Emergency Dispatcher I

PURPOSE: The purpose of this position is to receive and evaluate in-coming police, fire, and/or EMS emergency and non-emergency calls, compile relevant information from callers, initiate an incident in CAD to be dispatched and dispatch police, fire and/or EMS units and personnel to the scene or transfer the call to the appropriate agency. This position acts under the supervision of a police and/or fire and EMS Dispatch Supervisor. JOB DESCRIPTION: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Trained and currently certified on either Police or Fire/EMS CAD and call-taking protocols. o Receives and evaluates all in-coming calls to determine the urgency of the reported situation. Compiles incident location, participants and other relevant information and dispatches appropriate units to respond. o Gathers information and prioritizes calls. o Tracks availability and status of response personnel. · Logs and documents calls for service. · Relays information clearly and concisely to response personnel and callers. · Enters calls for service data, including type, location and incident response into CAD system. · Monitors multiple radio channels and telephone lines. · Maintains knowledge of emergency communication equipment operations, emergency communication procedures and techniques, and County geography. · May assist with in-house training of new Emergency Dispatch Call-Takers, Emergency Dispatchers, and other employees as requested. · Maintains building security, including limited access to front doors after hours. · May perform inquiries regarding wanted subjects, stolen property, and other information through the MULES computer database and relay information to law enforcement personnel. May conduct criminal history, towed vehicle, ex parte, and missing persons checks. · Copies information to be delivered to other divisions or departments. · Receives fax transmissions and distributes messages to the proper individual. · May utilize resources such as MULES, REJIS, CAD, mobile data, AS400, and other online databases to collect pertinent information. · May maintain warrant entry/removal files for various municipal agencies. · Receives messages regarding the status of work operations during non-work hours. · Must be available to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including holidays and weekends. · Must participate in on-call rotations and work mandatory overtime when required. · Performs other duties as assigned. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REQUIREMENTS: · Graduation from a general/technical high school or equivalent - Additional college courses preferred · Successful completion of HIRE c omputerized skills testing - Overall Score of 77% with a combination of Structured Score of 80%, and Practical Score of 70% · Ability to work 12-hour shifts rotating between days and nights, as well as weekends and holidays · Must be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) or Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) or wil ing to obtain EMD/EFD or EPD certification within 90 days of appointment; and be willing to be certified in all three at time of cross-training · Ability to interview callers under stressful situations and enter the appropriate information into the CAD System in an accurate and timely manner · Ability to speak with clarity and calmness in emergency situations · Ability to recall detailed information with accuracy · Ability to relay information to field personnel quickly and accurately · Ability to sit at Dispatcher console for long periods of time · Excellent oral communication and hearing skills · Prior Police, Fire and/or Emergency Medical Dispatching experience preferred · Working knowledge of St. Charles County street systems and jurisdictional boundaries preferred · All applicants extended a conditional offer will be required to satisfactorily complete the following: medical exam to include vision and hearing tests, drug screen, psychological evaluation, and a full background investigation including: verification of qualifying credentials; criminal history report; verification of personal and professional references; education verification; and employment history. Applicants must be free of felony convictions and/or pending charges. (Failure to disclose any information on background investigation may disqualify an applicant.) · Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.