Dispatcher - Emergency Services

Position Summary: An employee in this class will be trained as a call-taker or back-up dispatcher in one (1) discipline. Work is reviewed by evaluating taped calls, as well as reports from citizens, and public safety personnel during periodic evaluations. Position performs a range of public safety communication a 24-hour public environment processing and prioritizing EMS, fire, and law enforcement calls. Work of this class involves no supervisory duties or responsibilities.

Position Responsibilities: 1. Answers calls for service on non-emergency and emergency 9-1-1 phone lines as well as a deaf TTY, direct lines into the Communications Center, and pre-recorded phone alarms. Elicits information rapidly, records and enters data into computer-aided dispatch system. Frequently screens and transfers calls to surrounding public service agencies. 2. Trains to dispatch accurately and effectively to police, and/or fire, ambulance and rescue apparatus responding to the scene of emergency calls via a two-way radio system. 3. Prioritizes and assigns appropriate units using National Academy of Emergency Dispatch protocols. 4. Impacts lives via telephone by providing pre-arrival instructions. 5. Provides cordial, responsive and accurate customer service. 6. Activates sirens and pagers to advise fire and ambulance personnel of incident and assists in calling and obtaining personnel and resources necessary to adequately handle the incident. 7. Prepares and maintains Communication Center’s files and information which assist in the efficient dispatching of emergency personnel and equipment, including but not limited to maps, road indexes, road maintenance/closure status, bridge closures, hydrant out-of-service status, fire protective system status, apparatus status, mutual aid status, EMS and law enforcement capabilities, phone numbers, hospital status, and area-controlled burnings. 8. Enters and retrieves computer data pertinent to criminal history, motor vehicle, and drivers’ license information, utilizing NCIS, MILES, and NLETS. Research information on past and present incidents, inhouse warrants, criminal summons, and arrest records via CAD system. 9. Provides information for public inquiries. Answers questions regarding state and county laws and ordinances, provides directions when needed, conducts inquiries and makes phone calls for police, fire and EMS personnel as needed. 10. Deviates from normal written and established procedures during periods of unusually heavy incoming phone or radio traffic, when required. May be required to prepare written reports and documents. 11. Maintains appropriate security and confidential information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties. 12. Monitors safety of field units. This position description is representative of the general and most important components of this role and does not characterize every aspect of the job; other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as warranted and deemed appropriate. 13. Participates in continuous training, education, and skills review to maintain State of Maryland and National Academy EMD certification.

Minimum Qualification RequirementsEducation High School Diploma or G.E.D. Associates degree in Emergency Services or related field preferred

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $26.21 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person