This critical role serves as the vital communications link between the public needing help and emergency services response. They are typically the first point of contact when a citizen reaches out for help. This entails a candidate to be able to work independently in a high-stress environment while receiving and evaluating incoming emergency and administrative requests for emergency services, (law enforcement, fire rescue and/or medical services). Using training and procedures, employees will triage requests for service, providing guidance and assistance to the public in life and death situations, with the objective of keeping all involved safe.The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary:
 

• Utilizes training and policies, prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls received via multiple technological platforms (landline telephone, wireless device, text message, automated data, and various other communications devices and tools)
• Screens caller information and analyzes data swiftly to determine the nature of the incident, required resources and scene safety.
• Interprets automatic number and automatic location data provided by the emergency communications phone system, along with the mapping software, to verify caller location.
• Controls the call, provides pre-arrival instructions and de-escalation techniques during life or death situations.
• Quickly processes and accurately documents information using a variety of highly skilled systems across five to eight computer monitors. 
• Ascertains appropriate resources required and coordinates with surrounding agencies to dispatch field first responders. 
• Keeps track of activities utilizing a computer aided dispatch system and handles requests from field first responders by recording incident data.
• Ability to remain calm, vigilant and able to adjust to rapidly changing situations. 

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent 
• Requires a valid Florida Driver’s License 
• Must pass a typing test of 30 wpm and successfully complete the CritiCall Pre-Employment test administered by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. 
• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends and/or holidays and natural disasters to ensure minimum staffing 24/7, as this position is essential and must report to work during times when the government/agency is closed.
• Dependable, self-motivated and team-oriented with a desire to provide service to the community. 
• Employees must successfully pass the Florida Department of Heath’s Public Safety Telecommunicators exam to obtain certification within 12 months of hire (must be maintained for the duration of employment). 
• Employees must obtain CIJS Basic Certification within six months of hire (and maintained for duration of employment)
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation, including polygraph and psychological exam, reference/employment/neighborhood checks, submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to assuming position and will be subject to return to duty, post-accident and/or random and reasonable suspicious for drug tests while employed with BCSO. 
• Preference is given to applicants that are certified through the Florida Department of Health as Public Safety Telecommunicators.

• Work is performed in an emergency communications center and work level can fluctuate from minimal to fast-paced and high volume. The employee deals with crisis situations that require them to quickly make major decisions. Must be able to cope in a safe manner with stressful situations. 
• Work is completed in twelve hour shifts; 6am-6pm or 6pm-6am, with every other weekend off; subjected to extended workdays and hours to meet operational needs in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. 
• Employees must be able to work either shift, including weekends and holidays.
• Employees are subject to mandatory scheduled and unscheduled overtime. 

I understand, applicants hired by BCSO into the position of 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Dispatcher or PST Call-Taker I must agree to remain employed with BCSO for a period of no less than three years from their date of hire. Employees who separate employment, voluntary or involuntary, before the three-year period expires are required to immediately reimburse BCSO for background fees of $1,520.00 and the hiring bonus of $2,500.00. 
During an emergency, the Sheriff will determine who is considered an emergency responder and whose work is necessary to maintain the operation of law enforcement and correctional facilities. This determination is subject to change based on staffing and the operational needs of the agency.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, and sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), disability or genetic information in employment practices. We encourage veterans, service members and their spouses and family members to apply for employment with this agency, qualified applicants will receive preference and priority in hiring decisions. ADA requires the Sheriff's Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Job applicants and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.