Dispatcher - Open Until Filled

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of working level technical duties involving use of radio and phone equipment to dispatch various emergency response agencies, including Beaver County Sheriff and Deputies, fire, EMS, animal control, fish & game and search & rescue in response to county and community emergency and assistance calls.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Dispatch Supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receives and prioritizes all emergency and non-emergency requests for service and for dispatching appropriate service providers in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of The Beaver County Sheriff's Office.
• Provides community and public safety, operating 24/7 including night, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Dispatchers require the use of computer technology, which requires a high level of accuracy, concentration, attention to detail, and multi-tasking.
• Work involves the exercise of independent judgment in receiving and transmitting law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other emergency services information by emergency radio, telephone, and computer and determining what actions are necessary based on the call.
• Uses a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to create and maintain electronic records and logs of activity.
• Uses Emergency Medical Dispatch for medical emergencies that may include life saving measures given over the phone/radio when necessary.
• Receives, transmits, and monitors multiple radio channels to inform involved officers with call information and any updates necessary.
• Keeps and maintains records on location of on duty officers and emergency personnel at all times.
• Requests, receives, and disseminates public, private, and confidential data linked to state, federal, interstate, and local law enforcement systems, including driver and motor vehicle checks, stolen property checks, missing persons, criminal histories, and 
• other restricted data files.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time. This may include overtime.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a standard senior high school;
• AND
• One (1) year of general work experience preferably performing above or related duties.
• OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Some knowledge of county geography, proper grammar, spelling and punctuation. Interpersonal communication skills and telephone etiquette; communication equipment; legal and liability issues common to emergency dispatch; county geography; radio dispatch procedures and radio codes; BCI systems and codes and related county system; proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation; standard office practices and procedures related to records filing and office maintenance; interpersonal communication skills; telephone etiquette; operation of a variety of types of standard office and work processing equipment and machines.
• Skill in word processing and computer data entry; skill in the use of law enforcement and fire radios.
• Ability to communicate life-saving techniques and directions to the public; operate multiple telephone, radio, and computer terminals and to remain calm and decisive when dealing with calls for emergency assistance; solicit information and tactfully and efficiently deal with a variety of people, including those who are frightened, incoherent, hostile, verbally abusive, and/or under great stress; adapt to different situations and conditions, quickly assuming control of situations at hand; ability to anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives; ability to track and coordinate several complex situations simultaneously; maintain task focus, emotional composure, and professionalism during periods of high stress, anxiety, or multi-task activity; successfully complete all State-mandated certification programs, including Emergency Medical Dispatcher and POST certification.

Special Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Successful completion of dispatch certification school (APCO or POST).
• Successful completion BCI Terminal Operator Class.
• Must be able to type 30 wpm.
• Must become certified as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD).
• Must be willing to work variable duty shifts, i.e., days, swing, and graveyard.

Work Environment:

Incumbent of the position performs in an indoor setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, and minor lifting. Talking, hearing and seeing is critical to performance of essential functions. Rapid work speed required performing keyboard operations. Continuous sitting is a requirement of the job. Common eye, hand, finger, leg and foot dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details