Emergency Communications Specialist

Douglas County•Emergency Management - Minden, NV

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Douglas County Emergency Management is seeking individuals with a desire to serve their community in a critical public safety role by providing key communications support for law enforcement and first responders across multiple partner agencies in our region. Emergency Communications Specialists, also referred to as "dispatchers", and known as “the first, first responder” are often the first trained point of contact in an emergency. They begin the important work of obtaining essential information and sending the appropriate responders to the proper location. They may also provide instructions to the 9-1-1 caller, which in many cases is essential to stabilizing or saving a life. Requiring sound judgment, attention to detail, and professional customer service, dispatchers are responsible for performing quick, efficient, and accurate dispatching of calls and messages with public safety units and personnel in the field. The right candidates for these positions will demonstrate composure under pressure, strong communication skills, and a commitment to success through teamwork. If you are looking for a fulfilling career that has a positive impact on our community, the Emergency Communications Specialist could be the perfect opportunity. This is full-time shift work in an Emergency Communications Center, which operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Employees in this position can expect to rotate through a variety of shifts including days, nights, holidays and weekends. Shifts are typically 8 or 10 hours in duration. During the typical 6-8-month training period, trainees will work alongside different trainers during each training phase and work varying shifts in accordance with their trainer's assigned shift.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED and two (2) years of customer service or general full-time work experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Valid Driver’s License
Satisfactory completion of Basic ECS Training Program within 12 months of date of employment.
Must obtain the following certificates, licenses, and registrations within 12 months of date of employment (training is provided by the department): International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (Emergency Fire Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Police Dispatch courses), Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Communications Training Officer program, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Tactical Dispatcher, National Incident Management System (NIMS), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Nevada Criminal Justice System (NCJIS).

Responsibilities

Performs intermediate work processing emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency calls for Douglas County, NV and Alpine County, CA while providing appropriate lifesaving instructions; dispatching the appropriate law enforcement, fire department, and emergency medical service resources via two-way radio while checking local, state, and federal databases for responder safety information; performs related tasks as apparent or assigned.
Provides public safety communication services for emergency and non-emergency purposes for various agencies such as Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, East Fork Fire Protection District, Tahoe-Douglas Fire Protection District, Washoe Tribal Police, and Alpine County’s Sheriff, Fire and Medical services; takes emergency and non-emergency calls for animal control and general improvement districts and other utilities; keeps track of a wide variety of public safety responders, resources, personnel, incidents and trends.
Works a rotating schedule that may include day, swing, and graveyard shifts, weekends, and holidays, as assigned, to ensure 24-hour coverage and continuous operation of the facility.
Adjusts to changes in shift assignments based on operational needs.
Receives, screens, and takes appropriate action on all emergency service calls to include 911 calls from the public requesting law enforcement, fire and EMS; determines nature and location of emergency, determines priority, dispatches emergency responders/units as necessary in accordance with established department policies and procedures; relays pertinent information to law enforcement and emergency services officers in a concise, organized and understandable manner.
Enters emergency assistance call information into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD); determines location of call; inputs information into the NCJIS and NCIC systems; enters data for reports and records, processes forms and record files; queries system databases as requested; maintains records and files in accordance with established standards.
Provides information, instructions and assistance to the public within scope of authority; provides detailed call information to first responders as needed; maintains status and awareness of unit locations; monitors message traffic and relays information as required.
Receives and relays information regarding incidents and other activities to appropriate agencies and staff.
Notifies key County staff on critical incidents; follows all Department policies and procedures to assure that first responder and public safety is the top priority; contacts other law enforcement and emergency services agencies for additional information and resources as needed.
Performs inquiries and criminal history checks for law enforcement staff through NCIC and NCJIS systems; collects statistical data for reports; updates and ensures the accuracy of database.
Receives and processes non-emergency calls; interviews callers and gathers information, prioritizes calls for service, and determines appropriate staff to respond; dispatches emergency responders if appropriate; transfers calls as appropriate.
Deals with sensitive information in a discrete and professional manner ensuring confidentiality; maintains a positive customer service attitude at all times with the public, user agencies, co-workers and supervisors.
Assists in the development and training of staff; attends in-service sessions as required.
Participates in the Quality Assurance Program as required by reviewing medical and fire calls for service compliance to IAED and Douglas County standards; provides leadership, training and updates to team members as required.
May use County vehicle to perform various tasks related to job duties.
Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.
Contributes effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.