Emergency Communications Specialist - Lead

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

1d•$27 - $38

About The Position

Behind every 911 call is a team of Emergency Communications Specialists (ECS) acting as a critical liaison between emergency response and people in need of help. An ECS Lead supervises this team. A typical day involves: Performing duties required of Emergency Communications Specialists--for emergency and non-emergency situations--including: Monitoring and logging telephone and radio traffic, acting as the first point of contact for people in need of help Coordinating effective response to calls for service Developing incident resolution strategies Operating communications equipment, including computer aided dispatch and radio systems Coordinating training, licensing, and certifications of the Emergency Medical Dispatch Center and its employees Maintaining Dispatch Center equipment, arranging for repairs when necessary Assisting supervisor with work schedule development and implementation, staff assignments Other duties will include: Testifying in court to verify log entries as supporting evidence Gathering and compiling data for operational statistic reports that documents historical information and informs agency goals Preparing for and attending the biennial audit with the Access Integrity Unit

Requirements

Knowledge of Public Safety operations, policies, and procedures
Knowledge of Computer aided dispatch
Knowledge of Regional Communication Center's geographic coverage area
Knowledge of Operation and functions of telecommunications equipment (radios, computer, telephone, teletype, fax, etc.)
Knowledge of National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS)
Ability to Train and motivate employees
Ability to Supervise staff, including delegating workloads, handling conflict resolution, and solving problems
Ability to Communicate verbally and in writing
Ability to Perform duties without supervision
Completion of the National Crime Information Center Terminal Operators course
Licensed Emergency Medical Dispatcher
Certified Terminal Operator (NCIC/METRO)
NG 9-1-1 Certification
ETC Certification
CPR Certification
Additional training and recertifications as required by law
Two (2) years of education, training, and/or experience in radio dispatch communications, which must include one (1) year in emergency communications operations.
Education, training, and/or experience must be within the last 5 years (from date of application) to qualify.
Certification as a Maine State Police Terminal Operator.
Certification as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (inherent in this certification is completion of approved CPR training).
Certification as a Fire Dispatcher
Certification as Medical and Fire Quality Assurance Auditor

Responsibilities

Monitoring and logging telephone and radio traffic
Acting as the first point of contact for people in need of help
Coordinating effective response to calls for service
Developing incident resolution strategies
Operating communications equipment, including computer aided dispatch and radio systems
Coordinating training, licensing, and certifications of the Emergency Medical Dispatch Center and its employees
Maintaining Dispatch Center equipment, arranging for repairs when necessary
Assisting supervisor with work schedule development and implementation, staff assignments
Testifying in court to verify log entries as supporting evidence
Gathering and compiling data for operational statistic reports that documents historical information and informs agency goals
Preparing for and attending the biennial audit with the Access Integrity Unit

Benefits

growth – build your career
health, dental, and vision insurance – take care of yourself
retirement savings – financially independent, even after you stop working
flexible spending accounts – manage out-of-pocket healthcare and/or daycare costs
gym membership reimbursement – better yourself
living resources (employee assistance program) – overcome difficult situations with support
paid holidays – thirteen each year
federal public loan forgiveness program – for qualifying loans and payments
statewide locations – from Kittery to Madawaska
training – develop knowledge, skills, and understanding
Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.91% for Confidential employees.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.