Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatcher Are you looking for a job where you can make a difference in people's lives? We are seeking responsible individuals to work in a fast-paced combined police, fire & EMS communications center. This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in Concord's public safety operations. Excellent communication skills and ability to multi-task required. Must be non-smoker, reside within 20 miles of Concord within 1 year of employ, and be available for all shifts including nights, weekends & holidays. Ideal candidates will have prior experience in emergency communications, strong problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to serving others. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about public safety, we want to hear from you. Apply today to help keep our community safe. Full salary range: $26.38 - 33.37/hour; additional pays/stipends available. Starting salary will be based on experience & qualifications. Compensation package includes pension benefit and health insurance options. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The most highly qualified candidates will be invited to one or more interviews and/or other assessments. All applicants will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application. Appointment of the final candidate will be contingent upon the results of pre-placement conditions including criminal and credit record checks, a physical exam, a drug screening, and a thorough background investigation. Costs for these pre-placement requirements will be borne by the Town. The Town of Concord, MA is an EEO Employer. We value diversity and welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Department: Concord Police Salary Grade: Public Safety Dispatchers Unit Reports To: Emergency Communications Center Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Teamsters Appointed By: Town Manager Date: October 2024 GENERAL SUMMARY: Dispatchers perform routine to complex clerical and dispatching work in the operation of the Town's Public Safety Communications Center. Work involves frequent telephone contact with members of the community. Many situations are emergency in nature, and individual must be able to think and act clearly and calmly. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Police Chief, Fire Chief and/or their designee, the Emergency Communications Center Director, Lead Dispatcher, and the Shift Sergeant. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis. Answers telephones. Acquires information from citizens and other entities requesting public safety services or assistance. Analyzes alarm system information, given signals, messages, codes, and data, so that the information is properly interpreted in preparation for the allocation of resources. Extracts pertinent information so that accurate information is obtained. Assesses the priority of service requests. Prepares data for dispatch or referral by evaluating, categorizing, formatting and documenting the incident or service-related information. Dispatches public safety personnel. Relays information and data as required for resolution, referral, or response to an incident or service request. Responds to requests for information from citizens. Assists citizens in completing departmental forms. Generates correct, complete, and concise records of public safety services requests in accordance with policies and procedures. Maintains departmental records; records information and enters data into computer information system; performs other clerical work as assigned. Maintains communications equipment. Distinctive Features of Position: Stationary duties: Requires sitting at a telephone or radio console for extended periods. Primarily verbal work: Involves receiving, evaluating, and communicating information verbally. Reactive environment: Calls and situations are unpredictable, requiring immediate responses to various events. Multitasking: Requires handling multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions. Frequent interactions: Daily communication with a wide range of individuals and agencies, often concurrently. Structured framework: Must operate within a strict set of rules, procedures, and regulations. High visibility: All phone calls and radio transmissions are recorded, ensuring a high level of accountability. High responsibility: Decisions made can have serious consequences, including the potential for injury, property damage, or loss of life. Challenging situations: Must appropriately manage difficult and unpleasant circumstances. Repetitive tasks: Work involves alternating between periods of high and low activity, with repetitive duties. Sensitive information: Discretion is essential when handling confidential information. Critical decision-making: The safety of the public and public safety personnel relies on timely and accurate information, actions, and decisions. Public relations focus: The only contact citizens often have with the Police and Fire Departments is through the dispatch center. Your demeanor and competence in handling calls from the public combine to form what is often the first impression that people have about law enforcement agencies. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Education & Experience: Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and abilities shown above is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining such qualifications is a High School diploma, or equivalent, and work experience which displays dependability and ability to function under stress. Preferred Qualifications: College education. Experience with IMC/Tritech computer aided dispatch systems. Certifications in police/fire telecommunications including but not limited to Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and APCO Telecommunications. Training in stress management and crisis intervention. Knowledge of legal issues affecting police/fire dispatch. First Responder Training. CPR Certification. E-911 Certification. LEAPS/CJIS Certification. Special Requirements for Hire & Continued Employment: Must remain a non-smoker. After one year from date of hire, must meet the Town's requirement relative to residing within the distance defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. After receiving training provided by the Concord Police Department, must obtain and maintain all certifications required by State and Department regulations including, but not limited to: Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), CPR, E-911, and APCO Telecommunications. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in person, by telephone, and in writing. Ability to assist the public and maintain favorable public relations. Ability to make decisions and judgments based on common sense and values. Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations. Ability to multi-task in a variety of situations. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to remember and recall detailed information. Ability to work well with others in a team environment. Knowledge of computer database and word processing equipment; ability to perform data entry and prepare routine correspondence using such equipment. WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the physical demands (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis. Normal office environment, not subject to extreme variations of temperature, noise, odors, etc. Majority of work is performed in a quiet work environment, with constant interruptions. Frequently subjected to the demands of other individuals and the volume and /or rapidity with which tasks must be accomplished. Operates a variety of equipment, including telephones, radios, audio/visual devices, computer keyboards. Close eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity and may also need to be able to move rapidly from a sedentary to active condition. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.