Dispatcher

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Communications Supervisor, provides support to law enforcement, emergency medical and fire personnel. Position requires ability to handle stressful work conditions, i.e. working under time pressure with serious consequences of error in crisis situations, tragedies, and emergencies; and ability to handle simultaneous incidents. Dispatchers are responsible for directing officers to locations in need of assistance, advising officers of potentially dangerous situations, and aiding the general public in times of crisis. Personal conduct and behavior (on-duty as well as off-duty) must be such that it does not bring disrepute or unnecessarily endanger the public’s trust or confidence in the agency or its members. This position requires the ability and willingness to work a majority of time without direct supervision. The dispatcher position is considered to be non-exempt under FLSA.

 

Regular Duties Include:

 

  • Effectively prioritize calls for service and other information given policy guidelines and personnel considerations.
  • Responding to radio traffic and recording transmissions
  • Answering incoming telephone inquiries and routing calls
  • Dispatching police, fire, rescue, or emergency medical services based on assistance needed
  • Monitoring teletypes on weather, stolen vehicles, runaways, attempts to locate (ATL) databases
  • Greeting the public as they arrive at the office
  • Maintaining knowledge of warrants, civil papers, and computer capabilities
  • Maintaining knowledge of the location of officers at all times
  • Answering emergency 911 calls
  • Activating tornado and emergency warning systems and alerts for the County
  • Make effective and timely notifications as required or directed.
  • Effectively, efficiently, appropriately, and courteously utilize the department’s phone system and interact with persons seeking assistance.
  • Successfully employ the strategy of active listening in order to effectively and efficiently handle calls for service and other interpersonal activities.
  • Efficiently, effectively, and properly utilize the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system and the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (KCJIS) network to accomplish job tasks.
  • Effectively utilize, manage, and update all dispatch resources.
  • Effectively, efficiently, and properly utilize the department’s radio, phone, Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), fire, EMS, 911, siren activation and record management systems to accomplish job tasks.
  • Fully and accurately complete all required paper and on-line forms. Forms include but are not limited to, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Hot File entry forms, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Hot File logs, the CHRI log, the 911 Trouble log, the EMS log, weather notification forms
  • Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays depending on shift assignment

 

Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within six months of employment. Additional duties may be assigned by the Communications Supervisor. Excellent interpersonal communication skills are required. Employee must be able to function calmly and effectively under severe stress.

 

Minimum Requirements:

 

  1. Must possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  2. Must be able to pass all pre-employment requirements including, but not limited to drug screening examination and thorough background investigation.
  3. Must have NO felony convictions or expunged conviction and, on and after 1 July 1995, has not been placed upon diversion by any state or the federal government for a felony offense or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or its equivalent under the uniform code of military justice. (KSA’s 74-5605 and 74-5616).
  4. Must NOT have been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. armed forces or have a background that would be disrespectful to the profession of law enforcement
  5. Must meet residency requirements in accordance with department policy.

 

This is an entry-level position. No previous experience is required. National Crime Information Center (NCIC), CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification is a requirement of this position and must be completed by the employee upon being selected for employment, at a date and time scheduled by the Sheriff’s Office. These certifications must also be maintained as a condition of employment. Employees must successfully complete a 6 month probationary training and assessment period from the date of employment. In order to meet the needs of the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to, or in lieu of, those described above. Any duties are subject to change at any time.