Dispatcher

*FULL TIME AND PART TIME POSTIONS AVAILABLE*

Definition:
Under the direction of the Director of Communications, a Dispatcher will be responsible for the deployment and tracking and movement of units on an ongoing basis throughout the day per local System Status Management Plan. They will broadcast orders to crews regarding runs, emergencies and general information.


Dispatchers will operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment relay information or orders to proper individuals or members of management.


In addition, the dispatcher, under Emergency Medical Dispatch protocol, will be required to take caller information, determine the nature of the run request, dispatch runs (emergent and non-emergent) to the crews in an appropriate and timely manner, and record pertinent information.

Reports To:
Dispatch Supervisor or Communications Director as appropriate for all operational activities.

Specific Duties:

• Demonstrates complete knowledge, understanding and compliance of company policies and procedures.
• Ensures that Computer Aided Dispatch computer console, phone system, radio system and all equipment is ready for use at the beginning of each shift.
• Ensures security of buildings, Dispatch Center and all other company property.
• Performs daily inspections of their work area and of the Dispatch Center for cleanliness. Then performs the appropriate housekeeping duties to ensure their work area is clean, free from clutter and sanitary at all times.
• Maintains appropriate communications with company units, managers, support staff, receiving healthcare facilities and other agencies via radio, data link, pager or cell phone as required.
• Is knowledgeable as to local geography to include location of hospitals, public venues as well as local streets and highway systems.
• Deploys, tracks and moves units on an ongoing basis throughout the day per local System Status Posting Plan.
• Responds to all calls for service promptly and accurately answering incoming phone calls for service per Emergency Medical Dispatch and company procedure as required.
• Utilizes appropriate Emergency Medical Dispatch and company procedure to accurately determine the exact nature of each call giving pre arrival instructions to callers per appropriate emergency medical dispatch and company procedure.
• Contacts and dispatches by radio, pager or MDT the most appropriate unit each request for service.
• Obtains complete intake information from all callers and inputs information received into Computer Aided Dispatch system.
• Communicates and coordinates with Field Supervisors, Operations Managers and other management and support staff to ensure the proper number of fully equipped and staffed vehicles are available to fulfill local System Status Plan on a daily basis.
• Acts at all times in the best interests of high quality patient care, in the best interest of the patient, and in such a manner to reflect credibly on the company and the professional reputation of the Dispatcher.
• Acts at all times with the safety of field crews he/she is dispatching in mind, as well as the safety of the patient, other EMS personnel, bystanders, and any other public safety personnel present at scene.
• Provides appropriate pre arrival instructions per appropriate emergency medical dispatch and company procedure.
• Maintains security and privacy of all company and patient information at all times in accordance HIPPA and all other local, state and federal regulations.
• Accepts responsibility for recertification as an EMD and for other required license's and certifications as required by company, local, regional, and state policies, regulations or laws.
• Reports to assigned shifts on time, properly groomed in uniform and on time unless the proper notification has been made. Remains on-duty and in proper uniform until properly relieved.
• At all times sets an example of professionalism and leadership for others to follow. Places patient care excellence and safety above all else.
• Performs other duties as directed by management.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must possess a high degree of personal integrity and responsibility.
• Currently licensed, certified or registered by the appropriate state agencies. (Preferred)
• Currently certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch by MPDS or other appropriate organization. (Preferred)
• Must have the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, using good judgment.
• Must have the ability to work in a fast paced, hectic, high-pressure environment.
• Must have the ability to simultaneously manage multiple activities without error.
• Must have superior spatial orientation ability in order to be able to read and interpret maps.
• Must have good computer skills and be able to type at least 30 words per minute.
• Must have the ability to work efficiently and interact in a constructive and professional manner with other employees, public safety personnel and medical staff.
• Must have the ability to interact effectively and professionally with patients, customers, clients, family members, bystanders, and the general public in such a manner as to reflect positively on the company.
• Must demonstrate a level of skill and ability consistent with the provision of quality customer care.
• Prefer previous or current certification as Emergency Medical Technician.

Physical Requirements:

• The ability to reach, push and pull.
• The ability to sit for long periods of time.
• The ability to use phones and radios to communicate with callers, crews and other staff
• The ability use mouse or keyboard to input data into computer over long periods of time.
• The ability to view graphic and text data on multiple computer screens for long periods of times.
• The ability to complete all job duties during any and all hours of the day and night.