Job Type: Full-time

Full-Time Pay: $19.41/HR (at completion of training)

How to apply: E-Mail your resume to communications@wmsco.org

Job description

Selected Applicants will receive an invitation to complete the CritiCall Public Safety pre-employment test. Please periodically check your Indeed inbox and/or email for additional information. Failure to maintain communication will result in removal from the application process.

Williams County is located in Northwest Ohio. Williams County Communications is the primary answering point of all 911 & Administrative Communications for Police, Fire, and Medical for a population of 37,000 people.

911 Telecommunicators/Dispatchers answer all 911 calls, which include emergency, and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services. They determine the appropriate call types and course of action based on the nature of the calls. Telecommunicators/Dispatcher then enter information into the computer and relay it to the appropriate agency (Ambulance, Fire, Law Enforcement). Dispatchers are also responsible for monitoring radio frequencies, set priorities among incoming events and dispatch police, fire, & medical to necessary locations using both radios and computers. They keep the accurate status of the exact location of equipment and personnel by maintaining radio contact.

Telecommunicator Traits

There are numerous traits that a Telecommunicator must possess in order to function well here at the 911 Center.

These traits include:

Ability to think quickly

Ability to work under stressful conditions

Clear speech

Hearing accuracy

Ability to listen carefully

Visual acuity

Ability to deal with the public and user agencies

Ability to remember oral and written instructions

Ability to follow instructions

Ability to sit for long periods of time

Ability to write clearly and spell correctly

Typing skills or keyboard familiarity

Ability to remain calm while dealing with frightened, hysterical or angry callers

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions within a 911 dispatcher’s job description will likely detail the daily duties associated with the position, which may include the following:

Operate a multi-line telephone console system

Translate information to the appropriate codes

Determine and assign the level of priority of the call and enter the data into a computer-aided dispatch system for radio dispatch purposes

Perform emergency medical dispatch and crisis intervention services

Ask vital questions and provide pre-arrival instructions for emergency medical calls

Monitor and operate a radio console and computer equipment

Receive and respond to a variety of emergency and non-emergency services and complaints

Ask questions to interpret, analyze and anticipate the caller’s situation as to resolve problems, provide information, dispatch emergency services, or refer callers to other agencies

Dispatch and coordinate the responses of public safety agencies

Identify appropriate number and type of equipment or apparatus to dispatch

Enters and modifies information into local, state and national computer databases

Monitor and respond to a variety of technical systems and alarms

Required Knowledge (Training Provided)

911 dispatchers must generally have knowledge in:

Safety and Security: Candidates must have knowledge of rules, regulations, and procedures, including safety procedures, such as CPR and first aid. Policies and procedures may refer to department policies and procedures related to emergency communications and disaster and special response plans.

Customer Service: Candidates must have knowledge of providing excellent customer service.

Telecommunications: Candidates must have knowledge of telecommunications systems, which may include transmission, broadcasting, and switching systems, and computerized databases, including teletype operations and procedures. Further, they must understand basic dispatch codes, as well as standard abbreviations and industry terminology commonly used by emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies.

Geography: Candidates must understand jurisdictional boundaries, as well as thoroughfares, landmarks, public buildings and waterways within the jurisdiction.

Required Skills

The ability to develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with fellow employees, representatives from other departments, and supervisors

The ability to use logic and reasoning to reach conclusions and approaches to problems

The ability to use judgment and decision-making skills to evaluate situations, establish priorities, and resolve matters

The ability to think quickly

The ability to work under stressful situations

The ability actively listen and communicate effectively through clear speech and hearing

The ability to follow instructions

The ability to write clearly and spell correctly

The ability to establish priorities and pass on information as needed

Work Schedule

Dispatchers work three 12hr shifts per week, 6am - 6pm or 6pm - 6am. Shifts will consist of 2 weekday shifts and 1 weekend shift. Full time dispatchers will work a regular 36 hours per week schedule with the ability to take overtime shifts in 6hr increments. Dispatchers bid on shifts based on seniority every 3 months. Dispatchers will be expected to work nights, weekends, holidays, and on a rotating schedule. Mandated overtime, though extremely rare, is assigned based on the union agreement which is a rotating schedule.

Lateral Transfers

Lateral Transfers with at least 3 years of recent experience as police, fire, or medical call-takers or dispatchers will be considered. Pay rate will be based on previous years of experience.

Training Period

Training pay starts at $15.61/hour. May be negotiated based on prior 911 dispatching experience. Training period may be up to 6 months.

Dispatchers are part of the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Union. Applicants must complete the CritiCall public safety test & pass a BCI background check.