Dispatcher I

Hiring for a night shift position, working 6 pm-6 am, on a rotating schedule.

Job Summary

This is specialized work in receiving and dispatching calls for the emergency departments within Franklin County. The employee in this position is responsible for operation of dispatch radios, computers, and telephone systems which receive and dispatch messages, a portion of which are 911 emergency calls. The Dispatcher I must act quickly, efficiently, calmly, and accurately in receiving, dispatching, and processing calls and in sending proper equipment and personnel. The employee in this position may be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime. Work will be performed in accordance with the established policies, rules, regulations, guidelines and practices of the department.

Essential Functions

• Answers 911 and other emergency calls;
• Determines priority of caller's request while using Computer Aided Dispatch System, and coordinates appropriate resources;
• Communicates with callers to gain clear and concise information, at times when callers are under extreme stress;
• Determines nature of required assistance, location, and other pertinent information; assigns units according to standard operating procedures to ensure emergency assistance is provided quickly;
• Performs radio dispatch for emergency personnel including Police, Fire, Sheriff, Highway Patrol, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Service, Wildlife and Parks, and other agencies;
• Provides life-saving instructions to the public in emergency situations;
• Monitors various alarm systems and emergency radio frequencies,
• Takes non-emergency telephone calls, providing information upon request to personnel in the field;
• Processes requests for service in a responsible, timely and, accurate manner on a continual basis;
• Makes inquiries, entries, modifications, and cancellations in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Kansas Law Enforcement System; disseminates information according to procedures;
• Performs various other communications and record-keeping functions as needed, including answering other agencies or department telephones after hours;
• Monitors weather conditions and warnings, and activates the weather warning system according to procedures;
• Keeps accurate records of all calls for service;
• Notify Franklin County Emergency Communications Center (FCECC) administration, emergency management, and contractors regarding issues with radio system;
• Responds to public, and users of the FCECC needs when requested;
• Must be able to use map to assist responders when necessary;
• Performs other duties as deemed necessary or as required.

Secondary Functions

• Performs other related duties as required.

Supervisory Functions

• None

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge Of

• Proper guidelines concerning the dissemination of Criminal History Recognition Information (CHRI) material;
• The geography of the City of Ottawa and Franklin County, including the names of streets, roads, highways, landmarks, business locations and trouble spots;
• Radio broadcasting rules and guidelines and accurately applying them;
• Radio and telephone communications equipment;
• State and community resources available to the Dispatcher I and the willingness to initiate their use;
• The department's records and reporting systems, rules and regulations.

Skill In

• Entering information into computer system; must be able to type 30 wpm with an accuracy rate of 90 percent;
• Receiving and dispatching emergency calls;
• Operation of dispatch radios, computers, and telephone systems which receive and dispatch messages, a portion of which are 911 emergency calls;
• Acting quickly, efficiently, calmly and accurately in receiving, dispatching and processing calls and in sending proper equipment and personnel;
• Performing work in accordance with the established policies, rules, regulations, guidelines and practices of the department.

Ability To

• Speak clearly and correctly, using the English language;
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Work with minimum supervision;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, representatives for outside agencies, and the public;
• Maintain complete and accurate records;
• Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, react quickly and make accurate and sound decisions in emergency and non-emergency situations;
• Remember numerous details and quickly recall essential information;
• Read, understand, and convey information found on maps;
• Accurately perform multiple tasks, simultaneously if necessary;
• Concentrate, control emotions, and assertiveness, act in a professional manner;
• Work on a team;
• Be flexible, display initiative;
• Operate computer equipment;
• Understand and carry out oral and written orders;
• Work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime;
• Hear 25 decibels or less at 500 hz; 4000hz; and points between.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess a valid driver's license at time of hire; obtain and maintain valid Kansas driver's license within six (6) months of hire;
• Must be certified in the use of National Crime Information Center (NCIC) within 6 months after employment;
• Must be certified as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) within 6 months after employment;
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within 6 months after employment;
• Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC) within 6 months of employment;
• Emergency Police Dispatcher along with Emergency Fire Dispatcher certification may be required;
• Successfully complete Defensive Driving class provided by Franklin County;
• Other certifications may be provided by FCECC.

Required Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or G.E.D.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• Associate's degree in Communications, Speech, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience in emergency communications, and/or emergency services;
• six months to twelve months related experience or training;
• or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is regularly required to talk or listen;
• The employee is frequently required to sit and to use hands to finger, handle, or feel;
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms;
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The employee may be called out 24 hours a day or rotate being on call.