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AC
Appomattox County, Virginia
E911 Dispatcher
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What they do
A Dispatcher answers emergency calls and relays information from callers to the appropriate police, fire or ambulance staff. Speaks calmly with callers to get the information needed for emergency personnel. Keeps detailed records of calls and responses.
$48,740 / year median in Virginia
+8% projected growth
Job Description
Job title
- E-911 Dispatcher Department
- Public Safety and Emergency Services FLSA Status
- Non-Exempt Job purpose E-911 Dispatchers receive emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, rescue, animal and game wardens, and public works.
- Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, rescue, animal and game wardens, and public works.
- Receives routine calls for general information.
- Assesses calls in a timely fashion, obtaining relevant information.
- Provides necessary emergency medical dispatch instructions to callers' experiencing medical crisis.
- Questions complainants to determine the nature and location of the problem and the type of response needed.
- Handles all types of callers, be they pleasant, irate, hysterical, bizarre, fanatical, or displaying other adverse attitudes.
- Handles these callers with poise, grace, and professionalism, but is able to take control of the call and direct the complainant back to the subject at hand.
- Monitors radio traffic and maintains the status of each unit.
- Communicates on a regular basis with other jurisdictions and agencies.
- Is privy to confidential information that must be handled with care and concern.
- Oftentimes must make notifications at field unit's requests (wreckers, etc.)
- Must be able to report in any sort of weather conditions (snow, hail, etc.)
- Subject to be called in to work during certain situations (disasters, staffing problem, storms)
- Operates many different pieces of equipment, including but not limited to, CAD, VCIN/NCIC, Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, Motorola radio, Vesta Pallas phone system, and a variety of other equipment
- Performs related duties as required Qualifications Qualifications include:
- Valid Driver's License
- Must have reliable transportation to and from work
- Must pass a background investigation
- Must pass a drug test upon being hired Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Must be able to type at least 35 wpm
- Basic knowledge of computer skills is necessary
- Multi-tasking, Conflict Resolution and Crisis Intervention skills
- Decision making and problem-solving skills
- Must be able to work under pressure
- Must speak in a manner that is easily understood
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and discernment
- Ability to collect and disseminate information successfully and quickly
- Must be able to remain calm and in charge
- Ability to handle stressful situations
- Ability to maintain a professional attitude
- Ability to get along with co-workers
- A genuine interest in serving the needs of others
- A respect for confidential information
- Must be organized
- Must be able to function effectively in a variety of differently paced situations Ability to work efficiently with any sort of people group Working conditions