Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatcher

Under basic supervision, the Public Safety Dispatcher performs a variety of clerical, administrative, and technical work in receiving and dispatching routine and emergency information. Maintains official records and assists in the administration of the standard operating policies and procedures of the dispatch center. This position is a tentative At-Will appointment and subject to a probationary period of six (6) months from the date of hire. Upon successful completion of a probationary period, a non-management employee shall be granted regular status in the classification in which the probationary period is served.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Monitors telephones and radios in the dispatch center; answers all incoming calls and ascertains nature of call; gathers necessary information to transmit or relay.
• Dispatches police and other response vehicles for emergency and non-emergency incidents; broadcasts nature, location, and time of alarm; contacts all required personnel and other local concerns such as police department in the event of an emergency situation; ensures the presence of reserve units by contacting personnel designated for call-back; relays information as required.
• Maintains log of radio and telephone communications and locations of personnel and equipment; in the event of an emergency situation, maintains on-going contact with the responding personnel and keeps them informed of all incoming pertinent information; tracks other information such as hydrants out and streets closed and keeps emergency personnel informed.
• Maintains dispatch center work area and equipment in clean and working condition. Operates radios and performs radio communication duties, operates base radio; operates ACJIS and NCIC systems; operates various office machines as required.
• Composes, types, and edits correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other materials requiring judgment as to content, accuracy, and completeness. Inputs data into standard office and department forms; makes postings to various reports; compiles and tabulates data.
• Maintains dispatch documents and records; prepares case reports. Operates (TDD) Telecommunication Device for Deaf per State guidelines Maintains all required certifications.
• Performs related duties as assigned or required.

Knowledge of : Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Emergency dispatch systems. Modern office practices and procedures. Proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.

Skill in : Maintaining composure in stressful situations. Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy. Operating a computer including standard software and some specializes software and equipment such as radio and dispatch systems. Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public. Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other documents. Maintaining accurate records, logs, and technical documentation. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Communicat ng effectively both verbally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications : High school diploma or GED equivalent AND two (2) years of increasingly responsible dispatch experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : Must possess an Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) certification or obtain certification within (90) days of employment.

Physical Demands / Working Environment : Work is performed indoors at the Dispatch Center.

The City of Winslow is an equal opportunity employer.