911 Telecommunicator/Dispatcher at Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority – Rifle, Colorado
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About This Position
Imagine getting paid to save lives, to make a difference, and to be a hero in your community!
The Communications Authority serves all of Garfield County, which has a population of 56,000. We answer an average of 250 calls per day, including 911 and non-emergency calls. We're proud to serve as the essential link between seven law enforcement agencies, four fire/EMS agencies, and our citizens. As one of our public safety professionals, you'll embark on an exciting career as the primary connection between people who desperately need help and the help they need.
Every day is an adventure. What will the next call bring? A fire? A robbery? A daring rescue? Or someone who doesn't know where to turn?
The variety of challenges we face every day requires special people with special skills-and you may be one of them!
Do you want an exciting career making a difference in people's lives?
Garfield Emergency Communications Authority cordially invites you to explore an exciting new career in Public Safety Communications.
The Telecommunicator's primary responsibility is to answer emergency and non-emergency voice & TTY calls for service and simultaneously enter the information into the computer using a computer style keyboard and computer aided dispatch system. Based on the information secured, the Telecommunicator determines the nature of the call, whether a response is necessary and what type of assistance or information is needed. For emergency calls requiring law enforcement, fire or emergency medical response, the Telecommunicator dispatches via radio console, the appropriate response units to the scene according to priority and availabilty of field units. The Telecommunicator is additionally responsible for retrieving and accurately relaying to requesting law enforcement field units, information contained in the State(Colorado) and National(NCIC) computer systems and for entering and maintaining law enforcement data in the appropriate computer system(s).
Answers 9-1-1 voice and TTY telephone calls received from the public. Questions callers to determine the nature and location of the problem; extracts and records essential information and gives proper advice and/or information to callers, including specific pre-arrival emergency medical instructions when appropriate. Calls back disconnects to determine nature and location of problem, enters information as appropriate.
Dispatches, via a radio console, emergency and other calls requiring law enforcement, fire, and/or emergency medical response, according to priority and availability of field units. Coordinates the response of back-up units and/or mutual aid as required. Maintains strict radio discipline at all times. Complies with FCC regulations and Center polices/procedures in the transmission of all radio traffic.
Maintains proper records of all response units dispatched (assigned and unit self-initiated). Monitors dispatched units activities and receives and transmits to field units updated information as it is received.
Retrieves and accurately relays to requesting law enforcement field units, information contained in the State (Colorado) and National (NCIC) computer systems (e.g., information regarding motor vehicles, driver's licenses, wants and warrants, stolen property, guns, etc.). Enters and maintains law enforcement data in the system(s) as appropriate.
Notifies public works or utility service agencies to respond to emergency repair service calls received from the public or response unit personnel such as broken water mains, down power lines, street lights out, etc.
Answers non-emergency calls and provides routine non-technical information upon request and refers all other questions to the proper person or agency.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
(Required to be eligible to participate in the hiring process)
AGE:
18 years or older.
EDUCATION:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must have the ability and willingness to work all shifts of a 24-hour per day period and be available for emergency call-in overtime.
Must have the ability to type at least 30 wpm on a computer keyboard.
ESSENTIAL and PREREQUISITE SKILLS and ABILITIES:
(Required to be eligible for appointment to the position)
Oral and Written Communications
Must have the ability to:
Orally communicate events and information in English professionally and precisely.
Read and understand written communications.
Report events and information in writing legibly and accurately using proper English grammar and structure.
Interpersonal Relationship Abilities/Personal Maturity
Must have the ability to:
Appropriately handle stressful situations and maintain appropriate and constructive behavior and attitude in response to difficult or adverse situations.
Handle objectionable contacts with tact and diplomacy.
Detach from callers' emotions, yet project an image of empathy.
Accept criticism and/or discipline and responsibility for actions.
Demonstrate good team worker abilities.
Respect private, confidential information.
Maintain dependable work habits.
Judgment
Must have the ability to:
Remember numerous details and accurately recall information.
Act in an objective, decisive manner, using good judgment.
Effectively prioritize situations and information and make appropriate decisions based on information received.
Physical Abilities
Must have the ability to:
Speak English with sufficient clarity to be understood by others on the telephone, the radio or in person.
Read and discern visual images on a variety of media (i.e., ability to "see" various written materials and various equipment displays/screens), including the ability to distinguish between colors on a colorcoded computer screen.
Write English legibly.
Record names and numbers accurately (i.e., not transpose numbers and/or letters).
Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications for the position will be required to participate in a preemployment hiring process designed to determine their compatibility with the essential and prerequisite skills and abilities required for successful performance in this position.
The pre-employment hiring process consists of:
2) Position compatibility testing
3) Pre-employment job interview
4) Reference check and criminal history/background check
5) Medical examination, drug screen and polygraph after a conditional offer of employment