Emergency Communications Specialist 1-Advanced

Santa Fe County•Santa Fe, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Emergency Communications Specialist receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for the Santa Fe Regional Emergency Communications Center (RECC), provides life-saving instructions by telephone, and accurately documents incidents and reports. The role processes medical calls using Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols, gathers information for radio operators and field responders, and maintains communications and dispatch records. The position works under the direct supervision of the RECC Training Coordinator and Emergency Communications Specialist Team Leader, the Center Manager, and the close supervision of the Director of RECC. The work is primarily performed in an office environment. The employee must be willing to work any day and any hour, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Extended hours, irregular shifts, occasional overnight travel, and on-call duties for emergencies or staffing shortages may be required. The role involves exposure to distressed individuals and requires compliance with pre-employment physical, drug/alcohol screening, and criminal background screening. A valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License must be maintained, and the selected employee must obtain and maintain required certifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of experience within the RECC or another public safety dispatch agency.
Possess NCIC Certification or obtain it within 12 months of hire.
Possess or obtain and maintain a valid New Mexico DPS Basic Dispatch Certificate within 12 months of hire.
Possess CPR certification or obtain it within six months of hire.
Possess or obtain International Academies of Emergency Dispatch certification (EMD) within six months of hire.
Sign a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.
Maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License.
Accurately type at least 35 words per minute.
Knowledge of emergency dispatch systems, operations, policies, and procedures; modern office practices; and Santa Fe County street locations and the geography of areas served.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, EMD protocols.
Ability to operate word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software, as well as NCIC, RMS, Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), E-911, and public safety dispatch systems.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing, deal effectively with the public, and maintain a clear telephone and radio voice under stress.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, exchange or convey information, and provide work directions.
Good diplomacy and decision-making skills, and ability to work accurately and follow oral and written instructions and guidelines.
Willingness to work any days and hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays; extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.
For internal promotion from ECS-1 Basic: obtain and maintain the certifications and training required for ECS-1 Advanced, complete promotional testing, demonstrate leadership, teamwork, job competency, and the position’s qualifications, have a performance evaluation dated within the previous 12 months, and have no “Needs Improvement” rating.
Pass a County-paid pre-employment physical, drug/alcohol screening, and criminal background screening.
Be free of convictions or other crimes involving moral turpitude; prior criminal convictions may or may not disqualify applicants.
Obtain and maintain all required certifications.

Responsibilities

Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Provide life-saving instructions by telephone and process medical calls using Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols.
Answer incoming calls, determine their nature, gather necessary information, and relay it for field responders.
Maintain logs of telephone communications and the locations of personnel and equipment.
Maintain contact with responding personnel during emergencies and communicate pertinent incoming information.
Track information such as traffic-light outages and street closures, and keep emergency personnel and the public informed.
Enter data into standard office and department forms, both manually and electronically.
Maintain dispatch documents and records.
Assist other Emergency Communications Specialists and supervisors with projects as requested.
Attend seminars, workshops, and training classes.
Maintain cleanliness of RECC dispatch consoles and equipment.