Part Time Communications Officer/911 Call Taker

Description

PART TIME COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER/DISPATCHER

Summary / General Purpose:


The part-time / on-call Communications Officer will answer, process, and transmit emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, emergency medical responders, and other agencies via telephone, radio, and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.


Regular Part-time / On-call

• Regular part-time Communications Officers will work a regular, part-time schedule of no more than 29 hours per week. Schedules may be days, nights, weekends, or combination.
• On-call Communications Officers will work up to 29 hours per week in response to sick, emergency, or irregular staffing needs, across all shifts, and receive a pay differential.
• Employees may choose to work a combination of regular part-time and on-call shift
• Employees will work a minimum of 40 hours per month.
• Employees will follow Part Time Policy

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receive and respond to requests for police, fire, medical, or other services. Relay information regarding incidents and other activities to appropriate agencies and staff.
• Thoroughly, quickly, and accurately interview callers to determine authenticity, nature, identity, and location of required services, and enter information into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Utilize and interpret caller information provided to determine priority of services required.
• Evaluate speech and emotional state of callers, utilize interpersonal, conflict resolution, and communication skills to de-escalate emotional callers, provide instructions, and ensure appropriate assistance and / or services are provided.
• Maintain records, timelines, identification, and type(s) of service(s) provided.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance during operating hours to perform the duties of the position, including other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:


This position requires the ability to remain calm, focused, and professional in high-stress and emotionally intense situations, including handling traumatic or life-threatening emergencies. Communications Officers may be exposed to distressing calls involving injury, death or violent events. Candidates must demonstrate strong emotional resilience, sound judgement, and the ability to multi-task under pressure.

Regular exposure to emotionally distressing and traumatic situations, requiring emotional stability and resilience.

Extended periods of sitting, typing, wearing a headset, and computer work, regular standing and walking, and occasional lifting up to 20 pounds in an office environment.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Level I:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to type 40 words per minute.
• Ability to pass a critical-thinking skills evaluation prior to date of hire.
• Ability to successfully pass psychological evaluation, background check. fingerprint check and drug screen.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
• Must have high level of emotional resilience required to handle exposure to traumatic and distressing situations, including reports of violence, injury, or death.
• Time management and organizational skills to consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse audience of staff, customers, vendors, and general public, utilizing effective interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, always acting with integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to speak, read, and write professionally, as well as compile, analyze and present information in English.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs
• Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, or overtime as requested for back-up shifts.
• Valid Utah driver license or ability to obtain within 2-weeks of date of hire.
• Ability to pass drug screening, fingerprint and criminal background check.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the following certifications:
  • Utah State Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) / FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification within three months of date of hire.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain the following: Ability to obtain and maintain National Incident Management (NIMS) 100, 200, Annually complete thirty (30) hours, minimum, of continuing education and mandated training to retain certifications.

Additional Qualifications and Experience Level II:

• 2 years of job-related experience and/or EMT or Paramedic student.
• Willingness to work in two (2) or more areas (Call Taking, Police, Fire, Medical) and with multiple agencies / jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated competency and certification (or years of experience or training program).
• Ability to mentor Communications Officer-I as requested.
• Proficient with Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.

Additional Qualifications and Experience Level III:

• 3 years of job-related experience and/or current/prior experience as a first responder.
• Willingness to work in all areas of dispatch (Call Taking, Police, Fire, Medical) and with multiple agencies / jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated competency and certification (or years of experience or training program).
• Ability to mentor Communications Officer-II as requested.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Previous experience in a medical or Public Safety position
• Spanish language proficiency.