Public Safety Dispatcher I

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE
The Dispatcher receives, evaluates, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS Departments; answers inquiries for information from the general public as well as other criminal and non-criminal justice agencies; dispatches patrol, fire, and EMS units; maintains, types, and files various records and documents; interacts with the general public, criminal, and non-criminal justice agencies in person and via telephone.
 
This is the entry-level position within the Public Safety Dispatcher job classification.  This class of Dispatcher I is distinguished from that of Public Safety Dispatcher II class in that the employee in this class is typically in a trainee capacity and does not have the full range of responsibilities of a Public Safety Dispatcher II. The center operates on a 7-day, 24-hour basis and incumbents will be required to work a variety of schedules.  Incumbents report to the Communications Manager and the Communications Training and Compliance Supervisor, who is responsible for supervising, directing, assigning, training, and evaluating the work of dispatch employees on assigned shifts.  During periods of training, incumbents may report to a Public Safety Dispatcher II.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions:

• Responds to radio calls from law enforcement and emergency personnel in the field.
• Performs record searches from local databases and those maintained by the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), and the Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) for warrant and criminal history status on field suspects and in-custody detainees.
• Confirms active warrants and transportation requirements for other law enforcement agencies; verifies and disseminates information received by teletype to field officers; gathers and translates information from field officers for efficient queries into various systems.
• Receives 911 calls for assistance from landline and cellular phones from various locations within the local area as well as neighboring counties.
• Dispatches emergency units and relays pertinent information between field officers and emergency response units; provides emergency medical instruction using locally approved protocols.
• Communicates effectively with distraught, angry, hysterical, or frightened callers; maintains a calm disposition in emergency situations; handles stress related to various emergency calls; dispatches appropriate units for alarm calls.
• Maintain a written log of all Temporary Protective Orders served.
• Operates audio logging equipment for all radio and phone calls received and transmitted; maintains local databases by entering calls for requests for services or officer-initiated activity; enters and maintains local house watch list and emergency contact information in local databases; prints or faxes all pertinent daily and/or monthly reports as directed.
• Performs daily maintenance on equipment and troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment as necessary.
• Performs daily housekeeping in the center including, but not limited to, dusting, cleaning the area, and taking out the trash.
• May assist in training if more than three (3) years on the job and training assistance is needed.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Any combination of training, education, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to gain the required knowledge and ability is One (1) year of progressively responsible office experience which involves the use of computers, data entry, and/or telephone/radio customer service work.  Work experience in a public safety-related field is highly desirable as are bilingual skills and experience in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.  

• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation to qualify for and maintain certification to operate NCIC, NCJIS, and related computers.
• Must be able to work a day, swing, graveyard, and rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends to support the 24-hour operation. 
• Incumbents must pass a typing test of at least 35 wpm and an in-depth background investigation.
• Incumbents must successfully complete a C.D.A.A. prescribed training course.

Knowledge

• Basic computer and office procedures.
• Use of reference books, maps, and manuals.
• Basic accurate record keeping.
• Correct English usage including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Local area geography/

• Demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills, both written and verbal communication.
• Understanding and carrying out complex written and oral communications.
• Typing with speed and accuracy.

• Reacting calmly and quickly under duress and strain.
• Make decisions quickly and accurately.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Communicate with individuals from different backgrounds and communication abilities.
• Learn techniques for communicating with people in emergencies and varying stages of distress.
• Learn to handle multiple tasks at the same time.
• Learn basic law enforcement terms and radio codes.
• Learn proper questioning techniques to determine the nature of the call and the level of emergency.
• Learn available resources for responding to emergencies and calls.
• Learn proper procedures for the operation of NCIC/NCJIS/NLETS information systems as per CDAA NCIC/NCJIS internal SOP.
• Operate standard office equipment including, but not limited to, a personal computer, printer, fax, and copier and utilize User Agency’s specialized software.

An employee in this position must meet the following physical requirements upon application:

• Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard, mouse, and video display terminal for prolonged periods.  
• Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for extended periods of time.  
• Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; periodic lifting of files, stacks of paper or reports, references, water bottles, and other items weighing up to 50 pounds.  
• Some reaching for items above and below desk level.  Some bending, reaching, squatting, and stooping to access files and records is necessary.  The manual dexterity and cognitive ability to operate a personal computer.  
• The ability to communicate via telephone and radio.
• Work environment is generally clean with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, odors, or noise.  
• Lighting, heating, and cooling conditions may be less than optimal.  
• Frequent interruptions to planned work activities occur.  
• Noise from radios and other dispatchers may be frequent.

Elko County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

In compliance with applicable laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.