911 Call Taker - (Public Safety Telecommunicator, Call Taker)

Description

Do you want to make a difference in your community? Would you find it rewarding to be a crucial link in the public safety chain? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may be a good fit for the City of Norfolk's 911 center. As essential staff members of our agency, Public Safety Calltakers are the first people that a caller interacts with when reporting emergencies in Norfolk. We are seeking a full time Public Safety Telecommunicator, Calltaker to join our Team!

Our 911 Calltakers receive extensive paid training to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities that will allow them to be independent decision makers while adhering to established policies and procedures. Through continued training, our Calltakers can advance to the Public Safety Telecommunicator I, II, and III skillsets, and more. From their training, our staff is able to:

* Answer 911 emergency and non-emergency calls from the community so police, fire, or EMS services may be dispatched.

* Make lifesaving decisions and provide clear direction and advice, including pre-arrival medical instruction to callers reporting medical emergencies.

Norfolk employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package and as a member of a public safety agency this includes no-cost participation in a wellness program which provides massages, saltwater floats, sauna, gym use, and more. We value our first responders and care about their physical and emotional wellness.

Departmental Hiring Salary Range: $40,362 - $45,000

Video - Norfolk's 911 Telecommunicators

Essential Functions

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

* Train and certify on multi-line E911 and administrative phone lines and associated equipment. Field stressful calls while entering information into computer aided dispatch system (CAD) for Police/Fire/EMS dispatch.

* Maintain communication with other departments which may involve decision-making for public safety purposes.

* Learns and responds to emergency and non-emergency requests by answering multi-line telephones, including 911 lines and computer-aided dispatch (CAD), determining the caller's needs, verifying information given by the caller and sending information to the dispatcher.

* Provides additional assistance to the general public by searching wanted information, locating and/or referring phone numbers and addresses to appropriate departments, contacting outside agencies for assistance regarding mutual aid, power failures, gas leaks or other issues.

* Access federal, state, and local criminal databases for relevant information.

* May perform other duties such as training employees, attend training classes, conduct tours and public outreach.

* Maintains communication with other departments which may involve decision-making for public safety purposes.

* Works with various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

* Performs related duties as assigned.

In order to successfully perform essential functions, candidates must:

* Type minimum 30 words per minute. Keyboard proficiency required to effectively train and certify in this position.

* Attend our in-house Public Safety Telecommunicator academy where you will attain the following certifications: Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN/NCIC), Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) certification.

* Train and certify on multi-line E911 and administrative phone lines and associated equipment.

* Field stressful calls while entering information into computer aided dispatch system (CAD) for Police/Fire/EMS dispatch.

* Ability to speak English clearly and effectively control a conversation with distressed callers.

* Ability to read maps, reference books, technical manuals, medical cards, and related correspondence.

* Work involves choices of actions within limits set by standard practices and procedures. Mature and professional judgment is required to apply the proper course of action.

* Maintain communication with other departments which may involve decision-making for public safety purposes.

* Ability to work with various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

* Must be a US or Naturalized citizen or have lived in the US for 10 consecutive years.

Education/Experience

Required:

* This position requires the successful completion of the CritiCall 911 Dispatcher & Emergency Calltaker Test. (Test is sent within 1 week of submitting application).

* Attend our in-house Public Safety Telecommunicator academy where you will attain the following certifications: Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN/NCIC).

Preferred:

* Education related to Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical, or other related field.

* Ability to easily navigate a desktop computer and effectively direct customer service in a stressful environment.

* Keyboard efficiency.

Additional Information & Requirements

Preferred License(s) and/or Certification(s):

* Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Crime Information Center (VCIN/NCIC), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

Work Location:EOC/ECC 3661 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502

Work Schedule/Hours: Our staff works 12-hour shifts; Day shift starts at 7 a.m. and Night shift starts at 7 p.m. Day and Night shift rotates monthly. This position works 24 hours in the first week (Tues/Wed), 60 hours in the second week (Sat/Sun/Mon and Thurs/Fri) for a total of 84 hours in a two-week period. Operational needs of the department will dictate assignments and shift assignment.

Signing Bonus:This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus for new hires.