Public Safety Dispatcher I - Northampton

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Northampton, MA

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of State Police is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher I at its Northampton facility. The dispatcher receives and processes emergency and law-enforcement communications through radio, teleprocessing, cellular 911, enhanced 911, and other police telecommunications systems. The role coordinates dispatch and information-sharing for law-enforcement and emergency personnel, communicates with public safety agencies and members of the public, and maintains records of communications. It also supports emergency warning systems, emergency transport of blood and organs, accessibility and language services, and other related operations. Employees have no choice of assigned shift or workdays and must work all three shifts, including during training. Regular weekend work and work on federal, state, and religious holidays are required. Voluntary and mandatory overtime may be required before or after shifts, sometimes with little or no notice. Employees must have reliable transportation suitable for a 24-hour work environment. Candidates must pass pre-employment screening, including drug screening, fingerprint-based criminal records checks, background checks, and a hearing test. A critical skills assessment must be successfully completed before hire. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified. Incumbents may be required to hold a valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to the assignment and may be required to obtain and maintain job-related certifications or credentials, including through on-the-job training.

Requirements

At least one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience operating communications systems or working in a fast-paced environment requiring multitasking.
A high school diploma or certificate of graduation from a secondary education school or program recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; an accepted Massachusetts high school equivalency diploma, GED, or equivalent recognized credential may also qualify.
Successfully complete a critical skills assessment before hire.
Pass pre-employment drug screening, fingerprint-based criminal records check, background check, and hearing test.
May be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to the assignment.
Must be able to obtain and maintain job-related certifications or credentials necessary for the work assignment.
Must have reliable transportation that will function in a 24-hour environment.
Must work all three shifts and assigned workdays, including regular weekends and holidays, and may be required to work voluntary and mandatory overtime, sometimes on short notice.

Responsibilities

Receive, review, and transmit emergency and law-enforcement communications using radio, teleprocessing, cellular 911, enhanced 911, and police telecommunications systems.
Coordinate communications activities of National Attack Warning Systems during public emergencies, in accordance with applicable FEMA rules and regulations.
Answer complaints and transmit broadcast orders to coordinate dispatch of law-enforcement and other emergency personnel.
Receive emergency and law-enforcement communications from the public through various devices and provide assistance as needed.
Coordinate law-enforcement activities during major actions, including high-speed chases, surveillance, searches, restraining orders, and search warrants.
Coordinate emergency personnel activities during major incidents, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, fires, domestic abuse incidents, and psychological commitments.
Use federal, state, municipal, and international law-enforcement and emergency communication systems to receive, evaluate, and forward information.
Respond to worldwide law-enforcement agency requests concerning missing or wanted individuals, criminal histories, stolen property, and sensitive intelligence.
Review requests and coordinate emergency transport of human blood and organs to medical facilities throughout the Commonwealth or nationwide.
Respond to telephone information requests from agencies, news media, and the public concerning law-enforcement and general information, including weather, road conditions, and travel directions.
Maintain records and files of radio transmissions and teleprocessing communications received or transmitted.
Maintain and operate an emergency TDY system for the hearing-impaired public.
Facilitate a language-line system for the non-English-speaking public.
Perform related duties as required.