Purpose of the Position
To receive, evaluate, process, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance from the general public and other public safety agencies. To initiate appropriate action as well as any follow-up action as required per the standard operating procedures.
Nature and Scope
The Communications Specialist I is fully responsible for receiving, evaluating, processing and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance from the general public and other public safety agencies following established procedures. The Communications Specialist is also responsible for initiating Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) pre-arrival instructions in accordance with approved protocols. Job activity often includes a rotating shift, nights, weekends, holiday, and overtime as required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
Entry Qualifications
To fulfill the requirements for this position the incumbent must:
- have demonstrated the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.
- possess the ability to speak clearly and concisely over the radio and telephone.
- have demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- have demonstrated the ability to function and maintain composure and professionalism under stressful conditions.
- have demonstrated the ability to handle telephone communication with courtesy and efficiency.
- Current CPR Certification or have successfully completed an equivalent course of study.
- An extensive background working in a multi-agency (Police, Fire, EMS) communications center may be considered in lieu of the above or be certified within their training/orientation period.
- possess minimal typing skills.
- have knowledge of emergency dispatching methods using various communications equipment, including CAD or similar equipment.
- have prior experience as a public safety dispatcher.
- be a certified EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) or be certified within one (1) year of being employed as a Communications Specialist I.
Education and/or Experience
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); One-year related experience and/or training.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Be certified as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (Certifications must be obtained within one year from date of hire/promotion)
Other Qualifications
- Must be available to work rotating shifts, (nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as required).
- Must be able to handle telephone and radio communication with courtesy and efficiency.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.
Miscellaneous duties within the physical scope of the description may also be required.