Job Details

Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches services in response to the calls. (PSD personnel are probationary and are closely supervised during the first 18 months of employment.)The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Other duties may be assigned. Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this position.

Receives calls for emergency or non-emergency services by telephone or radio; determines the nature and seriousness of the situation and obtains the necessary information by questioning the caller; dispatches the appropriate service to the scene (fire units, police units, wrecker, ambulance, utility company personnel, Red Cross personnel, etc.).

Transmits request to the field units giving the location and nature of the call to the appropriate unit within the area or to the nearest available unit, as determined by priorities. Provides additional information to field units dispatched to answer calls; monitors field unit radio reports and requests for information or assistance from field units responding to calls.

Maintains a computer log of field unit locations at all times, updating continually. Maintains records/logs of all messages received and/or transmitted by first taking manual notes and then entering the message into the computer for permanent record. Maintains records of any services or streets that are out of service, reporting to correct department. Assists in maintaining current lists of hospitals, medical services, apartment dwellings, shopping centers, and streets in the City.

Receives and enters into the computer the clock in/out time for field units. Keeps track of police units working off-duty employment. Takes requests for, retrieves from the computer, and transmits to appropriate field unit, information from the ACIC/NCIC system. Receives and transmits messages to other state public safety agencies via radio or telephone.

Tests and monitors communication systems such as telephone, radios, paging systems, national alert warning system, NAWAS weather line, generators, and maintains related records as directed to ensure proper working order. Responds to and assists with EOC or incident command during field operations or emergency conditions.

Receives and provides information regarding City services after regular business hours, notifying employees scheduled to be on call of situations requiring a response.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be at least 18 years of age and have some computer experience and experience in multi-tasking work environment.

Must pass a Public Safety Dispatcher Test.

Call center experience preferred but not required.

A Class D driver's license and good driving record are required and must be maintained throughout employment.

The complexity, guidelines, supervisory controls, and supervision responsibilities described below are representative of this position.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

The work is closely controlled, either by a supervisor or by the structured nature of the work. For both one-of a kind and repetitive tasks the supervisor makes specific assignments that are accompanied by clear, detailed, and specific instructions. The worker consults with the supervisor as needed on all matters not specifically covered in the original instructions or guidelines. The supervisor reviews most work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

COMPLEXITY:

The work includes various duties involving different and unrelated processes and methods; the decision regarding what needs to be done depends upon the analysis of the subject, phase, or issues involved in each assignment, and the chosen course of action may have to be selected from many alternatives; the work involves conditions and elements that must be identified and analyzed to discern interrelationships.

GUIDELINES:

A number of specific guidelines are available; judgment is used in locating and selecting the most appropriate guidelines; minor deviations can be made in specific cases; significant deviations are referred to the supervisor. The employee rarely makes any decisions that affect persons or situations beyond the scope of his/her job.