Emergency Services Dispatcher (OA)

Summary

If you have experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher and/or in the operation of police, fire, and security radios, fire and security alarms, and closed circuit television systems that are utilized in a communication center, AND you want to play a significant role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) team. For more information, visit

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Duties

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• Properly responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Properly dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Communicates with high proficiency in English.
• Understands and utilizes current policies and procedures.
• Actively participates in after-action reviews, incident reviews, and other quality control actions/methods.
• Demonstrates comprehension and application of confidentiality policies regarding the discussion and/or release of information acquired in the workplace to the public, media, or others.
• Demonstrates constructive and collaborative communication with peers, superiors, and internal and external customers.
• Notifies superiors of pertinent information about non-routine incidents and actions taken or anticipated in response to those incidents.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
• This position requires weekend hours, night shifts, regular or rotational shifts, holiday hours. This position has on-call or call-back requirements.
• If selected, you will be covered by a bargaining unit (union).
• If selected, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret background security investigation.
• This is a testing designated position. The incumbent will also be subject to unannounced random drug testing for the duration of their time in this position.
• If selected, you must obtain and maintain Basic Life Support Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• If selected, you must obtain and maintain required certifications for the Maryland Electronic Telecommunications Enforcement Resource System (METERS), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).
• If selected, you must attend recurring training on Customer Service for Dispatchers.
• If selected, you must obtain and maintain Emergency Police Dispatch certification.
• If selected, you must obtain and maintain Emergency Fire Dispatch certification.
• If selected, you must obtain and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch certification.
• If selected, you must obtain and maintain Emergency Numbers State Board (ENSB) certification.
• If selected, you must obtain and maintain Public Safety Telecommunicator I certification.

Qualifications

Additional Conditions of Employment:

• If selected, you must obtain FEMA ICS 100. Introduction to the Incident Command System certification.
• If selected, you must obtain FEMA IS 700. An Introduction to the National Incident Management System certification.
• If selected, you must obtain FEMA IS 200, Basic Incident Command System for initial Response certification.
• If selected, you must obtain FEMA IS-800, National Response Framework, and an Introduction certification.

You qualify at the GS-06 level, if you meet the following qualification requirement:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) coordinating communications and service requests through telephone, radio, or computerized systems; 2) maintaining records and preparing reports using office automation software; 3) evaluating incoming requests and determining appropriate response priorities; 4) assigning or coordinating personnel, equipment, or services in support of operational requirements.

You qualify at the GS-07 level, if you meet the following qualification requirement:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) applying response codes and communication terminology when dispatching and documenting police, fire, or emergency communications; 2) operating police, fire, security, alarm, monitoring, and related communications systems utilized in a communications center; 3) documenting pertinent facts and maintaining accurate records while communicating by telephone, radio, or computer; 4) reconstructing, transcribing, compiling, and preparing written reports, logs, or other documentation from notes and communication records.

You qualify at the GS-08 level, if you meet the following qualification requirement:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) responding to requests from police, fire, or emergency response personnel by acknowledging radio transmissions, providing requested information, and dispatching additional resources as needed; 2) maintaining communication with callers during emergency situations and providing pre-arrival instructions in accordance with established procedures until police, fire, or emergency medical personnel arrive on scene; 3) assessing incidents, emergencies, or criminal activity to determine the appropriate call classification and accurately enter information into a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for official documentation and response coordination.

In addition, you must be able to type at least 40 or more words per minute.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview application questionnaire before you apply:

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• This position is designated as an "emergency essential" position and the selected candidate will be considered an "emergency essential" employee and will be required to be available, ready, willing, and able to report for duty under all circumstances (e.g., inclement weather, government closings and holidays, lapses in appropriations, non-emergency and emergency situations) for operation 24 hours a day and 365 days per year coverage.
• NIH may repay certain outstanding Federally insured student loans to facilitate the recruitment and retention of highly qualified people. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• A newly appointed or reappointed employee may receive service credit for prior work experience or active duty uniformed service that otherwise would not be creditable for the purpose of determining his or her annual leave accrual rate. All creditable service must be directly related to the duties of the position being filled and decisions to allow for such credit must be finalized prior to the selectee's entrance on duty. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• Visit our Help Applying page for helpful information on the application process.
• If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation.
• We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions.
• If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.