About the position
The City of Bella Vista, AR is seeking candidates for our 911 Dispatch/Telecommunicators operator positions. The responsibility of individuals who fill these roles is to receive emergency and non-emergency phone calls. As emergency care providers, the City of Bella Vista Telecommunications Dispatcher is responsible for the health and well-being of those living, working and visiting the city of Bella Vista and are crucial to the operations of the Bella Vista Police and Fire Departments. Telecommunication Dispatchers process police, fire and emergency medical services-related calls. This is a non-sworn, non-exempt classification. This position must be able to work unusual hours including nights, weekends and holidays as required. This is a safety sensitive position that requires a constant state of alertness. This is an essential and safety-sensitive position.
Responsibilities
- Receive and transmit telephone and radio messages.
- Receive reports and complaints coming to the dispatch center by telephone, from radio cars and other sources.
- Responsible for keeping log showing all pertinent information received.
- Monitor neighboring police department radios in order to respond to a common emergency.
- Maintain radio contact with state authorities and surrounding cities.
- Contact appropriate agencies for emergency service.
- Keep records of number of calls received and prepare month-end and yearly reports.
- Keep clerical records pertaining to the dispatch position.
- Dispatch fire and ambulance services.
- Perform 9-1-1 emergency dispatching and related duties.
- Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Possess high School Diploma or G.E.D.
- Three (3) to six (6) months related experience and/or training preferred.
- Telecommunicator Certificate highly desired.
- Certification from the APCO highly desired.
- Must be able to pass drug screen and background check.
Nice-to-haves
- Public Safety communications knowledge is preferred, but not required.
- Ability to actively listen, speak plainly and communicate effectively.
- Ability to multi-task.
- Problem-solving skills; ability to prioritize the most important situations, and think quickly.
- Empathy and compassion; ability to keep calm in distressing situations.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
