Public Safety Emergency Communications Trainee - Fire (Perm/FT/Benefits)

Public Safety Emergency Communications Trainee - Fire

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. To help you prepare for the exam, we encourage you to review the information contained in the link below:

Salary Range: $40,260.00-$107,746.00

BUDGETED SALARY: $57,717.41/Annually

EXAMPLES OF WORK: The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department. The list is not inclusive. A position may require related duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.

• 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.

EXAMPLES OF TRAINING RECEIVED:

• Incident Simulations/Computer Aided Dispatching.
• Fire/EMS Communications.
• Dispatch and Call Taking certifications by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.
• Geography.
• Emergency Telecommunications Course.
• Policy, Procedure, and Legal Concepts

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• 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.

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE :

• None
• Previous Public Safety Experience Preferred

LICENSE: Possession of a valid Class "C" driver's license with no more than three (3) points.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :

• 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.
• Positions in this class are considered critical for snow events and county-wide emergencies.

*THE ONLINE CRITICALL EXAMINATION MAY TEST YOUR ABILITY TO:

• Follow rules and directions.
• Make decisions quickly and accurately based on rules you are provided.
• Enter data or information (such as names, telephone numbers, license plate sequences, etc.) into a computer using a keyboard.
• Hear, comprehend, summarize, and/or answer questions about information provided verbally in short story form.
• Use written information provided on lists (such as an alphabetically sequenced telephone book).
• Recognize if bits of information, such as addresses or names, are similar or different.
• Quickly learn and later recognize information that is shown in writing, such as descriptions (e.g., red car, blue boat, green shirt).
• Perform basic arithmetic (such as addition, subtraction, percentages) without a calculator or other tools.
• Hear and remember pieces of information, such as telephone numbers or license plate numbers, for a short period of time.
• Evaluate information provided in order to prioritize or categorize incidents.
• Evaluate information and identify the most correct solution based upon that information.
• Determine routes and/or locations using very basic maps. (No prior map-reading training or experience is required to correctly respond to these questions.)
• Correctly spell commonly used words which sound alike that might delay emergency assistance if misspelled (e.g., patience instead of patients).
• Communicate using sentences or phrases that clearly express the intended meaning.
• Read and comprehend written passages.

SAFETY: 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.

COMPENSATION: Other compensation may include but is not limited to:

• Overtime
• Compensatory time
• Shift Differentials

BENEFITS :

• Health, Dental & Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation
• Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION:

A valid Class C non-commercial drivers license with no more than three (3) points.