Telecommunicator

This description provides an overview of what will be expected of you but is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required.   

Essential Duties 

• Answer emergency calls: Receive incoming emergency calls and accurately gather critical information such as the caller's location, nature of the emergency, and any additional relevant details. 

• Assess and prioritize calls: Evaluate the urgency and severity of each call to determine the appropriate response and allocate appropriate resources. 

• Provide pre-arrival instructions utilizing Emergency Medical Dispatching or police response protocol: Offer clear and concise instructions to callers, including CPR, first aid, or other life-saving techniques, to ensure the safety of individuals until help arrives. 

• Dispatch emergency services: Coordinate and dispatch appropriate emergency responders, such as police, fire, or medical personnel, ensuring timely and efficient deployment. 

• Maintain communication: Continuously monitor the status of emergency units, provide updates, and relay important information to field personnel to facilitate effective response efforts. 

• Record and document information: Accurately record details of each call, including relevant information, actions taken, and any follow-up requirements, in computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems or other designated databases. 

• Operate emergency systems: Utilize specialized telecommunication equipment, including radio systems, computer terminals, and other emergency dispatching technology, to facilitate efficient communication and information exchange. 

• Collaborate with other agencies: Coordinate and communicate with other emergency response agencies, such as law enforcement, fire departments, and medical personnel, to facilitate seamless emergency operations. 

• Handle non-emergency calls: Assist with non-emergency calls, inquiries, and administrative tasks during low call volume periods to support overall departmental operations. 

• Complete all necessary trainings and certifications included but not limited to TIME, Portals 100, Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD), etc. 

Non-Essential Duties: 

• Provide administrative support: Assist with administrative tasks such as data entry, report generation, filing, and record management as required. 

• Participate in training programs: Attend and actively participate in ongoing training sessions and workshops to enhance knowledge of emergency procedures, communication techniques, and relevant technologies. 

• Contribute to quality improvement efforts: Provide feedback and suggestions for process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency communications. 

• Maintain equipment and supplies: Assist in monitoring and maintaining the functionality of telecommunication equipment, ensuring an adequate supply of necessary materials, and reporting any equipment malfunctions or shortages to supervisors. 

• Support teamwork and collaboration: Foster a positive and cooperative work environment by actively participating in team meetings, sharing knowledge and information, and aiding colleagues when needed. 

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, Communication Center policies and procedures. 

• Skilled in the use of standard office equipment and software. 

• Ability to diffuse and respond effectively to situations involving intense pressures and/or unpredictable persons; handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure; effectively handle difficult and/or angry people; exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions; process and handle confidential information with discretion; react quickly and calmly in emergency situations; and respond quickly to emergencies. 

Qualifications:   

Required: High School Diploma or GED.  Desired:  Associate degree and two years of progressively, responsible experience in a related field. 

On the Job: 

While working, you will or may encounter the following physical conditions: 

• Exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, occasionally standing and walking. Duties require extensive talking, hearing and use of keyboards.  

• Work requires close visual acuity to perform duties of the position. 

• Work is performed inside and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.