Lead Dispatcher (Fire)

Job Title

Dispatcher

Job Description

Position Summary

Works under limited supervision to assist in the operation of multi-key telephone instruments, computer aided dispatch system, and other systems. Provides radio dispatch services to the citizens of Shelby County, Tennessee. Leads Dispatchers in dispatch duties. Assists Senior Dispatcher in daily operations and fulfills duties of Senior Dispatcher in their absence.

Pay Grade: 49 Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years working experience in Emergency Dispatch Communications for a public agency; AND
• High school diploma or possess a GED; OR
• An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience.
• PROOF OF EDUCATION; TRAINING; AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Acts as Lead Dispatcher overseeing daily shift operations to ensure the dispatch center operates efficiently and effectively; supervises Dispatchers' activities.
• Provides input on evaluations for Dispatchers.
• Aides in the recruitment and selection of new personnel.
• Directs staff and equipment to designated locations, including private ambulances while providing information to appropriate personnel by established protocols.
• Receives, monitors, and responds to all incoming emergency calls, complaints, and routine inquiries received by telephone.
• Relays certain calls and information by established procedures to Manager, Fire administration, and other agency officials.
• Keeps records and call logs to ensure established protocols are followed.
• Maintains proper operation of radios and communication equipment.
• Assists in developing and conducting required shift training and new employee training.
• Maintains time records, prepares performance evaluations, and takes disciplinary actions as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as required or directed.

KSAs

• Basic competency for this position requires unique requisite knowledge, comprehension, and application of skills for effective response to operational and supervisory activities.
• Effective interpersonal communications skills and leadership qualities in addition to having a thorough working knowledge of agency policies and procedures, operational activities and telecommunicator skills.
• Must have ability to promote individual and organizational performance to achieve agency mission, standards, and goals through leadership and training to provide the highest level of public safety communications services.
• Must be able to provide timely, accurate, and objective support and discipline of subordinate personnel.
• Understand and articulate the importance of ethical behavior for which he/she is directly responsible, i.e., agency guidelines for handling sensitive information for which confidentiality is required and expected.
• Must be able to maintain operational and technological competence as defined by the agency.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to type 25 wpm.
• Must have CPR certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification.
• Must have extensive experience in use of computer aided dispatch system(s).
• Must have extensive experience in use of radio equipment and basic troubleshooting methods.
• Must have an acceptable level of literacy.
• Must have acceptable cognitive and psychomotor skills.

Disclaimer This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment.  The residency requirement shall  not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.