Dispatch Specialist

Oakland County • Pontiac, MI

4d • $50,116 - $77,292 • Onsite

About The Position

Oakland County is seeking a Dispatch Specialist to serve as the crucial link between the public and first responders. This role involves answering 9-1-1 and emergency calls, coordinating responses from police, fire, and medical services, and providing essential guidance during urgent situations. It's a dynamic, fast-paced, and high-impact position where no two days are the same, contributing to the safety and well-being of nearly 1.3 million residents.

Requirements

• Graduated from high school or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test.
• Six (6) months full-time work experience in a 911 call center, responding to emergency situations (such as fire, ambulance, law enforcement, or hospital), or any military experience; OR One (1) year full-time work experience in a high-volume customer-facing hospitality service industry (such as hotel desk, waitstaff, and food service, etc.); OR Completed one (1) year of college from an accredited college or university in any major or possess two current certifications in Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch or Emergency Police Dispatch.
• Have not been convicted of a violation of criminal law.
• Must possess normal or corrected hearing in each ear and normal color vision.
• Successfully complete and maintain required training certifications in the State of Michigan Public Safety / Emergency Telecommunicator Course, L.E.I.N. operator certification, EMD / EFD /EPD protocols, CPR / First Aid, and Security Awareness.
• Successfully complete the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Communications Training Program and all other training and continuing education deemed necessary.
• Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
• Ability to prepare reports, analyze data, focus for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in an enclosed environment and potentially remain stationary, sitting or standing, for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

• Reasonable ability to present coded written or oral information in a clear, concise, and accurate manner.
• Reasonable ability to use a computer.
• Reasonable ability to receive a call at the same time it is processed.
• Reasonable knowledge of the location of streets and highways throughout the County.
• Reasonable ability to determine directions from verbal description of location.
• Reasonable knowledge of and ability to follow modern office practices and procedures.
• Reasonable knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Reasonable ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Reasonable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Reasonable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Sheriff’s Office personnel and the general public.
• Reasonable ability to recognize and correct departures from departmental practices and procedures.
• Some knowledge of and ability to operate the Law Enforcement Information Network Teletype machine.
• Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, email, and Internet software.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process calls for police, fire, ambulance, 9-1-1, and general emergency services.
• Dispatch the appropriate personnel or refer callers to the correct agency.
• Provide pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions during medical, fire, or law enforcement emergencies.
• Multi-task by gathering essential caller and location details while keeping communication clear under pressure.
• Use multiple computer systems and equipment to enter and retrieve critical information.
• Respond to officer requests for information such as safety alerts, criminal history, driving records, and prior contacts.
• Operate and maintain certification for law enforcement information systems.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits
• Opportunity to do meaningful work that matters
• For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

What This Job Offers

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