Essex County Regional Emergency Communications Center - Telecommunicator/Dispatcher

Job Announcement

Working Title: Telecommunicator/Dispatcher

ECRECC Posting # JPTC17052601

Pay Grade 12 ($46,679.83 – $58,663.66)

This position is in a Union, the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, Local 448 (“Essex County Telecommunicators”)

The Essex County Regional Emergency Communications Center is currently seeking experienced candidates who are interested in the position of ECRECC Telecommunicator.  A minimum of two years call taking and/or dispatching is required.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

 This position is designated as an Emergency Essential Personnel position.  Due to the critical nature of these job functions, this position may be required to report to his/her assigned work site as scheduled, regardless of an emergency situation that may otherwise affect staffing of other state offices.  Under supervision, receive phone and other requests for assistance in all fields of public safety (fire, police and EMS), process these requests with the assistance of computer technology and send appropriate assistance using existing guidelines and protocols.  Monitor radio frequencies of public safety agencies to answer any calls for assistance received from them

SUPERVISION

General supervision is provided by RECC Dispatcher Supervisor

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• All behavior, at all times complies with the code of conduct of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and the Massachusetts General law
• Under supervision, using a computer aided dispatch and other technologically advanced systems, receives emergency and other calls for assistance from the public requesting fire, police, medical or other emergency services. 
• Using technology and training, determine the nature and location of the emergency; determine priorities and dispatch public safety (police, fire and EMS) units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures. 
• Receive and process 911 emergency calls, enter data for dispatch and transfer calls to appropriate agencies, if necessary. 
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment, maintain location information of police and fire units, checking on their status using existing protocols.
• Acting on request or personal knowledge, assign additional units to assist assigned units in the performance of their tasks.
• Monitor direct emergency alarms, answer non-emergency calls for assistance.
• Receive requests for information regarding vehicle registration, driving records and warrants, provide pertinent data. 
• Monitor several complex public safety radio frequencies. 
• Operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones and computer systems. 
• Process and maintain a variety of reports, records and files
• Operates federal, state and local databases, inputting data and researching at the request of law enforcement personnel.  Complies with all regulations of said agencies. 
• Operates all equipment in a safe and respectful manner, reporting any deficiencies to a supervisor for remediation or replacement.
• Notifies superiors regarding emergency situations and general activities, per protocols
• Answers, to the best of their knowledge, questions from the public pertaining to departmental policies and procedures or refers same to specific agency for resolution.
• Refers phone messages for off-duty and on duty personnel to the appropriate number or person for handling.
• Accesses various confidential law enforcement systems, inquiries of data requested and disseminates to appropriate person(s)
• Maintains confidentiality of all records, inquiries and information within standards of the law.
• In cases where the caller does not speak a language known by the employee or uses TTY services, follows protocols for obtaining assistance for the caller to provide emergency service to the caller.
• Assists in training new personnel, as assigned.
• To the extent possible, responds to citizen requests for information and non-emergency information
• Develops a cursory technical knowledge of equipment used by dispatchers in the performance of their mission so that they can speak to technical repair persons about issues.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

High School Diploma/GED

College Degree preferred

Two to three years dispatching experience

            No disqualifying criminal history

            Successfully pass medical examination, including drug screening

            Successfully pass psychological examination and testing

            Ability to type on a keyboard at sufficient speed

            Consistently speak in a clear, well modulated voice

            Reliable transportation to work at all hours on different shifts

            Pass Hearing Test

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Work in a high stress environment for long periods of time
• Enter, update and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems
• Maintain basic computer and keyboard skills
• Maintains all required certifications and licenses consistent with their position
• Maintaining hearing ability consistent with a normal range of hearing
• Communicating with persons in highly stressful situations
• Communicating effectively with others

COMPETENCIES

An employee’s performance will be evaluated based on five competencies.

• Job knowledge 2) Teamwork 3) Customer Service 4) Flexibility 5) Work Ethic

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include:

• Fulfilling responsibilities characterized by anxiety, confusion and stress
• Maintain constant readiness to answer and dispatch calls
• Maintain safe work practices
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time in one location
• Operating specialized communications equipment

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Distinguishing the difference between colors
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Operating specialized communications equipment

Salary Range:   $47,679.83 to $58,663.66

Excellent benefit package (position includes State contributed medical/dental insurance, pension, vacation, holidays, sick leave and more).

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, May 26, 2017

Apply by 1.  Sending your cover letter, resume and application to jobs@ecrecc.org. 

2. Submit a hard copy of application with necessary notarizations via mail to:

 Essex County Regional Emergency Communications Center

 Attn: Elisabeth Hurley

 18 Manning Ave, Middleton, MA 01949. 

Applications can be found at http://ecrecc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ECSD-Application_2017.pdf

Please Note: Official application will be primary method of selection and is required in its entirety.

All applicants MUST:

(1) reference the job title and reference number in the subject line of the email

(2) include full name and contact information including residential address and phone number

(3) include work history (title, responsibilities, employer, dates worked, salary)

(4) include three references, at least two of which must be professional

(5) include in your cover letter why you want to work in this capacity and why you feel you would be a good fit

(6) identify any and all education, training, and other supporting professional development (for education, identify date and type of degrees earned, institution name and location; for other training and professional development, identify title/track, brief description, organization, and dates completed)

(7) fill out all sections of the official application in their entirety – fields may not be answered with “refer to resume”

IMPORTANT: Failure to follow ALL of the above directions will result in disqualification.

All Applications must be received no later than Friday, May 26, 2017

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

All offices of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department are smoke free.

Please direct questions regarding this position to jobs@ecrecc.org

Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.

Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PoliceApp, PublicSafetyApp, FireFighterApp or EmployementApp account to monitor for emails, scheduling and process updates.