Telecommunicator

Telecommunicator

Telecommunicators process incoming and outgoing emergency and non-emergency calls, 9-1-1 texts and emergency data. They dispatch emergency resources and communicate with Police, Fire and EMS units. They remain calm as they provide medical assistance and life-saving instructions that ensure caller safety. Fluctuations in call volume can cause the job to be fast paced and high stress at times.

Duties

This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed. The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

Primary

Receives emergency calls; gathers maximum amount of caller information in minimum amount of time; determines appropriate response; and dispatches field officers and other emergency personnel accordingly. Renders life-sustaining CPR and other pre-arrival medical instructions to callers, when necessary following requests for ambulances. Responds to inquiries and/or requests for service and provides callers with appropriate department or agency information. Translates information into a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system for proper and timely dissemination and recommendations. Records time of call, emergency personnel dispatched, response time, and final disposition of call, as required. All vacant calls are interrogated for TTY generated calls and/or called back to ascertain nature of calls. Reviews, updates, and maintains Indiana Data and Communication System (IDACS) and National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) information. Monitors and receives alarm system activations and dispatches officers, fire departments, or ambulances when necessary. Notifies appropriate representatives of alarms or any malfunctions until cleared. Takes all reasonable steps to maintain a safe work environment.

Secondary

Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Minimum knowledge equivalent to a high school education. Eighteen months of additional training in an emergency service field, communications, leadership, or secondary education, preferred. Experience equivalent to one year of clerical experience that includes typing, answering phones, and taking messages preferred. Must be able to complete training within one year. This means, but is not limited to the following:

• Completes standards-approved Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD), and Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) training courses.
• Demonstrates ability to quickly identify the seriousness of a problem and provide real-time CPR and life-sustaining first aid instructions;
• Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to use emergency medical terminology;
• Adheres to national standards and Priority Dispatch ProQA standard protocol;
• Translates information quickly into and through different computer systems;
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of area law enforcement demands;
• Effectively receives and dispatch calls both spoken and via computer terminals;
• Acquires the following certifications: EMD, EFD, EPD, CPR, IDACS/ NCIC;
• Uses all communications radio frequencies;
• Reads and comprehends maps and provides clear and concise directions; and
• Appropriately receives, maintains and logs all emergency and non-emergency related calls.

Ability to meet all departmental hiring and retention requirements including passing a thorough background and criminal history checks.

Difficulty of Work and Personal Work Relationship

Difficulty of Work

Performs duties in an office environment and is frequently exposed to stressful situations associated with requests for emergency assistance. Often continues on duty during a shift with little break time. Ability to clearly and calmly respond during stressful situations. Ability to work assigned hours, including overtime and work on holidays and weekends. Central Emergency Dispatch is a 24-7 operation. Telecommunicators work 8 hrs. shifts and- 12-hour shifts. Shifts are determined by department needs. Some OT is required. Shifts are Days, Mids., and Nights. Hours vary during the training period, which can last up to a year. Shifts bids are done by seniority each January.

Personal Work Relationships

Maintains frequent contact with police, fire, and ambulance personnel county-wide, and members of the public for a variety of purposes, including coordination of telecommunication operations, and non-routine contact with callers requesting emergency assistance in situations that jeopardize public safety.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, La Egualdad De Oportunidades De Empleo Es La Ley. The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Bloomington validates authorization to work using E-Verify, which provides the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's I-9 form to confirm work authorization.

Government Careers

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