Dispatcher

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION: Under general supervision, performs work in a dispatch center and receives emergency and non-emergency requests for response via radio,  telephone, computer-aided dispatch systems, for emergency personnel or other agency services and transmits such requests for service to appropriate personnel; Work varies somewhat exercising individual judgment within prescribed procedures; Interpretive judgment may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Must be certified as P.O.S.T. Basic Communications Officer within one (1) year of employment;
• Must be Certified to access CJIN within one (1) year of employment and EMD and CPR and First Aide within one (1) year of employment;
• Physical requirements include prolonged sitting, bending, stooping, turning the head, walking, climbing, dealing with stressful situations, and lifting up to 50#s (greater with assistance);
• Must have the ability to remain calm under stress and ability to multi task;
• Position requires that no uncorrected visual, audio, or speech impairments exist that would interfere with effectively performing their duties and responsibilities;
• Must have ability to hear and speak with clarity;
• Must possess, or the ability to obtain, a valid Montana Operator’s License.

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE: 

• Receives telephone calls and other messages requiring primarily emergency type of assistance and transmits such requests for service to the appropriate personnel;
• Performs dispatch services for emergency services in law enforcement, ambulance, fire, and other agencies;
• Uses standard operating procedures in transmitting, receiving, and making a record of all radio, computer, and telephone messages;
• Closely monitors all dispatched calls to insure the security and safety of responding personnel;
• Maintains location and status information on all mobile units;
• Maintains logs of activities, operates teletype, computer terminal, and paging system;
• Work requires the immediate determination regarding the sequence of events for each type of call received;
• Position is the first contact point for emergency services;

CLASS TITLE:  Communications Officer (continued)

• Frequently handles information dealing with life and death situations;
• Processes information which is often limited;
• Position requires substantial and constant contact with the public, fellow employees, and multiple agencies often requiring tact, diplomacy, and maintaining confidentiality;
• Duties are performed in surroundings where undesirable physical conditions and hazards are controllable;
• May be subject to call out for emergencies or when another employee is ill;
• May serve as TAC or Alternate TAC;
• Activities may lead to mental and physical stress;.
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS: None (May supervise a trainee)

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from high school or its equivalent (GED); PLUS
• One (1) year of work experience preferably in an office setting as clerical or receptionist dealing with the public and multi-tasking ability desirable;
• Basic computer skills and knowledge required; Knowledge of the County helpful.
• Must be certified to access CJIN and be certified within one (1) year of employment and become P.O.S.T. Basic Certified as a Communications Officer within one (1) year of employment and must maintain continuing education and re-certification requirements during employment.
• Must possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Montana Operator’s License.