Benefits)

Harford County•Forest Hill, MD

2d•$40,260 - $107,746•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Safety Emergency Communications Trainee - Fire is responsible for receiving and processing incoming Emergency and Non-Emergency requests for service. This position operates within defined process and procedure but also exercises judgement in determining response requirements and relative priorities of situations. The Public Safety Emergency Communications Trainee - Fire has primary responsibility for receiving and processing requests for public safety services. All candidates are required to pass the CritiCall Exam for further consideration. Incumbents in this class will undergo a training period through the Training Program within the Harford County Department of Emergency Services. The purpose of this training period is to provide the fundamentals for each position within the communications center, and certifications needed to perform the functions of the roles to which you are hired. Upon successful completion of classroom training the employee will serve a probationary training period including responsibility for accurate and rapid call-taking, dispatch, and information dissemination. This will ensure effective receipt, documentation and dispatch of all Calls for Service. Employees must complete this training period in call-taking and public safety dispatching to be eligible for promotion to the level of Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist I, which includes a skill-based pay increment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
None Previous Public Safety Experience
Possession of a valid Class “C” driver’s license with no more than three (3) points.
Applicants applying for this position must be at least 18 years of age.
Selected candidate must have a telephone.
Selected candidate must work on rotating shifts which will include nights, weekends and holidays when scheduled.
Selected candidate must have the ability to perform assignments or attend functions at various locations when required for job related duties.
Selected candidate must have: a) passed a typing test using a computer keyboard; b) passed an acute hearing and voice clarity test to determine fitness to perform duties of the job; c) passed a telecommunications skills test; d) passed an oral interview, which may include multi-tasking exercises.
Knowledge of computer operations and accurate data entry
Ability to learn county geography and emergency response resources
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, orally and in writing
Ability to comprehend, retain, and relay information under stress
Ability to work flexible and rotating schedules
Ability to maintain effective working relationships
Ability to sit or stand at a workstation for extended periods
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions using available information.
Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.

Nice To Haves

Previous Public Safety Experience Preferred

Responsibilities

Uses training and policies to screen requests for emergency services; answering them professionally, recognizing if a call is received from telephone, text, video, or an automated data feed. Elicits information rapidly, records and enters data into computer-aided dispatch system so that emergency personnel and apparatus may be dispatched on the call. Frequently screens and transfers calls to surrounding public service agencies.
May be required to dispatch accurately and effectively to police, fire, or ambulance and rescue apparatus responding to the scene of emergency calls via a two-way radio system. Activate pagers to advise fire and ambulance personnel of incident, and assists in calling and obtaining personnel and resources necessary to adequately handle the incident. Activates public warning systems. Utilizes proper policies and procedures for specific incidents.
Assists in the preparation and maintenance of the center's files and information which assist in the efficient dispatching of emergency personnel and equipment, including but not limited to, road maintenance/closure status, bridge closures, hydrant out-of-service status, fire protective system status, apparatus status, mutual aid status, EMS and police officer capabilities, phone numbers, hospital status, and area controlled burnings.
Enters and retrieves computer data pertinent to criminal history, motor vehicle and driver's license information utilizing NCIC, MILES and NLETS. Researches information on past and present incidents, in-house warrants, criminal summons, and arrest records via CAD system.
Provides information for public inquiries. Conducts inquiries and makes phone calls for police, fire, and EMS personnel as needed.
May be required to prepare written reports and documents.
Works rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends and overtime where appropriate.