Dispatcher

GENERAL FUND CITY OF WILMER TEXAS•Wilmer, TX

12d•$0 - $29

About The Position

The Dispatcher, also identified as an Emergency Telecommunicator, receives requests for police, fire, and emergency medical services; dispatches and deploys public safety units; notifies support services; provides pre-arrival emergency medical instructions when certified; operates telecommunications equipment; prepares reports; and maintains files. The role works under direct and general supervision in a high-stress environment that may involve life-and-death situations. The employee must multitask, think clearly, and remain calm. Work may be assigned on any shift and includes holidays, weekends, and additional hours as needed for staffing or training. The position operates in a high-call-volume emergency dispatch environment with limited opportunity for movement. The dispatcher must remain alert and responsive while observing computer displays, and may work extended periods without relief. Duties also include attending court when summoned and, when required, searching prisoners as outlined in written policy.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CPR certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification through IAED, or the ability to obtain them within one year of hire.
TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate and Texas Telecommunicator License, or the ability to obtain them within one year of hire.
U.S. citizenship to obtain the listed TCOLE certifications.
No felony convictions.
Type 40 words per minute with 80% accuracy.
Texas Class C driver's license.
Pass a background check and drug screening.
Ability to attend training schools, seminars, and other City-related events, occasionally requiring overnight travel.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurately interpret graphic material and written materials in handwritten and multi-font formats.
Ability to make timely decisions, perform effectively under stress, transition quickly among tasks while maintaining proficiency and composure, and work without constant direct supervision.
Ability to operate a City vehicle safely when required.
Ability to complete all required department training phases by the end of the probationary period.
A combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment; stamina to remain seated for extended periods; strength to lift and carry up to 30 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, by telephone, and by radio.
Mobility to stoop, squat, kneel, climb, and/or stretch for routine cleaning and inspection.
Ability to remain alert and responsive during extended periods of screen observation, high call volume, stressful situations, and periods without relief.

Nice To Haves

Public Safety Dispatch experience.
Current CPR and IAED Emergency Medical Dispatch certifications; preference may be given to applicants who already hold them.
Two years of data-entry or customer-service-representative experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Answer multi-line telephones, including E 911 lines.
Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, verbally and in writing, including prompt responses and communication with the public and responders.
Communicate with hearing- or speech-impaired citizens using specialized software.
Simultaneously listen to telephone, radio, and interoffice communications while processing service calls.
Perform multiple tasks simultaneously, such as speaking on the telephone while entering data into a computer.
Operate a multi-channel public safety radio system, including interoperable communications with other agencies.
Process and record requests for police, fire, and medical services using the Computer-Aided Dispatch system or manual call-processing procedures.
Assign appropriate public safety personnel to routine and emergency calls and deploy support services.
Document activity, location, and status in the Computer-Aided Dispatch system and promptly disseminate additional information.
When certified, provide pre-arrival emergency medical instructions in accordance with department-selected protocols and International Academies of Emergency Dispatch compliance.
Read and interpret electronic locator tools, track and provide information to responders, and deploy units as appropriate.
Use computers and websites to access information requested by public safety personnel, the public, or City employees, including records management, TCIC/NCIC, and jail management systems.
Input, retrieve, and maintain information across multiple computer screens, printouts, and keyboards.
Remain in the work area for 8 or more hours and seated for long periods while entering data into computer systems.
Work in low-light conditions and distinguish colors used in dispatch and telephone equipment or other visual resources.
Maintain concentration on assigned tasks despite distractions.
Monitor and identify alarm-system activations and follow department protocols.
Safely operate equipment such as door monitors and locks, printers, voice recorders, intercoms, alarm panels, weather-monitoring devices, television monitors, copiers, and document shredders.
When certified as a Training Officer, train new employees and prepare and submit training documentation on time.
Act in the absence of the shift supervisor when required.
Prepare incident and supplemental reports and maintain files.
Understand and apply state laws, city ordinances, and City of Wilmer and departmental policies and procedures.
Attend and testify in criminal and civil courts when summoned.
Attend training schools, seminars, and other City events, which may occasionally require overnight travel.
Maintain confidentiality and remain alert to the security of the Wilmer Public Safety Campus, reporting suspicious persons or activity to a supervisor.
Make and carry out effective and timely decisions, work effectively without constant direct supervision, and perform under stress in emergency situations.
Operate a City vehicle safely when required.
Complete all phases of Wilmer Police Department training in 911/Call Take, Fire/EMS, Records & Information (NCIC), and Police Dispatch by the end of the probationary period.
Perform other duties as assigned.