Civilian Dispatcher- HELP Program

Civilian Dispatcher

RESIDENCY: Candidates must have been legal residents of the following jurisdiction(s) for at least four months immediately preceding the date of the application: Livingston County, or one of the following Counties: Allegany, Genesee, Monroe, Ontario, Steuben or Wyoming.

The work involves responsibility for answering radio and telephone alarms or calls and dispatching Deputy Sheriffs, local police, State Troopers, fire, ambulance or other emergency equipment to scenes of emergencies and/or fires. This is responsible work requiring the operation of computers, radios and other devices to dispatch personnel and equipment to scenes of crimes, accidents, and other emergencies. A dispatcher must be able to effectively operate computers, radios, tele-type communications and other automatic devices and must maintain a high degree of alertness and a calm demeanor in responding to crisis situations. The position requires the ability to maintain a variety of records related to its communications function and also file, search and perform other clerical duties as time permits. Supervision of others is not a responsibility of this class. The work is performed on an assigned shift, in accordance with established policies and procedures. General supervision is received from a Senior Civilian Dispatcher, the Emergency Communications Director and the Sheriff or their designee. A Civilian Dispatcher – HELP Program does related work as assigned.

Examples of Duties

• Receives calls from the public in need of emergency assistance, records calls and/or alarms and determines the appropriate action necessary;
• Dispatches patrol cars, emergency fire and ambulance personnel to the scene, as needed;
• Maintains communications between Dispatch Center and emergency scene;
• Makes periodic contact with all patrol units to monitor officers' locations in case assistance is needed;
• Makes entries into National Crime Information Center (NCIC) & Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) computer databases of wanted/missing persons, stolen property, and other crime related and sensitive law enforcement information;
• Runs checks on drivers' licenses, motor vehicle registrations, guns, and property and forwards confidential responses to the law enforcement community;
• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls from other agencies or the public requesting information, determines appropriate response and/or transfers call to appropriate agency or department;
• Maintains log of all radio transmissions and files of all tele-type messages sent and received;
• Records basic information such as locations, names, times and nature of complaints on appropriate forms;
• Contacts towing services for damaged or illegally parked vehicles;
• Notifies medical examiners, coroners, District Attorney, or news media for fatalities or homicides;
• Runs criminal records checks using department arrest records and State and Federal databases for Sheriff's and other police department officials, District Attorney, and others;
• Pages Child Protective workers, Public Health Nurses, Dog Control officers, Highway personnel, and other County personnel as needed;
• Performs routine clerical operations connected with the preparation, filing and duplication of reports of activities;
• Maintains security and order of the dispatch center; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of the operation of computers, two-way radio systems, tele-type communications and automatic equipment, including Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations; good knowledge of the geography of Livingston and surrounding counties; working knowledge of modern practices and terminology of police, fire and emergency medical services work; working knowledge of the use of a multi-line telephone console; ability to receive and relay messages in a manner which ensures the communication of the essential data required to provide for effective action; ability to multi-task and use good judgment to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations; ability to obtain accurate information from emotional and distraught individuals; ability to speak clearly and calmly on the telephone and radio; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and follow written and oral directions; ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports; willingness to work any shift; tact; courtesy; emotional maturity; mental alertness; physical condition commensurate to the demands of the position.

Typical Qualifications

Applicants must meet all requirements for one of the following qualification options in order to be approved for examination and/or appointment:

Qualification Option # - 1 - 2

Training/Education - Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma. - None required.

General experience - None required. - Two years of full-time, paid experience in a position involving the use of communications equipment in the dispatching of emergency personnel; OR Two years of full-time, paid experience in a law enforcement, fire fighter or emergency medical services position.

Supervisory experience - N.A.

License/Certification - See Special Qualifications below.

Other requirements - N.A.

Part-time service will be given prorated credit toward experience requirements.

Supplemental Information

1. Successful completion of NCIC/DCJS eJustice examination within six months of appointment.
2. Successful completion of basic tele-communicator's course and emergency medical dispatch course within one year of appointment.

SPECIAL NOTE: This is a position in the non-competitive class for which candidates are selected to serve a maximum term of appointment for one year. An appointee will attain competitive status as a Civilian Dispatcher, without examination, upon the HELP Program ending or one year of service with satisfactory ratings. Civilian Dispatchers - HELP Program – NC in County Service NOTE: Livingston County residency is not a requirement for this position. However, Livingston County residents will be given preference in the hiring process.