Telecommunicator

Forsyth County Department of Emergency Services is seeking dedicated and hard working professionals to join our team as Telecommunicators. Operates an enhanced 911 emergency system in receiving and dispatching emergency calls.

• Answers 911 calls requesting emergency assistance; asks callers appropriate questions in determining proper response needed; verifies and obtains all needed information in order to correctly dispatch the call.
• Dispatches municipal, county, and volunteer fire personnel and equipment; determines appropriate fire department and amount of response based on computer information and standard operating procedures; monitors frequency for any additional assistance.
• Dispatches ALS/BLS vehicles and emergency medical service personnel to respond to medical emergencies; assigns calls to first responders and medic units as necessary.
• Categorizes fire/medical calls and provides prearrival instructions for emergencies based on protocols established by APCO.
• Responds promptly to all mutual aid requests from adjoining counties; monitors calls from a large number of state and local units transmitting messages; patches in out of county ambulances to local hospitals.
• Operates a wide range of very complex equipment in performing the functions of the position; maintains auxiliary equipment as required.
• Sound judgment is required in making decisions during emergencies. This employee must respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through conferences and review of operations
• Considerable knowledge of rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation of a wide variety of complex communications equipment and ability to use all equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of the locations and capabilities of available fire, rescue, and emergency medical units.
• Ability to communicate effectively emergency medical dispatch protocols.
• Ability to hear and speak clearly and remain calm during emergency situations.
• Ability to make quick decisions in handling emergency situations.
• Ability to direct the daily activities of an assigned shift.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Lifting up tp 10 lbs occasionally or sitting most of the time.

Graduation from high school or GED and one year experience in emergency services communications or graduation from high school or GED and two years experience in a related public safety field. A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement. This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the U.S. Department of Justice's Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent criminal background check.

• Answers calls requesting emergency assistance; asks callers appropriate questions in determining proper response needed; verifies and obtains all needed information in order to correctly dispatch the call.
• Dispatches county fire personnel and equipment in addition to appropriate volunteer fire departments; determines appropriate volunteer fire department and amount of response based on computer information and standard operating procedures; monitors frequency for any additional assistance.
• Dispatches ALS vehicles and emergency medical service personnel to respond to medical emergencies; assigns calls to volunteer rescue squads and medic cars as necessary.
• Categorizes medical calls and provides prearrival instructions for emergencies based on flip cards published by APCO.
• Responds promptly to all mutual aid requests from adjoining counties; monitors calls from a large number of state and local units transmitting messages; patches in out of county ambulances to local hospitals.
• Operates a wide range of very complex equipment in performing the functions of the position; maintains auxiliary equipment as required.
• Completes all associated paperwork accurately.
• Completes all associated paperwork accurately.
• Performs related duties as assigned.