Fire Dispatcher - Detroit Fire Department (Communications)

The mission of the Detroit Fire Department - Communications Division is to provide the citizens of Detroit with world class Fire Department communications relating to the dispatch and follow-up of the appropriate Fire Department resources necessary for the protection of life and property as it relates to the use of fire, medical and rescue response.

Our Communications Center, highly trained licensed Public Safety Emergency Medical Technicians and Medical First Responders Fire / EMS Dispatchers, operates the Center 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year dispatching Fire & EMS Responders and resources to emergencies received from the calling public.

1. Dispatches emergency response vehicles to calls for service.
2. Initiates requests for assistance from other agencies for emergency scene situations.
3. Relays information to appropriate field supervisors and management personnel.
4. Notifies hospitals of emergency transports to their facilities.
5. Makes telephone notifications of major emergency situations.
6. Engages in routine contacts with other divisions or sections of the department.
7. Routes medical units' calls directly into hospital emergency rooms.
8. Maintains log sheets.
9. Operates standard office equipment.
10. Receives and processes calls from employees of the department calling off duty.
11. Enters emergency responses into the system.
12. Checks on prior calls for service when requested.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of responsible work experience in emergency dispatching and/or performing other work in an emergency response capacity.

EQUIVALENCY

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

LICENSE, CERTIFICATION AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Certification is preferred.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification is preferred.
• CPR Certification is preferred.
• Employees in this class will be required to operate a motor vehicle. Valid State of Michigan Driver License required.
• Employees in this class must pass the National Registry Exam for Medical First Responder Licensure. Employees will also be required to maintain their certifications.

Evaluation Plan

• Computerized Exam 60%
• Interview 20%
• Evaluation of Training & Personal Qualifications (T.E.P.)
  20%
• Total Computerized Exam, Interview, and Evaluation of T.E.P 100%
  Additional points may be awarded for:
• Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Office work, terms and equipment.
• Detroit Streets and other City Locations.

SKILL IN:

• Utilizing keyboarding devices, data, and voice communication devices.
• The use of Smartsheets.
• Multitasking.

ABILITY TO:

• Write legibly, speak in a clear and distinct voice.
• Enter information using a keyboard, speak, and listen simultaneously.
• Accurately transcribe brief written and verbal radio communication.
• Gather information related to medical or fire emergencies.
• Effectively and efficiently communicate orally and in writing.
• Accept responsibility and to work any assigned shift and overtime when required.
• Interact effectively with co-workers.
• Work various shifts including Days, Afternoons & Midnights.
• Learn public safety emergency codes and priorities.
• Work in an emergency response environment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Required to have a hearing test at a City authorized medical facility.
• Work is performed in an open office environment at a designated work station.
• Work involves receiving a high volume of emergency requests for service.
• Employees in this class have frequent contact with Emergency Service Operators (911), police dispatchers, the news media, and alarm companies.
• Employees in this classification often work under stressful conditions.
• Employees must be able to perform multiple functions simultaneously which includes reading and writing standard English text and to effectively orally communicate in stressful situations in the English language as well as to repeat the exact emergency message received.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.Employment Type: Certified-Regular Civil Service