911 Emergency Communications (Dispatcher/Call-taker)

RECRUITMENT FOR THE SUMMER ACADEMY STARTING JULY 2023!
The City of Richmond Department of Emergency Communications is currently seeking qualified and dedicated candidates to fill several entry-level and experienced 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Officer positions to be a critical and integral part of accomplishing the public safety mission for the City of Richmond!

Emergency Communications Officers work in a fast-paced, high call volume 9-1-1 operations center. The department is seeking candidates who have the ability to multi-task, maintain an efficient and calm demeanor in handling stressful situations, and follow city, state, and federal policies. The 9-1-1 center is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Available work schedules include twelve-hour day or overnight shifts which includes weekends and holidays).

The Emergency Communications Officer position is part of the City of Richmond’s broadband program that provides career progression through acquiring experience and specific skill sets!

This is an essential position, which requires the selected candidate to report to work for emergency and on-call duty in response to inclement weather/natural disasters.
This position requires working overtime, including weekends, nights, and holidays as necessary.

Duties include but are not limited to

• Receiving and prioritizing all incoming calls and texts to the 911 Operations Center (9-1-1 calls, emergency, and non-emergency calls received from citizens and allied agencies requesting service or information) while entering information into computer-aided dispatch system;
• Dispatching and coordinating public safety responses ranging from routine to critical; monitoring multiple radio frequencies; relaying emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field;
• Performing data entry, word processing, and related duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge or some combination of knowledge of basic dispatch codes, standard abbreviations and industry terminology commonly used by emergency medical services, fire department, and law enforcement agencies. Knowledge of safety and security, data entry, and map reading. Knowledge of relevant rules, regulations, and procedures, including safety procedures such as CPR and First Aid. Knowledge of electronic databases and related software applications such as CentraCom, Open Fox, RMS, Live Mum, Virginia Criminal Information Network, National Crime Information Center, etc., various systems such as Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, intrado 9-1-1- telephone system, telecommunication systems, etc. Demonstrated skills with answering calls within ten (10) seconds; using multiple pieces of equipment at once such as answering a phone and viewing six computer screens; relaying and retaining information; typing 85 words per minute (wpm); oral and written communication. Ability to show empathy and compassion; follow standard procedures and established practices; and multi-task.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED
• As assigned, a minimum of one year of communications or dispatch experience or two years of related experience
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of experience in fast-paced customer service environment
• Strong verbal and written communication and listening skills
• At least one (1) year experience in a 9-1-1 environment
• Two-way radio and or communications experience

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents must pass an initial skills assessment and, as assigned, are required to be VCIN/NCIC certified. Incumbents must pass a critical skills examination and a suitability assessment.
• Incumbents must pass an extensive background investigation to include local, state and federal criminal history checks, medical screening, psychological evaluation, and polygraph examination.
• The emergency center is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As assigned, incumbents must be available to work:
• Day, evening or midnight shifts
• Up to a 12-hour regular shift
• Weekday and weekends
• Holidays
• Mandatory overtime
• Incumbents are considered to be essential personnel and must be available to report to work during inclement weather, disasters, and emergencies.
• As part of a Uniformed Operation, employees must wear the appropriate uniforms.

Special Requirements:

• Employees are required to successfully complete all state-mandated certification programs, including but not limited to, the NCIC/VCIN certification, Department of Criminal Justice Service Telecommunications certification within Department established time frames.

Criminal Background:

• An applicant cannot have been convicted of any offenses that will deny the applicant from being able to possess the Virginia Criminal Information Network, National Crime Information Center certification per the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy CJISD-ITS-DOC- 08140-5.8.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.81 - $33.71 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

Experience:

• Typing: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

Salary : $20 - $34