Dispatcher

$49,587 - $53,352/Yr

City Of Shawnee - Shawnee, KS

Full-time - Entry Level

Shawnee, KS

About the position

The Police Department Dispatcher serves as a crucial point of contact for the community to access police services. This position entails performing a comprehensive range of radio, telephone, and computer operational duties within a 24-hour emergency communications center. Responsibilities include answering calls for police service, dispatching police and emergency units, operating and updating computer systems, and assisting both officers and citizens with assigned clerical and administrative tasks. The role requires direct supervision from lead dispatchers and the Dispatch and Technical Services Unit Supervisor, while also allowing for independent decision-making within established policies and procedures. Frequent internal and external contacts necessitate strong public relations skills, particularly when addressing non-routine problems that may require in-depth discussions or persuasion to resolve issues. Interaction occurs directly with the public, other city departments, and various governmental agencies. The starting pay for an entry-level Dispatcher is $23.84 per hour, with potential lateral entry for those with prior dispatching experience, which may reach up to $25.65 per hour. Additionally, Dispatchers with previous experience may qualify for a $2,000 bonus.

Responsibilities

• Understand the basic functions of City services.
• Understand the need and requirements surrounding law enforcement records.
• Understand and comply with operational policies, procedures, codes of conduct, standards, and orders.
• Dispatch and direct police and other police department personnel to calls for police services.
• Answer emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and make appropriate assignments or transfers based on the information given.
• Monitor police and other emergency services radio traffic and speak on a police radio in an understandable fashion.
• Monitor activity, enter call for service information, and make and update assignments in the department Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System.
• Navigate, comprehend, and make accurate entries into various law enforcement information systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, with some college preferred.
• Prior experience in a public contact occupation is desired.
• Successful completion of the department's Dispatcher Training Program.
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the responsibilities identified in this job description.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• NIMS level 1 within six (6) months of employment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in emergency services or dispatching is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stressful situations.

Benefits

• Cell phone reimbursement