Job Specification Details

Emergency dispatching, E 911 call taking, public information, and records management work for the Department of Public Safety involving the operation of radio, telephone, computerized and electronic communications equipment at one of the Communication Centers (PSAP). Incumbents are assigned to particular shifts and may have to work rotating shifts. Work is performed under the general supervision of the PSAP Administrator or the Emergency Communications Supervisor.

Responsible for ensuring the safety of all law enforcement personnel performing their duties within a given area of responsibility, including Vermont State Police personnel, local police officers, county sheriffs, State Game Wardens, Department of Motor Vehicle Inspectors, Liquor Investigators and other law enforcement personnel working in the area. Ensures the safety of the public by promptly and appropriately responding to their calls for service. Prioritizes calls, gathers information and relays information to responders and documents the event. Remains aware of the changing nature of incidents in progress and communicates pertinent information effectively to responding personnel. Prioritizes information and coordinates initial responses to various incidents while locating and notifying additional resources as necessary. Is familiar with police procedures and recognizes and responds appropriately to changing circumstances. Remains aware of officer safety issues, and public safety issues at all times during a call. Manages callers, who are often in distress, in order to obtain all necessary information and provide instruction. Obtains, interprets, and communicates relevant law enforcement and emergency services information from a variety of sources. Obtains pertinent information from the general public regarding criminal activity, public safety issues, fire and emergency medical situations and quickly and accurately communicates the information to the appropriate personnel or agency. Responsible for law enforcement records management including arrest warrants, NCIC transactions, and NIBRS (National Incident Based Reporting System). Performs related duties as required.

Due to the nature of this work, candidates with 100% loss of sight, hearing ability, or with major speech impediments will not be considered. Eligibility determination of candidates with a less severe disability will be made on an individual basis.  the needs of the department, mandatory overtime may be necessary. The work is performed in an office environment at a computer workstation using different desktop computer systems, answering multiple phone lines and radio channels to process emergent and non-emergent calls for service. Employees regularly interact with extremely distressed individuals and unpleasant situations in graphic detail. Workload can change at a moment’s notice and the incumbent needs to be able to react calmly.  The work environment includes mandatory overtime; rotating shifts covering 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays; frequent changes in multi-jurisdictional policies and procedures, and changes in equipment. Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job including frequently remain stationary for long periods of time; frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and fax machine; receive and communicate accurate information in a stressful or confrontational environment.

Must demonstrate typing proficiency.

Ability to maintain composure and make appropriate decisions when reacting to a variety of situations which may endanger the safety of persons or property.

Ability to speak clearly so that it Is understandable to a listener.

Ability to quickly make sense of information that seems to be without meaning or organization.

Ability to concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task over a period of time.

Ability to determine priorities among simultaneous requests and messages.

Ability quickly and accurately to transcribe radio and telephone messages.

Ability to perform assigned duties with minimal supervision.

Ability to meet and deal with the public.

Ability to remember details.

Ability to learn new procedures and adapt existing ones to new situations.

Ability to operate various software and computers.

Ability to operate 2 way radio and other communication systems.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Working knowledge of English grammar, usage and spelling.

One (1) year or more of experience in public safety, first response, or as an emergency dispatcher or telecommunicator. 

OR

Two (2) or more years of experience as a non-emergency dispatcher, or in a customer service or administrative role that includes significant contact with the public.

High school diploma or equivalent.
Vermont E911 Call Taker Certification.
Experience running license, registration, and criminal history queries.
Experience entering NCIC information.
Experience as a First Responder.

Performance requirement: Applicants must pass a Department of Public Safety administered computer based "CritiCall" test, which assesses computer and other job related skills.
Certification by the E-911 Board as a telecommunicator may be required within six months of entry into the job.
All candidates must pass a security clearance conducted by the Department of Public Safety.