9-1-1 Dispatcher

Under general supervision is responsible for answering calls from the public and other public safety agencies, and dispatching the appropriate emergency agency and/or equipment; performs other duties as required.

Operates a computerized E-911 Emergency Telecommunications System, a Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) system, a multi-channel Communications Control Dispatch Radio System, a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), and a National Warning System;

Answers incoming calls for emergency police, fire, and/or medical services;

Verifies addresses and locations of the emergency incidents using the automated identification and location systems and available resources;

Asks questions of callers to obtain information to properly identify the specific type and priority level of emergency in order to facilitate the appropriate emergency response;

Transfers calls to the correct jurisdictions and refers non-emergency calls to the appropriate agency or jurisdiction when necessary;

Track calls for service, unit dispatching, and updates call records using the CAD system;

Constantly monitors the status of all units on duty in the field;

Inputs information into a computer in accordance with established protocol;

Performs queries upon request by police officers and other authorized personnel using a computerized national, state, and regional crime information system;

Takes appropriate follow-up actions in response to hang up calls to ensure proper emergency response;

Activates and/or coordinates the emergency operations center upon notification;

Completes various forms and logs

Makes notifications for requests for wreckers from the field units;

Conducts/participates in training and/or drills

Activates the County wide Tornado system and/or search and rescue services

May provide pre-arrival instructions to callers regarding actions to be performed until emergency personnel arrive on the scene;

May maintain contact with callers until emergency response units arrive on scene;

May provide training, mentoring, or coaching to trainee-level personnel and prepare detailed documentation of training;

May prepare informal written reports.

Must be a United States Citizen.

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Working Conditions:

Working conditions involve working an 8-hour shift / 40-hour work week, in a dispatch center, on 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift, including weekends and holidays, with 2 consecutive days off, and may be required to work during other shifts and to work overtime.

Experience in emergency services and/or communications, and knowledge of approved principles and practices of law enforcement work, including applicable laws and ordinances, are preferred.

Applicants must be legal residents of Fairfield County or adjoining counties after appointment. Applicants are also expected to be of good moral character, temperate habits, and physically able to perform all duties of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to hear and understand persons speaking in a normal tone; vision corrected to 20/20; ability to type thirty (30) words per minutes; ability to remain calm under stressful situations; good conflict resolution skills; ability to apply common sense, logic, and reason to make sound decisions; good sense of observation; ability to remember information both long and short term; ability to comprehend new and old information; ability to evaluate situations, often with limited information, and act accordingly; ability to communicate in clear English in an authoritative manner; ability to communicate with persons with varying accents and cultures; ability to write/type with proper grammar and spelling; ability to comprehend computer screens and print outs; ability to work quickly and accurately on a computer keyboard; ability to display sensitivity and empathy to others; ability to develop and maintain good working relationships; ability to work independently without direct or immediate supervision; ability to follow strict rules and proper conduct; ability to accept supervision, criticism, feedback, and evaluation in a positive manner; ability to maintain control over sometimes hostile, verbally abusive, uncooperative, and angry callers; ability to maintain constraint in stressful situations; ability to adapt to changes in working conditions (hours of work, shift, etc.); ability perform service without requiring recognition/appreciation; ability to be responsible, reliable, punctual, honest, thorough, and accurate at all times; ability to abide by laws, directives, and rules to maintain public trust; ability to maintain stamina in order to meet both the critical and non-critical demands of the job; general knowledge of laws and court systems; knowledge of Fairfield county locations and streets/roads, including cities and villages within the county.

NOTE: The lists of Job Duties, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities are not necessarily all inclusive.