Emergency Communications Fire / EMS Dispatcher

Emergency Communications Dispatcher

Description :

Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for emergency services provision via phone, text and radio(s). Provides emergency medical dispatch instructions to incoming callers. Dispatches Fire-Rescue units to a wide variety of emergency situations, communicates via radio to units and processes the calls by producing detailed logs of transmissions to and from the Communications Center and units in the field, makes notifications to key staff, partner agencies, personnel and units. Provides optimum customer service to callers under significant emotional strain and stress.

Career Pathing Opportunities :

Emergency Communication Trainee / Dispatcher I ($37,044.00 / yr)

Emergency Communications Dispatcher II ($38,896.00 / yr)

Emergency Communications Dispatcher III ($41,618.00 / yr)

Emergency Communications Dispatcher IV ($44,947.00 / yr)

Additional Incentives : Night Differential, On-Call Pay, Communications Training Officer

Essential Functions :

Provides customer service and lifesaving instructions to the citizens of Seminole County and internal customers. Dispatches and tracks fire / rescue units to various emergencies within the County.

Answers emergency and non-emergency calls via 9-1-1 phone system, Motorola radio system, and administrative telephone lines.

Extracts necessary information from incoming calls, including evaluating calls to determine the nature and urgency of the call.

Operates an advanced Fire / EMS Emergency Communication suite consisting of computer aided dispatch (CAD), multiple computer terminals and monitors, multiple interfaced systems and applications, computerized telephone system and Motorola radio system.

Requires multi-tasking; simultaneous typing (rapid keyboarding), talking on the radio, answering multiple telephone calls, and switching between computer screens and applications.

Utilizes emergency medical and fire dispatching software to assess caller situation and provide lifesaving instruction when necessary while units are in route.

Studies and maintains familiarity with the locations and common place names of major roads, streets, industrial plants, county parks, and buildings in the County.

Responsible for dispatching the closes and most appropriate Fire / EMS unit(s).

Responsible for tracking of the status and location of all fire apparatus and fire investigators.

Transmits messages and information to Fire / EMS units responding to calls.

Provides emergency medical and fire instructions to citizens while EMS and Fire units are in route.

Contacts outside agencies and other departments to coordinate aid (i.e., contacts utility companies to inform that wires are down or to arrange for electrical shutoffs, contacts the water services department to arrange for water turn-off, contacts law enforcement for police assistance).

Answers routine questions or refers calls to appropriate agencies on non-Fire / EMS inquiries Answers after hours calls for various County departments.

Consults supervisor on non-routine matters.

Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Additional Duties : Performs other related work as required. In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

Minimum Qualifications :

High School Diploma / GED required. Pass ECOMM testing standards Previous testing scores within the last year will be accepted. Must be able to Type min 35 wpm with typing test required. Licenses and / or Certifications : Must obtain CPR certification, Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunication certification, and the International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification within one year from hire and maintain these certifications as required for continued employment in the position. A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

• Preference will be given to candidates with an Associates Degree and / or with previous dispatch, emergency communication center or call center experience.

Additional Requirements :

Knowledge of or ability to learn Seminole County geography.

Knowledge of or ability to learn proper radio operation and dispatching procedures.

Ability to operate two-way radio equipment.

Ability to read maps.

Ability to operate a computerized multi-mode telephone system.

Ability to use good dictation and clear speaking voice, and deal with multiple situations simultaneously. Ability to deal with the public in a compassionate and effective manner.

Ability to deal professionally with the general public, commanding officers, law enforcement and other officials.

Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

Ability to transition from periods of mental and physical inactivity to periods of intense and stressful mental and physical activity (rapid keyboarding) at a moment's notice.

Ability to follow oral and written directions.

Ability to display sound judgement and take decisive action.

Ability to process and respond to large amount of information.

Ability to work in a team environment.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Strong computer skills and ability to work multiple software programs simultaneously.

Ability to remain calm and focused under emergency conditions.

Ability to adapt to physiological changes associated with spikes in adrenaline, including increased heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure.

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

All employees must attend Seminole County Required Trainings.

Department Specific trainings per position may be required.

Must be willing to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays.

This may include being called in for minimum staffing, shift coverage and / or community and natural disasters.