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The fundamental reason this classification exists is to operate computer-aided dispatching and other related communications equipment to quickly and accurately receive and transmit information of importance or emergency nature for the City of Liberal and Seward County. Work involves evaluating incoming 9-1-1 calls to determine the appropriate level of Police, Sheriff, Fire and/or EMS assistance. Other duties include receiving and transmitting messages and information to various City and County departments. Employees are expected to demonstrate extensive communications skills and to exercise considerable judgment under pressure. Work is performed under the general direction of a Communications Supervisor who is available for consultation on any situation. Some positions require shift, holiday, and weekend work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Operates a computer-aided dispatching console consisting of a computer-based telephone system and radio console;
• Answers incoming call and extracts necessary information from citizens and City/County employees;
• Evaluates incoming calls to determine the nature and urgency of the call;
• Dispatches the appropriate emergency response unit or personnel;
• Provides emergency medical self-help to citizens while EMS units are enroute;
• Receives radio calls from field units, transmits messages via radio or telephone, and makes inquiries to obtain requested information or services;
• Contacts outside agencies and other City/County departments to coordinate aid (i.e., contacts utility companies to inform that wires are down or to arrange for electrical shut-offs, contacts the Water Services Department to arrange for water turn-off, contacts the Police or Sheriff department for assistance);
• Transmits messages and ensures accurate receipt and understanding;
• Answers routine questions or refers calls to appropriate agencies on non-emergency inquiries;
• Receives telephone calls from the public and follows through by relaying information to appropriate departmental personnel for action;
• Logs information relating to calls received over the telephone or transmitted by radio;
• Files data and performs other routine clerical tasks;
• Answers telephone calls for paging and performs paging functions;
• Pages division employees using personal paging equipment (“beepers”);
• Monitors alarms and notifies proper agencies when necessary;
• Attends in-service training classes to upgrade emergency medical knowledge in order to maintain required certifications;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
• Organization, policies, operating procedures, and methods of the department to which assigned.
• Emergency medical procedures.
• Medical terminology.
• The city street and county road system and geographical layout of the city of Liberal and surrounding service areas throughout Seward County.
Skill in:
• Operating communications equipment (multi-button telephones, base radio, computer terminals) quickly and accurately.
• The use of the compute-aided dispatch system and radio console.
Ability to:
• Operate computer-aided dispatch equipment, base radio equipment, automatic switchboards, and monitoring equipment.
• Understand and follow moderately complex oral instructions in the English language.
• Remain calm and effective under heavy workload and emergency situations.
• Speak with a clear, well-modulated voice.
• Write legibly using proper sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Obtain and act on information quickly and accurately.
• Respond to aural or visual signals.
• Communicate orally, in the English language using a telephone and radio.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.
• Learn street locations, county roads, station locations, and geography of the areas served.
• Operate keyboard devices such as a CRT, PC, etc.
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Work cooperatively with citizens, co-workers, sworn personnel, and other City and County employees.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
Working Conditions:
• Office Environment; exposure to computer screens.
• Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; extensive use of computer keyboard.
• Remain calm and exercise judgment in making decisions in emergency situations under heavy workloads.
Additional Requirements:
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.
• Must be able to pass the City of Liberal/Seward County Dispatch program within 6 months of hire and maintain certification during employment.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
One year of experience in the operation of two-way radio and/or telephone switchboard equipment, including some experience in general typing and clerical work. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
