911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher

Saline County • Benton, AR

11d • $39,152 • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a critical link in the delivery of county public safety services and is often the first and most important point of contact for citizens requesting assistance. Communications Operators perform specialized technical and operational duties in support of the County Emergency Communications Center, ensuring effective coordination between the public and public safety agencies. This role is considered an essential position. The incumbent is expected to maintain standard work hours and may be required to work additional hours or outside of regular shifts during emergency situations, including natural disasters or public health crises, to ensure the continuity of critical operations.
The position involves diversified responsibilities carried out in accordance with established county policies, procedures, and applicable laws. Employees exercise sound judgment in receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls via telephone and radio, determining the nature and priority of incidents, and dispatching appropriate law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, or other public safety resources.
This position requires working 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift assignments are subject to change based on operational needs of the County and do not imply or guarantee a specific or continued shift assignment.

Requirements

• High school or GED, plus specialized schooling and/or on the job education in a specific skill area; e.g., data processing, clerical/administrative, equipment operation, etc., plus 12 to 18 months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ACIC Advanced Certification (Required within first year)
• FEMA 100,144,200,242, 700, 800, 907, and 1200 Courses (Required within first year)
• Priority Dispatch Emergency Telecommunicator Course (Required within first year)
• Priority Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch (Required within first year)
• Arkansas Smart911 PSAP Console Training (Required within first year)
• MCDR-1 Missing Children Course (Required within first year)
• Advanced: Data Entry
• This is a safety sensitive position, and an essential duty of this position is the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

Nice To Haves

• Communication Training - Problem Solving and Decision-Making Training

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls for service, gather accurate information needed to assist callers, and simultaneously enter this information into computer systems.
• Calm, question, and provide instructions to callers using dispatch protocol systems; provide emergency assistance to callers until responders arrive (as needed).
• Monitor multiple radio channels, handle multiple radio traffic, process multiple calls; process calls and radio simultaneously as volume requires; prioritize multiple calls for service.
• Operate several computer/electronic systems including: Enhanced 911 console, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping software, Rapid Deploy mapping software, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software, Priority Dispatch ProQA EMD software, Arkansas Wireless Information Network (AWIN), National Warning System (NAWAS), County VHF Radio Systems, Commander One Siren System, and local camera systems.
• Operates national and state criminal information computer systems (NCIC/ACIC) to retrieve/update criminal information and motor vehicle/license records; enters, removes, confirms, modifies, and/or updates entries and data as needed; enters and runs inquiries on data such as vehicle registrations, driver's license records, criminal histories, warrants, lost/stolen property, or missing/wanted persons; receives BOLO notices and broadcasts/distributes as appropriate; ensures integrity/security of data and adherence to NCIC/ACIC requirements.
• Establish important priorities in seeking and transmitting information as well as directing and coordinating action, which is frequently competing, time-sensitive critical information.
• Sends appropriate personnel to emergency locations, such as law enforcement units, ambulances, fire department units, wreckers, animal control, coroner, or other agencies as needed.
• Notify Emergency Management personnel of significant incidents and maintain situational awareness of all incidents or events that might have a significant impact on Saline County.
• As the designated county warning point, maintain awareness of weather conditions by monitoring equipment and notification systems of watches and warnings.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions. Basic maintenance of computer systems, communications equipment, and general office equipment is performed; equipment is inspected for proper operation.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism regarding sensitive internal and external information.
• Maintain professionalism conducive to a person in a position of authority while representing Saline Emergency Communications.
• Be reliable, dependable and be able to report for work on a consistent basis. This role is considered an essential position. The incumbent is expected to maintain standard work hours and may be required to work additional hours or outside of regular shifts during emergency situations, including natural disasters or public health crises, to ensure the continuity of critical operations.
• This position, as are all positions within the 911 Emergency Communications Department, is subject to mandatory staffing regulations set forth by the 911 Board.
• This is a safety sensitive position, and an essential duty of this position is the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Group health, dental and life insurance is paid by the County for the employee’s coverage provided the employee obtain a wellness check within designated timeframe.
• The County contributes 15.32% towards the employee’s retirement through the Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System
• Bilingual pay available one proficiency has been established.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED