Digital Communications Dispatcher Trainee

About Position

Learn to receive and direct emergency and non-emergency calls and utilizing emergency communications equipment to dispatch emergency response personnel to provide timely response to requests for assistance. First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC), and valid State of Florida 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator certifications must be obtained during the probationary period.

Duties & Responsibilities

Note: Depending on assigned responsibilities, employees may perform some or all of the duties below.

Note for Trainees: Trainees are expected to learn the following duties while in a trainee status.
 

• Receive 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, quickly and calmly assesses the situation, enter information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for agency dispatch, and/ or redirect them to specific or alternate emergency responding agencies or departments.
• Connect conference calls involving two or more parties to render timely emergency assistance.
• Dispatch emergency response personnel using digital and/or analog voice communications equipment and/or an emergency computer dispatch system.
• Create reports to identify incorrect location information received through the Automatic Location Information system to initiate corrective actions.
• Pinpoint the location of emergency/non-emergency calls initiated from land lines or cellular phones using a Global Positioning System (GPS) and initiate emergency call-backs to obtain additional information or to follow-up on disconnected calls.
• Type memoranda and report, duplicate or edit emergency call recordings in response to court subpoenas and public records requests, and testify in court to provide an accurate account of information received from emergency/non-emergency calls for assistance.
• Maintain records and reports including shift reports and operational logs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures, and guidelines; digital and audio communications equipment operation; and the communication center standard operating procedures, regulations, and 9-1-1 system.
• Some knowledge of law enforcement, emergency medical or fire terminology, and effective communication techniques.
• Ability to accurately assess emergency information, make correct decisions, and respond to emergencies in a calm and controlled manner.
• Ability to operate multi-line or computerized telephone, digital, audio, or radio communications equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to locate offices, agencies, or individuals promptly through directories or other information sources.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to work effectively with others and follow established procedures.
• Ability to accurately sort, file, and retrieve material using alphabetical, numerical, or chronological systems.

 
Other Characteristics

• Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Willingness to perform duties at temporary emergency command centers and locations during periods of local, state, and national emergencies.

Required Minimum Education & Experience

• A high school diploma or possession of a GED certificate.

Required Pre-Employment Testing

• A passing score on pre-employment testing.

Additional Job Requirements

• Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.
• No visible tattoos on face. Tattoos on hands, neck, or arms must be covered with white, black, or neutral colored covering.
• No illegal drug sale within lifetime.
• No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 24 months.
• No felony convictions within lifetime.
• No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.
• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation including polygraph; reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; medical evaluation; and drug screening.