What are the responsibilities and job description for the Telecommunication Operator/Dispatcher position at Jefferson County, TX?
Description
Summary: Telecommunication Operators/Dispatchers are individuals who must be organized, adept at multitasking, level-headed, and trustworthy. Their work within emergency response services often places them in the middle of life or death situations, so requirements and training for this position is stringent, rigorous and unwavering.
Duties & Responsibilities
Essential Job Functions: Operate a multi-line console system; Translate information to the appropriate code; determine and assign the level of priority of the call and enter the data into a computer-aided dispatch system for radio dispatch purposes; perform emergency medical dispatch and crisis intervention services; ask vital questions to interpret, analyze and anticipate the caller’s situation as to resolve problems, provide information, dispatch emergency services, or refer callers to other agencies; dispatch and coordinate the responses of public safety agencies; identify appropriate number and type of equipment or apparatus to dispatch; enters and modifies information into local, state, and national computer databases. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.
Other Job Functions: Performs other job related duties, as directed.
NOTE: The above describes the general nature and level of work being performed by employees holding this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required nor are all duties listed necessarily performed by any one employee so classified.
Education & Experience
Education & Experience: No experience is required. However, candidates must be at least 18 years old; possess a high school diploma or GED; must possess a valid driver’s license and not have any felony convictions. Candidates must expect to undergo a background investigation that meets all local, state and federal requirements, as well as a polygraph examination, written exam, drug screen, and physical examination. Candidates are required to complete the minimum training requirements for a 911 dispatcher, which includes the completion of a comprehensive training program during the first year of employment. This includes online, classroom training and extensive, on-the-job training.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: The ability to develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with fellow employees, representatives from other departments, and supervisors; the ability to use logic and reasoning to reach conclusions and approaches to problems; the ability to use judgement and decision-making skills to evaluate situations, establish priorities, and resolve matters; the ability to think quickly; the ability to work under stressful situations; the ability to actively listen and communicate effectively through clear speech and hearing; the ability to follow instructions; the ability to write clearly and spell correctly; and the ability to establish priorities an pass on information as needed.
Equipment Used: Computer-aided dispatching system to access local, state, and national databases; personal computer; copy machine; document printer; other general office equipment as needed.
Working Conditions:Work is performed primarily in a climate controlled closed office environment and is not readily accessible to the general public. Must be able to work Monday through Sunday, with scheduled off days. Must be able to work any shift, which includes weekends and holidays as required by job demands.
Physical Requirements: Job duties require employee MUST be able to be seated for long periods of time while operating a computer-aided dispatching system.
The Sheriff's Office offers a competitive benefits package including; vacation, sick, holiday, personal and military leave; medical, dental, and vision insurance after 90 days; deferred compensation plan; overtime; mandatory retirement contribution to the Texas County and District Retirement System at 7% with a 2:1 match; education, bi-lingual, and longevity pay under contract; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; long-term disabiltiy; prescription drug coverage; Employee Assistance Program; and use of the Employee Health Clinic.
