911 Dispatcher

Job Title

Emergency Communications Dispatcher

Job Description

Receives and dispatches emergency and routine calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency services by performing the following duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receives and screens incoming calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, or other emergency services.
• Questions callers to determine location and seriousness of emergency and response needed.
• Enters information into computer-aided dispatch system.
• Operates two-way radio and/or other communications equipment to dispatch police, fire, medical, and other personnel and equipment and to relay instructions or information to remote units.
• Provides pre-arrival instructions to caller, including CPR.
• Coordinates police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency requests, relaying instructions to closest and most suitable units available.
• Relays information between hospital staff and emergency medical technicians at site or in ambulance.
• Provides preliminary first aid instructions before paramedic truck or ambulance arrives.
• Transmits and receives messages between divisions of own agency and other law enforcement agencies.
• Monitors silent alarm systems, remote cameras, and other systems used to detect illegal entry and maintain security.
• Contacts police officers to verify assignment locations, monitors dispatched units and, when necessary, serves as liaison with caller.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves information from a variety of computer systems.
• Answers or forwards non-emergency requests for assistance.
• Tests communications and alarm equipment and backup systems to ensure serviceability.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience

High School Diploma or GED and a combination of one year of clerical; computer operation; heavy telephone/public contact or related experience. Thirty (30) semester hours of college credit may substitute for one year of required experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

TCOLE Operator's Certification preferred but not required. A valid class C driver's license with a clean driving record is a requirement of this position. CPR Certification - Must be able to be obtained within 6 months.

The City of Lancaster offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees which includes: health care; paid holidays, vacation time, sick leave, retirement, longevity, tuition reimbursement and more. To learn more details, visit our benefits page.

This position requires a valid driver's license with a clean driving record. This position requires availability for nights, weekends, and holidays. This position requires handling emergency calls and making decisions in stressful, fast-paced situations. This position requires successful completion of an extensive background process, including a drug screen, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and fingerprinting. This position involves handling high-volume calls from the public, including emergency and stressful situations.