Emergency Communications Fire/EMS Dispatcher

Emergency Communications Dispatcher

Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for emergency services provision via phone, text and radio(s). Provides emergency medical dispatch instructions to incoming callers. Dispatches Fire-Rescue units to a wide variety of emergency situations, communicates via radio to units and processes the calls by producing detailed logs of transmissions to and from the Communications Center and units in the field, makes notifications to key staff, partner agencies, personnel and units. Provides optimum customer service to callers under significant emotional strain and stress.

**Annual Salaries are not inclusive of any automatic overtime. Typical schedule is 2,184 hours annually.

CAREER PATHING OPPORTUNITIES

Emergency Communication Trainee/Dispatcher I(Successfully complete 6 month county probation period) - $37,044.00/yr

Emergency Communications Dispatcher II(Complete in house state certified 4 week training academy; Attend and successfully pass an Emergency Medical Dispatch Course) - $38,896.00/yr

Emergency Communications Dispatcher III(160-240 hours of radio dispatch training; Successfully obtained Public Safety Telecommunicator certification; Pass Emergency Communications Dispatch exam part 1 and 2 with an 80% or higher) - $41,618.00/yr

Emergency Communications Dispatcher IV(240-300 hours of radio training; Meet or exceeds dispatch average of 30 seconds; Passed the Emergency Communications Dispatch Exam part 3 with a 80% or higher) - $44,947.00/yr

Additional Incentives:

Night Differential

On-Call Pay

Communications Training Officer

Provides customer service and lifesaving instructions to the citizens of Seminole County and internal customers. Dispatches and tracks fire/rescue units to various emergencies within the County.

Answers emergency and non-emergency calls via 9-1-1 phone system, Motorola radio system, and administrative telephone lines.

Extracts necessary information from incoming calls, including evaluating calls to determine the nature and urgency of the call.

Operates an advanced Fire/EMS Emergency Communication suite consisting of computer aided dispatch (CAD), multiple computer terminals and monitors, multiple interfaced systems and applications, computerized telephone system and Motorola radio system.

Requires multi-tasking; simultaneous typing (rapid keyboarding), talking on the radio, answering multiple telephone calls, and switching between computer screens and applications.

Utilizes emergency medical and fire dispatching software to assess caller situation and provide lifesaving instruction when necessary while units are in route.

Studies and maintains familiarity with the locations and common place names of major roads, streets, industrial plants, county parks, and buildings in the County.

Responsible for dispatching the closes and most appropriate Fire/EMS unit(s).

Responsible for tracking of the status and location of all fire apparatus and fire investigators.

Transmits messages and information to Fire/EMS units responding to calls.

Provides emergency medical and fire instructions to citizens while EMS and Fire units are in route.

Contacts outside agencies and other departments to coordinate aid (i.e., contacts utility companies to inform that wires are down or to arrange for electrical shutoffs, contacts the water services department to arrange for water turn-off, contacts law enforcement for police assistance).

Answers routine questions or refers calls to appropriate agencies on non-Fire/EMS inquiries Answers after hours calls for various County departments.

Consults supervisor on non-routine matters.

Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Additional Duties Performs other related work as required. In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

High School Diploma/GED required. Pass ECOMM testing standards Previous testing scores within the last year will be accepted. Must be able to Type min 35 wpm with typing test required. Licenses and/or Certifications: Must obtain CPR certification, Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunication certification, and the International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification within one year from hire and maintain these certifications as required for continued employment in the position. A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

*Preference will be given to candidates with an Associates Degree and/or with previous dispatch, emergency communication center or call center experience.

Knowledge of or ability to learn Seminole County geography.

Knowledge of or ability to learn proper radio operation and dispatching procedures.

Ability to operate two-way radio equipment.

Ability to read maps.

Ability to operate a computerized multi-mode telephone system.

Ability to use good dictation and clear speaking voice, and deal with multiple situations simultaneously. Ability to deal with the public in a compassionate and effective manner.

Ability to deal professionally with the general public, commanding officers, law enforcement and other officials.

Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

Ability to transition from periods of mental and physical inactivity to periods of intense and stressful mental and physical activity (rapid keyboarding) at a moment's notice.

Ability to follow oral and written directions.

Ability to display sound judgement and take decisive action.

Ability to process and respond to large amount of information.

Ability to work in a team environment.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Strong computer skills and ability to work multiple software programs simultaneously.

Ability to remain calm and focused under emergency conditions.

Ability to adapt to physiological changes associated with spikes in adrenaline, including increased heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure.

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

All employees must attend Seminole County Required Trainings.

Department Specific trainings per position may be required.

Must be willing to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays.

(This may include being called in for minimum staffing, shift coverage and/or

community and natural disasters).

County-paid benefits for employees

Competitive Wages: Our compensation system includes competitive hiring salaries. Paid Time Off: New full-time employees accrue 20 days per year of Paid Time Off (16 days for 24-hour shift personnel). New part-time employees accrue 83 hours per year of Paid Time Off. Accrual rates increase with service time.

Paid Holidays: We observe 12 paid holidays which includes an employee birthday holiday and a floating Work/Life Day. Bereavement Leave: Employees may receive up to one week paid leave per fiscal year for absence due to the death of an immediate family member.

Florida Retirement System: All employees in regularly established positions are automatically covered from the first day of employment. Seminole County makes contribution on behalf of the employee and the employee is also required to make a 3% contribution.

Employees Assistance Program: Our EAP provider can help employees and their families with issues such as personal/family matters, financial debt counseling, substance abuse, etc.

Training and Development Program: The Employee Learning Center provides training opportunities for employees which promote performance, enhance employees' work life experiences, and support the organization.

Employee Awards and Recognition: A program to reward outstanding performance and enhance service to the citizens of Seminole County.

Wellness Center: Includes exercise equipment, resource library, and educational programs.

Health Insurance : Health Insurance is effective the first of the month after completing 30 calendar days of employment. Seminole County offers a Point of Service (POS) plan. Dependent coverage is also available, the cost is split between the employee and employer. This benefit is not extended to part-time employees.

Life Insurance: Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employees, equal to one times annual salary. Not extended to part-time employees.

Long-Term Disability: Provides 60% of salary after 6 months of disability. Not extended to part-time employees.

Optional benefits (employee-paid