Lateral Communications Officer (9-1-1 Dispatcher)

Frederick County Local Government•Winchester, VA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking experienced Emergency Communications 9-1-1 Dispatchers with a strong commitment to public service and a solid foundation in technical skills. This lateral position is ideal for candidates ready to contribute immediately while continuing to grow in a supportive, team-oriented environment. At Frederick County Public Safety Communications, you’ll work in a fast-paced, modern facility that leverages cutting-edge technology to provide critical support to the public 24/7/365 in a growing region. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes full health and dental coverage, paid life insurance, participation in the Virginia Retirement System, and generous paid time off. We also offer on-call pay, various differentials, and a Career Development Program.

Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
Graduation from high school, or equivalent, General Educational Development (GED) required.
Must have comparable emergency communications center experience that handles non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone calls, uses a CAD system, and dispatches for police, fire, and rescue services
Current personnel must meet the requirements of the Career Development Program.
Others must have at least 5 years’ experience at a comparable emergency communications center that handles non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone calls, uses a CAD system, and dispatches for police, fire, and rescue services.
There can be no more than a 1-year gap in employment between the previous experience and the application.
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and radio.
Positions in this classification occasionally (daily, weekly, or monthly) bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
Employees may occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Employees must remain alert and responsive while coordinating stressful situations in a fluid and dynamic work environment.
Personnel are required to wear a headset device.
All positions are subject to a criminal background check for any convictions that relate to the job duties and responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Must possess required certifications OR be prepared to obtain them immediately upon employment: (1) Virginia Basic Telecommunicator, including National Emergency Management Systems (NIMS) 100, 200,700 and 800 (2) Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) full access (3) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (4) IAED Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) (5) IAED Emergency Fire Dispatch

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for all 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls.
Assess, prioritize, and process calls to determine the appropriate response.
Provide life-saving instructions and maintain communication with callers during emergencies.
Dispatch and relay critical information to public safety personnel via radio and CAD systems.
Monitor and document incidents using Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and related systems.
Coordinate with law enforcement, fire/rescue, and other agencies to ensure effective response.
Access and interpret local, state, and national databases (including VCIN) as needed.
Maintain situational awareness of locations, resources, and incidents within Frederick County and surrounding areas.
Exercise sound judgment and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Deliver professional, courteous service to the public and partner agencies.
Work collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Maintain regular attendance and flexibility to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.