer with touch keyboarding, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc. Ability to perform and understand basic mathematical computations. Must be able to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, with employees and members of the public, representing diverse educational levels and backgrounds, and with individuals at all levels of government and/or public safety, utilizing well- developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including, but not limited: to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to compose correspondence; produce and maintain accurate and timely records and reports. Must routinely and regularly maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations, public safety entities and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs.Ability to work independently in isolated environment with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight for long periods of time; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize and assign workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to effectively deal with own and others' daily stress situations, and to respond promptly, calmly and effectively to emergency situations. Must be able to work rotating shifts including day, swing or night and work all days of the week including weekends and holidays; and overtime as needed.PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Occasional walking, ascending/descending stairs while maintaining balance. Occasional stooping/bending/kneeling while performing duties. Constant use of both hands with repetitive motions in reaching, handling, grasping, keyboarding, and other fine skills manipulation, while performing duties and operating computers. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/listening/seeing/observing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all assigned tasks. Must have the ability to hear, with or without a hearing aids, and speak well enough to converse on the telephone. Vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus; have the ability to see, with or without corrective lenses well enough to read standard text and text displayed on a video display terminal. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May require constant focus on a computer screen for 2 or more hours at a time. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift and/or occasionally carry up to 25 pounds; Must have the tolerance and temperament to work effectively under pressure and in emergency situations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Will have frequent contact with angry, irate, panicked, emotionally disturbed and/or upset customers. May be subjected to offensive or abusive language from public. Subject to mental and physical stress due to the nature and urgency of the emergency services provided. Work is performed indoors and includes long periods in a seated position in a secured location with specialized low-light system. . There is limited opportunity for physical movement; rest and/or meal periods are dependent on workload. May be required to work extended hours outside the normal work schedule. Shift work includes evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. Must wear a department uniform.***************************SCREENING FORM FOR PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR I APPLICANTS YOU CANNOT BE A YAKIMA TELECOMMUNICATOR IF: You will not be 18 years old at the time of exam. ********************************YOU ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE HIRED AS A TELECOMMUNICATOR IF: Your traffic history shows a continuing and/or recent pattern of poor decision making.You have been convicted of any felony charges -- traffic or criminal.Your financial affairs or personal life shows a history of poor judgment and refusal to confront problems. (Example: Nonpayment of child support, ignoring overdue bills, etc.)You have recently or are currently misrepresenting yourself or ignoring any laws. (Example: Not paying taxes, using a false address for school tuition purposes, etc.)You have a pattern of involvement with illegal drugs.Your work history shows a pattern of unexcused absences, discipline, or discharge.People who know you have doubts about your honesty, integrity, or character.You have been involved in significant misdemeanor activity.You have been convicted of D.U.I. within the past five years or have two or more D.U.I. convictions. A diversion or similar action (First Degree Negligent Driving) is the same as a conviction.You have possessed any illegal drug in the past year.You have ever manufactured, sold, offered to sell, distributed, or transported for sale any illegal drugs/narcotics.You have been convicted of any crime involving false swearing.You have been dishonorably discharged from the armed services.You do not successfully pass a Department polygraph or you cannot be certified medically by Department physicians.You have been convicted of a domestic violence related crime, which precludes you from possessing a firearm.You falsify any information on your application or within any other component of the hiring and screening process.Applicants are also cautioned that government clearances or success in other police agency selection processes are no guarantee of success in our process.This list is not all inclusive and is intended only as a general guideline.****************************************DRUG USAGE - MINIMAL GUIDELINES*******************************The City of Yakima uses the following minimum guidelines for disqualification of Public Safety applicants. Exceptions can be made on a case by case basis if appropriate. Please Note: Additional screening and through background checks including polygraph and psychological exams are administered to successful candidates prior to hire.ANY USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS FALLING UNDER THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES Any illegal drug use within the last year. Use of Marijuana within the last yearInjection of amphetamines/methamphetamine. Use of opiates/narcotics (heroin, morphine, etc.) or abuse of prescribed opiate/narcotics. Use of cocaine over five times regardless of time frame. Any injection of cocaine Participating in the manufacture, selling, offering to sell, distribution or transporting for sale any illegal drugs/narcotics, regardless of the time frame. Use of any illegal drugs after submitting an application with any law enforcement agency within the last five years.Use of non-prescribed oral or injectable steroids over five sequences/cycles within the last two years.Use of illegal drugs while employed by a law enforcement agency regardless of the time frame.Use of Marijuana/Hashish over 15 times ANY USE OF THE FOLLOWING ILLEGAL DRUGS WITHIN THE PAST TEN YEARS Use of hallucinogenic drugs (mushrooms, LSD, PCP, etc) ANY USE OF THE FOLLOWING ILLEGAL DRUGS WITHIN THE PAST FIVE YEARS UNDER Use of amphetamines/methamphetamine over five timesSwallowing/sniffing/smoking illegal amphetamines or methamphetamine one time.Use of crack cocaine one time.Use of free-based cocaine/paste one time.
