Fire Communications Officer I - SR-17

County of Hawai`i•Hilo, HI

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, receives formal and structured on-the-job training in the methods and procedures of emergency communication and dispatching operations. This includes call taking and dispatching Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and equipment, including Hazardous Materials and Search and Rescue operations, utilizing a specialized workstation with emergency 911 communications equipment and a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The role involves performing critical response decisions while communicating emergency and non-emergency information and providing callers with life-saving medical and safety instructions. Employees are expected to handle sensitive information discreetly and professionally, with increasing independence as skills develop. Tasks are performed in accordance with written policies and procedures, and performance is evaluated through observation and record examination. All voice and data entry is recorded and subject to monitoring. This is a career ladder position, with the next level being Fire Communication Officer II, SR-19. Successful completion of training and satisfactory performance may lead to independent status and promotion. The eligible list may be used for other vacancies, and temporary appointments may lead to permanent conversion. Special Working Conditions include twenty-four hour, seven-day-a-week operations requiring rotating shift assignments, weekend and holiday work, and overtime as required.

Requirements

Graduation from high school.
Two (2) years of work experience involving dispatching or public contact which shall have included providing information, answering questions and inquiries, and/or explaining policies, rules and regulations in person or by telephone.
Ability to type/keyboard at a rate of 35 words per minute (wpm).
Ability to comprehend written and verbal instructions.
Ability to receive constructive critique.
Ability to multi-task (performing more than one job-related task at a time) and switch back and forth between tasks.
Possession of a current Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) certificate and a current American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Certificate is required prior to completion of probationary period.

Nice To Haves

Persons hired into career ladder positions must meet minimum qualifications for the next level in the career ladder series, perform work at the higher level, and meet performance requirements to move to the next level in the career ladder series.

Responsibilities

Receives formal and on-the-job training on the basic functions and missions of the Hawai’i County Fire Department and fire and EMS communications operations.
Actively participates in a Call Taker and Dispatcher Training Program under direct supervision to perform the full range of emergency communication duties in the Fire Communications Center to include Fire, EMS, and Fire-related services, including Hazardous Materials and Search and Rescue.
Learns and becomes proficient in operating a specialized workstation comprised of computer based 911-telephone system, CAD system, computer based radio dispatching systems, and other supportive computer based devices to answer, triage and process 911 voice and text calls from the public for emergency and non-emergency assistance.
Utilizes the Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) application of the telephone system to communicate with deaf and/or speech impaired individuals.
Facilitates language interpretation between non-English speaking callers and interpreters.
Performs call taking and dispatching duties simultaneously when call volume exceeds staffing levels within the emergency dispatch center.
Receives training to provide callers with life-saving medical and safety instructions, in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Interacts with callers who may be injured, distressed, distraught, emotional and/or belligerent, maintaining professional decorum and attempting to calm distressed citizens.
Gathers information from the caller to ensure personnel and public safety; classifies, codes and prioritizes cases correctly; inputs data in the appropriate fields; adjusts to varying types of calls for assistance; maintains control of the conversations and makes sound decisions during life-threatening situations.
Evaluates information received to determine appropriate jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to be dispatched.
Multi-tasks while communicating clearly, calmly, and efficiently, with the public, departmental personnel, and government agencies while simultaneously using a computer, telephone, and various electronic databases.
Receives data from responding emergency personnel, Automatic Number Identification and Automatic Location Identification (ANI-ALI) data, Wireless Phase 1 & 2 (WHP1/2) data, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping systems, flight air traffic systems, and unit or cell phone Global Positions System (GPS) identifiers, to track units and callers deployed to the field for safety and organization, and enters information into various computer systems and logs.
Tracks the status of field resources and reporting parties, handles resource requests from field units, and dispatches appropriate field resources.
Manages radio operations during Mayday alarm activation, reroutes radio traffic, and assists on scene resources in the proper management of a search and rescue for downed emergency responders.
Manages patching of radio systems for mutual aid response between Federal, State, County, and non-governmental resources to facilitate scene organization.
Notifies supervisor of noteworthy incidents, natural or man-made disaster situations, road closures and incidents involving HFD personnel.
During major incidents may be assigned as an incident tactical dispatcher in the field during disaster operations within an incident command post to facilitate on site field dispatching and radio operations on a 24 hours basis.
During disasters this position is considered an emergency worker and will be expected to report to work prior to expected disaster onset and live and work within the dispatch center during and proceeding the event during increased operational staffing levels.
Adheres to and applies county, departmental and divisional policies, procedures and training manuals that serve as a guide to operations of the Fire Communications Center.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours.
Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.
Retirement Plan: The Employees’ Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai‘i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for active employees.
Credit Union Membership
Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.