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.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned under the direction of the Dispatch Director or designee in an office environment:

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate will have one plus years of experience in administrative support, customer service, emergency communications, or in a fast-paced multidiscipline environment. They must be a team player, possess strong keyboarding skills and follow procedures. The ideal candidate will be able to multitask, spell accurately and speak English clearly and concisely. They will possess the ability to exercise good judgment, think quickly, and take notes accurately and legibly. They will have good public relations skills, the ability to file alphabetically and chronologically, work independently and/or in cooperation with other emergency communications personnel, and possess the ability to remember details after the fact. Previous public safety is a plus.

• 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

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Employment is dependent on background check, criminal history, and drug screen. Applicant must complete County application form.

• 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.

The above are general descriptions of duties, responsibilities and requirements. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any time.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports: None
Delegation of Work: Not applicable
Supervision Given: Not applicable
Reports To: This position reports to the 911 Director or his designee
WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• 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