Public Safety Telecommuters

Under the general supervision of the PSAP Supervisor, the Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) performs specialized work in answering all emergency and non-emergency calls and obtains pertinent information necessary to dispatch appropriate public safety units to the scene and provides follow-up communications and assistance to field personnel. Using highly technical computer aided dispatch system (CAD), multi-line phone system, and multi-channel radio/paging console, the Public Safety Telecommunicator must act quickly, efficiently, calmly and accurately. PSTs are expected to observe all local, state and federal laws as well as established policies and guidelines that direct them in meeting department service requirements. This position is also responsible for Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office warrants and hot file duties, which include maintaining records, entry and deletion from our statewide national database.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Use a computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) to receive emergency and nonemergency calls including all medical transports from facility to facility
• Use a multi-line phone system to answer and respond to all emergency and non-emergency calls and texts to 911 received in the Emergency Communications Center (ECC)
• Use the MN ARMER system, multi-channel radio/paging console, to dispatch units including police, fire, ems and other emergency personnel to emergency and non-emergency situations
• Triage multiple emergency calls for service at times when more than one emergency even is occurring in Wabasha County at the same time
• Determine the nature, scope, and location and all information relevant to an emergency call for service by actively listening and asking appropriate questions of callers
• Read maps and use GIS, printed maps, and other resources to pinpoint the exact location of the incident, the callers and responders
• Receive road closure notifications within Wabasha County and be able to provide alternate routes to responders as needed
• Provide ongoing updates to responding field personnel as information is received
• Transfer emergency calls for service to other public safety entities when appropriate
• Responsible for cell phone tracking (pinging)
• Use an evidence-based protocol for identification of a person in need of CPR and provide each Telecommunicator with appropriate training AND continuing education to identify a person in need of CPR
• Identify when a caller is in Crisis and transfer them to 988
• Retrieve information on driver’s license, vehicle registration, warrants and other pertinent information from local, state and federal computer information systems
• Monitor and log radio communications for all public safety entities within Wabasha County, emphasizing offer and emergency personnel safety and maintain accurate and timely data in the CAD system
• Monitor and page all weather and civil emergency notifications, including monthly Civil Defense Testing
• Contact emergency service organizations, medical examiners, public work crews and utility companies as needed/directed
• Contact Crisis Receiving Unit for deputies/officers
• Efficiently and effectively operate equipment and technology. Document and report malfunctions of equipment and software applications on a timely basis to supervisor or technical staff
• Answer the public window 24 hours a day for people who come to the Criminal Justice Center
• Monitor all Wabasha County building’s panic/distress alarms and send appropriate units when necessary
• Monitor the camera system at the Criminal Justice Center including inside and outside
• Schedule and log all transports for the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office
• Enter into NCIC, file and track all of Wabasha County warrants and check all Wabasha County Sheriff’s hot file data for accuracy and removal of hot file data from CIS/NCIC systems
• Enter civil paperwork, HRO’s, OFP’s, DANCO’s and Subpoena’s when received after regular scheduled work hours
• Process DNR car kill deer possession permits
• Serve as first point of contact for visitors for the Wabasha County Jail
• Process and log Criminal History Requests for the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office, Wabasha County Attorney’s Office, Wabasha County Probation, Human Resources Department, Plainview PD and Wabasha PD
• Check DOC Statewide Supervision System for deputies/officers when requested
• Log all deputy contract hours for billing purposes
• Process and log all monetary transactions such as bail bonds, gun permits and personal data information checks
• Process Gun Permits for the Sheriff to approve/deny
• Update Predatory Offender Registry information from the public at the Emergency Communication Center
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Excellent typing skills with a working knowledge of dispatching equipment including computer software and databases used in an emergency communications center
• Ability to work on multiple tasks at once and complete them simultaneously
• Ability to communicate effective and tactfully with the public, co-workers and other agencies with concise and clear radio instructions
• Ability to handle stressful situations and work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to learn and apply knowledge of geographic maps, resources, businesses, intersections and other landmarks within the county
• Ability to make quick and accurate decisions during an emergency situation
• Ability to monitor and understand information received from many sources simultaneously
• Ability to draw reasonable and logical conclusions from information which may be disjointed or incomplete
• Disseminate news media releases from County Administration and other Policy Agency
• Develop good listening skills
• Ability to access, become familiar, and work within many different computer and record management systems
• Ability to coordinate with other Local/County/State/Federal Jurisdictions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions:

• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all office and applicable County policies and procedures.

• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence and quickly as possible.

• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.

• Represent Wabasha County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.