Public Safety Dispatcher I

City of Stamford • Stamford, CT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of a Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor, uses radio, computer terminal, or telephone to receive and record reports of emergency and non-emergency information, complaints, messages, and requests for service, assistance, or coverage; transmit reports and messages to mobile units, persons or departments; and dispatch equipment and personnel to location where service, assistance or coverage is needed. Functions as call-taker and/or radio dispatch operator for fire, police, or emergency medical service, as assigned. Is required to work evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends as assigned; does related work as directed.

Requirements

• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Thorough knowledge of the operation of radio and communications equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of dispatching terminology, procedure, and equipment.
• Ability to effectively utilize departmental radio, telephone, and computer systems.
• Ability to remain calm and maintain composure under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to deal effectively with others and maintain positive working relationships.
• Knowledge of, and ability to effectively utilize, all components of Emergency Medical Dispatch.
• Knowledge of the City of Stamford geography, including, but not limited to, streets, landmarks, and other prominent locations.
• Ability to find information in directories, manuals, and computer files.
• Ability to maintain logs and files.
• Ability to receive, clarify records, and input oral and written communications accurately and in a timely fashion.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Proficiency in keyboarding.
• Graduation from an accredited high school and a minimum of three (3) years of general work experience which includes using computer technology and interacting with customers and/or co-workers.
• Within one year of hire must obtain the following certifications: State of Connecticut Public Safety Telecommunicator, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Enhanced 911, and COLLECT/NCIC.
• As a condition of continued employment, all listed certifications must be maintained.
• Candidates must pass each and all tests in order to obtain, and maintain, final placement on the Eligible List.
• Part I - Computer Test: Type at a minimum speed of 30 WPM with an error rate no higher than 5%; and Enter alphabetic and numeric data with speed and accuracy.
• Part II - Written Test: Oral Communication, Vocabulary, Analytical Ability and Map Reading, Ability to perform dispatch work, Reading Comprehension, Interpreting codes and Information.
• Part III - Oral assessment to evaluate oral communication skills will be conducted during the course of the employment interview.
• Part III - A recorded speech clarity performance test.

Responsibilities

• Receives emergency and non-emergency complaints, messages, information, and requests for service by radio or telephone.
• Questions callers to obtain further information as required.
• Utilizes several programs for emergency verification including Carbyne, Rapid SOS, and What 3 Words.
• Sets priorities among incoming calls to determine which should be transmitted first.
• Determines appropriate course of action based on departmental procedures and information from the computer-aided dispatch system and/or Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols.
• Explains to the caller steps to be taken or a third party at the scene to assist the individual requiring emergency medical response.
• Transmits messages by radio to mobile units or by telephone to the appropriate person, department, or agency.
• Dispatches proper equipment and personnel to locations where service, assistance, or coverage is needed.
• Monitors various radio frequencies, computer terminals, or other systems for information or requests for assistance.
• Obtains information from reference books and manuals or computer files and appropriate language references.
• Maintains various logs and files manually or on the computer.
• Assists in on-the-job training of new personnel.
• Operates recording equipment.
• Checks equipment, requesting repair service as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED