9-1-1 Call Taker

Summary

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

Our mission is to provide prompt assistance in a caring, resourceful and professional manner to those we serve. The Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District became a consolidated public safety dispatching agency in 1988, taking all calls for police, fire, and medical service assistance in Deschutes County. The District dispatches for 15 police and fire/emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and works closely with the U.S. Forest Service, AirLink, Life Flight, Oregon State Police, and other State and Federal entities.

Are you interested in joining a talented team and serving your community? If so, we invite you to review additional information by clicking HERE.

We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,100 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

ABOUT THE JOB:

The 9-1-1 Call Taker is the first person that talks to a person in an emergency. They are the critical decision maker in properly assessing the situation, interviewing the caller and getting the information entered into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to be dispatched out to police, fire or medical.

The 9-1-1 Call Taker provides computer-aided emergency and non-emergency dispatch services for all local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services agencies within Deschutes County. Dispatchers operate complex communications equipment, multi-line telephone systems and computer terminals to access and input information. This position requires the ability to maintain accuracy and speed while performing job duties, often under stressful situations.

• Receives and processes incoming telephone calls, and texts, often during high-call volume periods, from people requesting emergency and non-emergency police, fire, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) assistance in a courteous, accurate, efficient, and timely manner.
• Enters information into a computer aided dispatch system in an accurate and timely manner.
• Makes effective, immediate decisions regarding life-threatening situations based on highly complex rules, regulations, and procedures.

• Strong emotional intelligence with a history of honest and ethical decision-making.
• Interpersonal skills to discern callers' situations and assure an accurate, appropriate, and timely response by responders.
• A minimum basic knowledge of geography or the ability to learn geography in a timely manner.
• Excellent listening skills and the ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to adapt and communicate effectively with diverse public.
• Ability to manage your time and assignments.

• Thinking quickly and independently in emergency situations that require multiple decisions for action.
• Coordinating computer systems to access and enhance information provided to responders.
• Operation of multiple and complex telephone, radio, and computer equipment/systems.

• This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.

Compensation

The starting hourly rate is $25.4433. Salary range during initial training is $4,410.09 to $5,628.44 per month for a 173.33 hour work month.
Hourly rate is increased to $29.2596 upon completion of police dispatch training (about 6-12 months, Public Safety Dispatcher I); and $30.7227 upon completion of fire dispatch training (which usually occurs within the first two years of employment, Public Safety Dispatcher II). Dispatchers may also earn up to an additional 6% of their base salary when they obtain their intermediate certification and 11% of their base salary when they obtain their advanced certification through DPSST. At the top step with possession of an advanced certification, a Public Safety Dispatcher II can expect to earn over $95,000.00 per year.
For those currently possessing DPSST Certification as a Telecommunicator, certificate pay begins upon hire date and will receive an additional:

• 6% - for Intermediate certification.
• 11% - for Advanced certification.
• Out of State Certified applicants will receive certification pay as soon as certification is granted by DPSST.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent;
• Must be 18 years of age by hire date;
• Must accurately type a minimum of 42 words per minute.

• Pass a drug screening; a hearing and vision exam; a thorough background, employment, and criminal history investigation; and a psychological examination.
• Meet the requirements as outlined in Oregon Administrative Rule 259-008-0300
• Possess or obtain all required state certificates and licenses within the probationary period, and maintain thereafter.
  • Certification as an Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Basic Telecommunicator, Emergency Medical Dispatcher and Emergency Fire Dispatcher.
  • CPR and First Aid certification.
  • Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification.

Necessary Special Requirements

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.
Must pass a driving record review and criminal history background.

• A current driver's license, state of issue, and date of birth are required. Candidates who wish to be considered for this position must include an accurate driver's license number, state of origin, and date of birth in the Supplemental Question portion of the application.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply - we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.

If you are a veteran and would like to apply for Veterans' Preference, please click HEREfor information.