County of Erie, PA · 4 hours ago
Telecommunications Specialist
Erie, PA
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$18.65/hr - $22.21/hrCounty of Erie, PA is seeking a Telecommunications Specialist. This entry-level position involves instruction in emergency call taking and dispatching, requiring candidates to work various shifts and handle emergency communications effectively.
Government Administration
Hiring Manager
Megan Jones, MBA
Responsibilities
The public safety telecommunicator reports directly to the Shift Commanders
This is an entry-level professional position involving extensive, incremental instruction in 9-1-1 emergency & non-emergency call taking, emergency and non-emergency response dispatching, crisis management and record keeping skills as required
Candidates must be able to work all shifts
An employee in this position undertakes theoretical & practical instruction in emergency telecommunications skills, utilizing automated communications networks to receive information from the public and to disseminate same among telecommunicators of emergency and non-emergency public services
He/She studies codified, inter-related protocols, procedures and device descriptions, completes classroom instruction prescribed by the agency and applies the same with incrementally increasing independence, on duty in the emergency communications center
This is a bargaining unit position that involves the receipt and processing of calls for assistance through the County 9-1-1 emergency telephone system
Operates the 9 1 1 primary answering point console to effectively receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls, according to established policies and procedures
Monitoring and dispatching of appropriate emergency response providers such as police, fire, emergency medical services, emergency management and the hazardous materials response team
Receives oral and written instruction (classroom/live environment) in equipment capability and operation, call taking and dispatch techniques, and inter-personal communications including management of multiple emergencies, listening and questioning skills, categorization and identification of appropriate local and/or regional emergency providers
Telecommunicators may receive additional assignments necessary as delegated by the Shift Commander
Attendance at staff meetings and continuing education sessions will be required outside of normal work hours, including holidays and weekends
Rotating shift work may be required
Answers 9-1-1 and other calls for service requesting emergency and non-emergency services
Required to accurately and concisely enter caller information to include address information computer aided dispatch system
Demonstrates mandated competencies in practice scenarios and live environment
Responds to public inquiries of both emergency and non-emergency nature in accordance with established policies and procedures
Evaluate the situation as related by the caller, or make judgment of the possible situation in the absence of clear communication with the caller
Receives and processes calls in languages other than English, conferencing AT&T Language Line, retaining responsibility for courteous, accurate receipt, recording and transmission of information
Receives and processes emergency TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) with established policies and procedures
Validate/verify information concerning the source of the call, status and availability of emergency service providers
Dispatch of emergency service providers and monitor their activities as needed to provide additional support by coordinating all radio transmissions between police, fire, and EMS agencies
Operates a National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) to conduct inquiries, entries and generate reports or communications messages concerning inquiries by law enforcement personnel
Qualification
Required
High School Diploma or GED
Must be NCIC/CLEAN Certified
Basic Working Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Candidates must be able to work all shifts
Knowledge of day-to-day operations in an emergency communications center
Knowledge of Public Safety including police, fire, EMS, emergency management & hazardous materials response team operations
Must be able to communicate effectively in writing sufficient to maintain journals, logs, computer aided dispatch and reports, and to relate events of specific calls and actions
Must be able to read and comprehend policies and training manuals
Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions
Fluent, clear and distinct verbal communication skills
Must possess excellent decision making skills
Ability to analyze a situation accurately and to take or suggest the appropriate course of action
Hear and distinguish noises and understand spoken language with high accuracy, even when other noises are present
Must be able to remain patient and calm when dealing with callers who are highly agitated, angry, panicked, emotionally upset or otherwise not able to effectively communicate their needs due to age, injury, illness or other debilitating situation
Ability to learn new procedures and techniques for handling current as well as any future technology (equipment, radios, telephone, CRT, recording equipment, etc.)
Working knowledge of 9-1-1 computer systems, telephones, CAD, CLEAN, NCIC and communications systems
Ability to fully understand all computer aided dispatch (CAD) functions and commands
Ability to seamlessly adapt to technology failures
Ability to fully understand all GIS Mapping functions and commands as they pertain to 9-1-1 call taking
Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position and to mentally and physically react quickly to emergency situations
Must be able to sit for long periods during the work day, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching as necessary to carry out duties of job
Preferred
Must obtain Certification in APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I, 7th Ed
Pennsylvania Certification as a 9-1-1 Call Taker (104 Hours)
Pennsylvania Certification as a Police Dispatcher (32 Hours)
Pennsylvania Certification as a Fire Dispatcher (16 Hours)
Pennsylvania Certification as a EMS Dispatcher (16 Hours)
Pennsylvania Certification as a Emergency Management Dispatcher (16 Hours)
Must obtain Certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (24 Hours)
Must obtain Certification in Emergency Fire Dispatch (24 Hours)
Must obtain Certification in Emergency Police Dispatch (24 Hours)
Must obtain Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Must obtain NIMS Certification (IS100, IS200, IS700, IS800)
Company
County of Erie, PA
We are a company that is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and vibrant environment for our diverse citizens.
Founded in 1800
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Jake Welsh, AICP
Chief Zoning Officer
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