Telecommunicator I

Manatee County Government•Bradenton, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This classification performs communications work in the operation of telephone, radio, and other related equipment in the 911 Emergency Communications Center. Work is performed in a high stress environment under direct supervision and involves primary responsibility for answering emergency calls and taking appropriate action. The Emergency Communications Center is operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, requiring shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. The schedule is a two-week rotating basis, with shifts being two (2) twelve (12) hour shifts (7:00-19:00 days and 19:00-7:00 nights). This is a safety-sensitive position, and continued employment is contingent upon passing pre-employment and employment screenings, including drug/alcohol screenings.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Position requires a psychological examination and a medical examination to determine fitness for duty.
Candidates must successfully complete H.I.P.A.A. certification through pre-employment training and exercises.
Telecommunicator must successfully complete the following department-provided training/certification programs within specified time frames as required: Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification within three months of hire, Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification within three months of hire, Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification within three months of hire, National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications within one year of hire, Introduction to Hazardous Materials certification within three months of hire, C.P.R certification within three months of hire, Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC) or equivalent within three months of hire, Complete Mandatory State Telecommunicator license within one year of hire.
Must pass NCIC/FCIC criminal background check.
Must complete F.B.I CJIS Security Awareness Training within six months of hire.
All required certifications must remain current and active.

Responsibilities

Quickly learns and applies knowledge of major County Landmarks, common areas, housing developments, mobile home parks, schools, churches, major employers, fire and EMS station locations, shelters, all major highways and arteries, street-grid number/naming conventions, and major anomalies to these; creates County maps outlining emergency service zones for Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement as training aids.
Quickly learns and applies applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Use of a headset while continually sitting at a computer terminal for long periods of time.
Maintains concentration; operates keyboard and communications equipment in a rapid, accurate, and efficient manner.
Answers emergency 911 calls using the VESTA computer system.
Takes appropriate action to obtain and verify callers address, identity, and the need of the caller.
Determines correct response for Fire, EMA, Police, or any other agency response.
Follow agencies SOP and protocols for all call types.
Uses Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) for 911 call processing, verification of caller location and agency response determination.
Build computer screens on CAD system for Fire, EMS and Police Dispatch.
Provides critical information in "remarks" fields of CAD screen to assist responders.
Prepares and uses manual paper "cards" for use when CAD is inoperable.
Uses emergency medical, police and fire protocol software and/or flip cards to determine level and priority of medical, police and fire response.
Keep compliance level up to standards set by the agency.
Maintain bi-annual IAED certification along with updates on all protocols.
Comprehends and follows oral and written instructions; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others; and accepts constructive directions from co-workers and supervisors when dealing in emergency and/or non-emergency situations.
Thinks and acts quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations; communicates clearly and effectively in a concise and non-offensive manner, orally and in writing.
Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.