JOB SUMMARY: The dispatcher position is skilled emergency service work that involves receiving emergency 911 and non-emergency requests for police, fire and EMS assistance. They determine the nature/urgency of calls, initiating first responder action and maintaining close contact with the field units to monitor response and needed support requirements. It requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to emotional, disturbed and sometimes abusive people in a variety of situations. Work may be performed separately or in conjunction with other dispatchers. Dispatchers may assist in training, teaching and basic operational equipment management.ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

• Skill in communications using two-way radio and telephone equipment.
• Skill in operating a variety of communications equipment effectively.
• Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries.
• Skill in multi-tasking, coordinating simultaneously mental, manual and visual activities.
• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately.
• Knowledge of public service activity and methods of local government.
• Knowledge of computer technology and equipment.
• Knowledge of law enforcement, Fire and EMS terminology and procedures.
• Knowledge of geography for the County of Van Buren and surrounding counties.
• Knowledge of English language for spelling and proper word usage.
• Ability to speak and think clearly and act quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to function and cope appropriately in stressful working environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships through a team concept.
• Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.

• Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls including enhanced 911, non-emergency calls from the public and agencies via telephone and radio systems.
• Processes and evaluates information received, prioritizes calls and dispatches required units and/or agencies.
• Monitors and coordinates radio frequencies.
• Maintains status and locations of public safety personnel.
• Creates and maintains logs of public safety communications activity utilizing current technology.
• Accesses and enters sensitive data in local, state and national databases as necessary for investigative purposes.
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Keeps informed of department regulations, policies and procedures.
• Performs minor maintenance on equipment or notifies proper authorities for repair work.
• Functions as on duty warning coordinator. Monitors need for and disseminates public warning information as required, according to established plans and procedures.
• Makes decisions on unusual situations and answers questions as they arise within the Dispatch Center.
• The role of Dispatcher requires shift work and overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility.

• Minimum: High school graduation or equivalent
• Preferred: 40 hour Basic Telecommunicator Course
• Ability to obtain and maintain LEIN Certification
• Ability to obtain and maintain EMD / CPR certifications
• Ability to complete and maintain State of Michigan minimum training standards for Telecommunicators

• Eyesight corrected to 20/20
• Hearing in both ears not less than 40db – in accordance to the NENA Hearing standard (54-002).
• Ability to listen and speak by telephone, in person and two-way radio
• Finger and wrist dexterity suitable for typing, keying data into computers, file paperwork and handwriting
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to view and make selections using electronic keypads, switches and mice
• Reaching and use of reference books and manuals
• Movement from one work station to another quickly
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• The candidate is required to pass a pre-employment background, physical, drug screening and psychological examination by an approved person of Van Buren County.

• Works in secure dispatch center.
• High stress environment rising from crisis situations and constant flow of emergency calls.
• Above average level of noise due to printers, telephones, computers and radios
• Will be required to travel to various locations for training as necessary.
• Must be available to work all shifts, weekends and holidays.
• No smoking facility