2024 Saline County
911 Communications Dispatcher
Job Description
Exempt: No
Department: 911 Emergency Communications
Reports To: Deputy Team Leader/Team Lead
Location: 102 S. Main Street, Level B, Benton, AR 72015
Safety Sensitive: This position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and random drug and alcohol screening.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
This position provides a critical link in the delivery of public safety service, being the first and most important contact with the citizen needing help. Communications operators perform specialized technical communications work in the operation of the Saline Emergency Communications Center. This position performs diversified duties using established procedures, requiring the use of judgement to determine appropriate actions to be taken; receive calls for emergency and non-emergency services by telephone and radio; determine the nature and priority, and dispatch appropriately. This position is designated as a safety sensitive position as defined by Act 593 of 2017.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Answer emergency and non-emergency calls for service, gather accurate information needed to assist callers, and simultaneously enter this information into computer systems.
- Calm, question, and provide instructions to callers using dispatch protocol systems; provide emergency assistance to callers until responders arrive (as needed).
- Monitor multiple radio channels, handle multiple radio traffic, process multiple calls; process calls and radio simultaneously as volume requires; prioritize multiple calls for service.
- Operate several computer/electronic systems including: Enhanced 911 console, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping software, Rapid Deploy mapping software, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software, Priority Dispatch ProQA EMD software, Arkansas Wireless Information Network (AWIN), National Warning System (NAWAS), County VHF Radio Systems, Commander One Siren System, and local camera systems.
- Operates national and state criminal information computer systems (NCIC/ACIC) to retrieve/update criminal information and motor vehicle/license records; enters, removes, confirms, modifies, and/or updates entries and data as needed; enters and runs inquiries on data such as vehicle registrations, driver’s license records, criminal histories, warrants, lost/stolen property, or missing/wanted persons; receives BOLO notices and broadcasts/distributes as appropriate; ensures integrity/security of data and adherence to NCIC/ACIC requirements.
- Establish importance priorities in seeking and transmitting information as well as directing and coordinating action, which is frequently competing, time-sensitive critical information.
- Sends appropriate personnel to emergency locations, such as law enforcement units, ambulances, fire department units, wreckers, animal control, coroner, or other agencies as needed.
- Notify Emergency Management personnel of significant incidents and maintain situational awareness of all incidents or events that might have a significant impact on Saline County.
- As the designated county warning point, maintain awareness of weather conditions by monitoring equipment and notification systems of watches and warnings.
- Troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions. Basic maintenance of computer systems, communications equipment, and general office equipment is performed; equipment is inspected for proper operation.
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism regarding sensitive internal and external information.
- Maintain professionalism conducive to a person in a position of authority while representing Saline Emergency Communications.
- Be reliable, dependable and be able to report for work on a consistent basis.
- Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High school or GED, plus specialized schooling and/or on the job education in a specific skill area; e.g. data processing, clerical/administrative, equipment operation, etc., plus 12 to 18 months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Required within first year:
- ACIC Advanced Certification
- FEMA 100,144,200,242, 700, 800, 907, and 1200 Courses
- 149 Priority Dispatch Emergency Telecommunicator Course
- 149 Priority Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch
- 149 Arkansas Smart911 PSAP Console Training
- 149 MCDR-1 Missing Children Course.
PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Communication Training - Problem Solving and Decision-Making Training
WORKING CONDITIONS
Somewhat disagreeable working conditions. Continuously exposed to one or two elements such as noise, intermittent standing, walking, pushing, carrying, or lifting.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
Highly repetitive, low physical. Highly repetitive type of work which requires concentration in the performance of tasks for consistent time cycles as prescribed by the tasks.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear; occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position is designated as a safety sensitive position as defined by Act 593 of 2017. The duties listed above are intended only to show the various types of duties that will be performed. The omission of a specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. All positions within the Office of Emergency Management are assigned by the County Judge and/or the OEM/911 Director and are subject to be changed when deemed in the best interest of the Office of Emergency Management operation. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Saline County and the employee and is subject to change by the employer if the need of the employer and requirements of the job change.
SALINE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
