Emergency Communications Dispatcher I

City of Spokane•City of Spokane, WA

About The Position

Dispatches public safety resources and transmits messages and general information for police, fire, other public safety, and city government organizations. The role may involve receiving materials containing graphic or emotionally distressing content, and employees must process this information calmly and maintain professional composure while coordinating emergency response. The dispatcher coordinates emergency and non-emergency communications, supports field units, enters and retrieves information using computer systems, and assists newer employees. Employees must obtain and maintain the required emergency communications certifications; certification and training are provided by the City of Spokane.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Type at least 175 keystrokes per minute (35 words per minute).
Obtain and maintain required certifications in approved emergency communications protocols and software, including Washington State Public Safety Telecommunicator certification, ACCESS II certification, CPR, and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). Certification and training are provided by the City of Spokane.
Pass a thorough background investigation, including but not limited to criminal history.

Responsibilities

Dispatch emergency services and other government resources to provide appropriate assistance to the public and public safety partners through radio, computer equipment, and the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
Maintain contact with field units to support their safety and efficiency; communicate situation status, track unit status and location, and respond appropriately to calls and transmissions.
Assist field units with requests and inquiries, including system query responses.
Retrieve information from state and national crime information systems and process queries in the computerized crime information system.
Enter and update detailed information in computer terminals, including call nature and location and premise histories; prepare and maintain logs, listings, schedules, and files.
Answer, prioritize, and route incoming telephone calls and text messages for emergency and non-emergency services.
Guide and mentor newer employees and support them as they gain hands-on experience in daily operations.
Triage incidents using established policies and procedures.
May testify in court.
Perform related work as required.