Dispatcher

Salary : $39,769.60 Annually
Location : Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2023-00272
Department: Sheriff's Department
Division: Dispatcher
Opening Date: 12/27/2023
Hiring Manager: Capt. Marion Bulluck
Hiring Manager Contact Information: jrbulluck@madisoncountyal.gov
Position Overview
This is varied communications work involving the skillful and prompt operation of the communication center. Work involves the communication of the Sheriff's Office through incoming calls on the radio and telephone and dispatching messages to the appropriate parties.
Work is often stressful and frequently is performed under pressure. The ability to react calmly and effectively, while making rapid but accurate and sound decisions is required. The employee must be able to skillfully analyze information while communicating clearly and concisely. A well-modulated voice, good diction, and good listening and comprehension skills are essential. The ability to perform multiple time-sensitive tasks is also required. Following a training period, employees will work with considerable independence, subject to special instructions or orders to meet special operating circumstances or emergencies. Logging of calls and other related clerical duties performed as required. Work is reviewed through the examination of records to determine the proper handling of calls.
Please note: The next phase of the application process will be a typing test. Please plan to spend up to 2 hours at the facility. If you meet a minimum of 40 wpm with at least 90% accuracy on the typing test, you will then take the CritiCall Exam with a required minimum score of 80%.
The Supplemental Questions on the job application are deemed necessary for the job.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(All duties listed may not be included in any one position nor does the list include all tasks found in a position of this class.)

• Receives and evaluates emergency requests for deputy services and provides necessary information or takes other appropriate action; Connects incoming calls to appropriate parties.
• Dispatches emergency personnel and notifies ranking officers of calls as required.
• Maintains radio contact with law enforcement agencies.
• Provides dispatcher services for the fire department as necessary.
• Establishes and maintains contact with other law enforcement agencies.
• Maintains log of all radio transmissions including date, duration, and message.
• Recognize duplicate and relative calls and screen to trouble areas.
• Maintains constant knowledge of available units, chase procedures, emergency alerts and disaster procedures.
• Follow-up on dispatches; Dispatch burglar alarms called into the communication center.
• Performs related work as required.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to Graduation from a high school or GED.
• Experience receiving, evaluating, transmitting, and monitoring emergency requests via telephone or radio or experience in a customer service position demonstrating extensive telephone or personal contact with the public is preferred.
• A combination of experience and/or training that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the essential functions of this position is also acceptable.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability

• Must have some knowledge of street system and geography of community and county.
• Knowledge of telephone and radio operating requirements.
• Ability to speak in a well-modulated voice and to deal with the public and other employees in an acceptable manner.
• Ability to keep records.
• Must type 40 words per minute.
• Must pass a CritiCall test which measures multitasking and map reading skills.

Other Requirements
Physical Requirements

• Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, but must be able to respond to phone and radio quickly.
• Requires the physical ability to sit in confined seating for extended periods of time, and operate a computer keyboard.
• Must be able to see well enough to read computer terminal, printouts, and reports.
• Must be able to hear well enough to understand radio traffic with background noise and speak clearly and understandable on the radio.

Certifications or Licenses Required

• Must complete the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator course.
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License.

Other Requirements in the Hiring Process

• Must meet a 40 wpm with at least 90% accuracy on the required typing test.
• CritiCall Assessment score should be 80% or higher to move forward.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete the employment application in full.
Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Madison County is a drug-free workplace and conducts drug and alcohol testing.
A comprehensive set of benefits is offered for all full-time employees. No benefits are offered to part-time or seasonal employees. Please consult with the Human Resources Department for a full list of benefits.
Madison County periodically reviews and when fiscally able, adjusts salary rates and our benefits package to remain competitive in our area.
Benefits Summary
Healthcare Insurance: Blue Cross of Alabama is administered through the Local Government Health Insurance Plan (LGHIP).
Coverage Type Employee'sPremium County's Contribution
Single Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 61.00 $ 243.00
Family Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 148.50 $ 593.00
Dental Coverage: Dental coverage is included with LGHIP through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. LGHIP manages dental costs and provides enhanced dental benefits using negotiated discounts with in-network dentists. To locate in-network dentists go to www.bcbsal.com. Assuming the services are covered you will normally only be responsible for out of pocket.
Life Insurance: Madison County provides $25,000 in life, $25,000 in accidental death and dismemberment and $25,000 line of duty insurance to eligible employees in certified positions.
Employee Retirement Plans: Employees are required to participate in the Employees Retirement System, which is a Defined Benefit Plan administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA). Participants contribute 5% to 8.5% of their earnings depending on their hire date and classification. Sworn Certified Personnel have an accelerated contribution schedule
*Employer contribution percentage is set by the Retirement Systems of Alabama and changes annually.
Employee Clinic: Madison County employees and dependents over age 12 may use the Employee Health Clinic for the low co-pay of $15.00 per visit. To be eligible to use the clinic, the employee and dependent must be enrolled in Madison County's health insurance plan as their primary coverage.
Voluntary Plans are also available:

• Additional life Insurance for employee and dependents
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and childcare)
• Vision Insurance
• College Counts

Holidays, Annual Leave and Sick Leave:
*Minimum of 10 holidays per calendar year
*Accrue 8 hours of annual leave and 8 hours of sick leave per month
01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you prepared to work days and/or nights any day of the week including weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have a current, non-expired, driver license? Please provide.o Stateo Numbero Expiration date
04
Have you ever been arrested or detained? If so, please answer the following question. o Please provide details, including the name of the agency that detained or arrested you.
05
Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, please answer the following questions. o What charge(s) were you convicted of?o Name of the court you were convicted in.
06
Do you agree to a background check?

• Yes
• No

07
If you answered 'yes' to the previous question. Please select the authorize option.

• You are hereby authorizing a pre-employment background check and driver's history check to be performed.

Required Question