Dispatcher I

Elko County•Elko, NV

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dispatcher receives, evaluates, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS Departments; answers inquiries for information from the general public as well as other criminal and non-criminal justice agencies; dispatches patrol, fire, and EMS units; maintains, types, and files various records and documents; interacts with the general public, criminal, and non-criminal justice agencies in person and via telephone. This is the entry-level position within the Public Safety Dispatcher job classification. This class of Dispatcher I is distinguished from that of Public Safety Dispatcher II class in that the employee in this class is typically in a trainee capacity and does not have the full range of responsibilities of a Public Safety Dispatcher II. The center operates on a 7-day, 24-hour basis and incumbents will be required to work a variety of schedules. Incumbents report to the Communications Manager and the Communications Training and Compliance Supervisor, who is responsible for supervising, directing, assigning, training, and evaluating the work of dispatch employees on assigned shifts. During periods of training, incumbents may report to a Public Safety Dispatcher II.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
One (1) year of progressively responsible office experience which involves the use of computers, data entry, and/or telephone/radio customer service work.
Ability to successfully pass a background investigation to qualify for and maintain certification to operate NCIC, NCJIS, and related computers.
Must be able to work a day, swing, graveyard, and rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends to support the 24-hour operation.
Incumbents must pass a typing test of at least 35 wpm and an in-depth background investigation.
Incumbents must successfully complete a C.D.A.A. prescribed training course.
Knowledge of Basic computer and office procedures.
Knowledge of Use of reference books, maps, and manuals.
Knowledge of Basic accurate record keeping.
Knowledge of Correct English usage including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of Local area geography.
Skills in Demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills, both written and verbal communication.
Skills in Understanding and carrying out complex written and oral communications.
Skills in Typing with speed and accuracy.
Abilities in Reacting calmly and quickly under duress and strain.
Abilities in Make decisions quickly and accurately.
Abilities in Maintain confidentiality.
Abilities in Communicate with individuals from different backgrounds and communication abilities.
Abilities in Learn techniques for communicating with people in emergencies and varying stages of distress.
Abilities in Learn to handle multiple tasks at the same time.
Abilities in Learn basic law enforcement terms and radio codes.
Abilities in Learn proper questioning techniques to determine the nature of the call and the level of emergency.
Abilities in Learn available resources for responding to emergencies and calls.
Abilities in Learn proper procedures for the operation of NCIC/NCJIS/NLETS information systems as per CDAA NCIC/NCJIS internal SOP.
Abilities in Operate standard office equipment including, but not limited to, a personal computer, printer, fax, and copier and utilize User Agency’s specialized software.
Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard, mouse, and video display terminal for prolonged periods.
Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for extended periods of time.
Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; periodic lifting of files, stacks of paper or reports, references, water bottles, and other items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Some reaching for items above and below desk level.
Some bending, reaching, squatting, and stooping to access files and records is necessary.
The manual dexterity and cognitive ability to operate a personal computer.
The ability to communicate via telephone and radio.

Nice To Haves

Work experience in a public safety-related field is highly desirable.
Bilingual skills are highly desirable.
Experience in a fast-paced, high-stress environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Responds to radio calls from law enforcement and emergency personnel in the field.
Performs record searches from local databases and those maintained by the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), and the Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) for warrant and criminal history status on field suspects and in-custody detainees.
Confirms active warrants and transportation requirements for other law enforcement agencies; verifies and disseminates information received by teletype to field officers; gathers and translates information from field officers for efficient queries into various systems.
Receives 911 calls for assistance from landline and cellular phones from various locations within the local area as well as neighboring counties.
Dispatches emergency units and relays pertinent information between field officers and emergency response units; provides emergency medical instruction using locally approved protocols.
Communicates effectively with distraught, angry, hysterical, or frightened callers; maintains a calm disposition in emergency situations; handles stress related to various emergency calls; dispatches appropriate units for alarm calls.
Maintain a written log of all Temporary Protective Orders served.
Operates audio logging equipment for all radio and phone calls received and transmitted; maintains local databases by entering calls for requests for services or officer-initiated activity; enters and maintains local house watch list and emergency contact information in local databases; prints or faxes all pertinent daily and/or monthly reports as directed.
Performs daily maintenance on equipment and troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment as necessary.
Performs daily housekeeping in the center including, but not limited to, dusting, cleaning the area, and taking out the trash.
May assist in training if more than three (3) years on the job and training assistance is needed.