Public Safety Dispatcher I

City of Hialeah, FL - Hialeah, FL

Full-time - Entry Level

Hialeah, FL

About the position

The Public Safety Dispatcher I position involves specialized communication work, receiving and screening medical, fire, and police telephone calls for service in the 911 Communications Center. Employees are responsible for the accurate, rapid, and effective evaluation of, and response to telephone calls for information and assistance. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed procedures and departmental regulations, with independent judgment exercised in determining the necessity for dispatching units to the scene. The position requires extreme confidentiality and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Serves on a rotating shift schedule.
• Receives requests for emergency services from the public and screens those requests in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Operates the telephone switchboard and responds to calls in a prompt and effective manner.
• Performs all assigned tasks in compliance with Federal, State, County and City laws and ordinances as well as Departmental rules and regulations.
• Receives telephone calls from the public regarding accidents, crimes, disturbances, suspicious persons, fires, medical emergencies, and other incidents.
• Evaluates the need for medical, fire, and police assistance by determining the nature of the incident and geographic location.
• Reviews and answers requests for information from law enforcement agencies, ambulance companies, hospitals, and the public.
• Contacts ambulance services and directs them to incident locations when necessary.
• Records all required information on Log Cards and automated terminals.
• Utilizes Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) programs.
• Performs equipment tests on a regular basis.
• Originates orders to dispatch police, fire, and medical personnel.
• Telephones automobile wrecking companies to request removal service at traffic accident scenes.
• Performs clerical duties such as typing, photocopying, filing, and inventory control.
• Maintains activity records of telephone calls received and actions taken.
• Works as Call Back Officer.
• Cleans and performs light maintenance on workstations and equipment.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited school/institution.
• Must type 25 words per minute, as demonstrated in an exam.
• Trained in the handling of emergency calls is highly desirable.
• Skilled in the use of computer terminals is desirable.
• Must be able to obtain certification as '911 Public Safety Telecommunicator' by the State Of Florida within one year of hire.
• Must pass test and obtain certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (E.M.D.) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (E.F.D.) after training.
• Must obtain C.J.I.S. Certification immediately upon being appointed/hired.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in handling emergency calls.
• Familiarity with computer terminals.

Benefits

• Full-time employment with a structured work schedule.
• Opportunity for training and certification in emergency dispatch.