Dispatcher

JOB SUMMARY: The Dispatcher must be outcome-oriented and possess excellent customer service skills. The Dispatcher must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with a strong attention to detail. The Dispatcher operates the 911 and non-emergency system, assigns law enforcement, fire department and other emergency service providers to calls for service, and communicates important public safety information to emergency responders and the public. This is a full-time, hourly position with hours that may vary and may include weekend shifts. The duties will be performed at City Hall. This position reports the Dispatch Supervisor and Support Division Supervisor.

**This is a safety sensitive position and as such, use of medical marijuana is not permitted.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES:

• Ability to exchange information between multiple service providers and users via telephone, facsimile, computer, email and radio.
• Receive complaints from citizens and document pertinent information on forms or computerized entries.
• Route citizen’s calls and inquiries to proper personnel, service or department.
• Strong sense of urgency and problem solving skills.
• Relate ordinances, policies, and methods to citizens relevant to a reported problem.
• Receive and forward radio traffic regarding information and documents pertinent information on forms and/or computerized entries.
• Receive, compose, forward, and route information to the appropriate parties.
• Answer 911 and administration calls.
• Document prisoner histories, receive property, and supervise prisoners according to well-defined practices.
• Receive and book prisoners into facility, using the department’s Record Management System.
• Secure prisoner property held, until released.
• Search prisoners prior to being placed into facility, if applicable.
• Oversee prisoners, assure prisoners are fed, receive necessary medical attention, and perform hourly welfare checks.
• Receive cash bonds/fines or other means for prisoner release, document/file time of release, with return of detainee personal property.
• Responsible for monetary integrity, by documenting all monies received from prisoner’s property and/or cash bond payments.
• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property and institutions.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES:

• Ability to handle stress effectively without it interfering with performance.
• Ability to defend oneself in case of an emergency.
• Must be able to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships and attitudes with co-workers and the public.
• Extremely organized with strong multi-tasking and time-management skills.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Must handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to work non-standard days/hours, as needed.
• Demonstrate professionalism at all times.
• Perform other related duties as requested.

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or GED required; Associates’ or Bachelors’ degree preferred.
• One (1) year of emergency dispatcher experience, preferred.
• Must possess valid driver license.
• Must be willing to work twelve (12) hour shifts.
• Possess or obtain appropriate certifications related to the position.
• Must be computer savvy and proficient in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Dispatcher I: A dispatcher with no certifications or experience.

Dispatcher II: A dispatcher, with a minimum of 1 year of experience, and/or is OLETS certified, Jailer certified, or holds any other required certifications or training as determined by the Dispatch Supervisor and/or Support Division Supervisor.

Dispatcher III: A dispatcher, with a minimum 5 years of experience, who is certified in OLETS, has obtained jailer certification, and has completed all other training and/or possesses all certifications required by the Dispatch Supervisor and/or Support Division supervisor.

Dispatcher IV: A dispatcher, with a minimum 10 years of experience, who is certified in OLETS, has obtained jailer certification, and has completed all other training and/or possesses all certifications required by the Dispatch Supervisor and/or Support Division supervisor.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The duties of the Dispatcher will be generally performed in a standard office setting. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. Continuous sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. Frequent side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist. Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals. Occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds may be required.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate office equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Pay: From $17.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person