Catherine Thorsen

Under general supervision, the Public Safety Communications Supervisor is a first-line supervisor responsible for providing working supervision, direction, and technical assistance on an assigned shift to subordinate staff engaged in the operation of emergency 9-1-1 telecommunications, computer aided Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) dispatch, and two-way radio communication equipment.

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Essential functions:

• conducting quality assurance feedback and coaching sessions of subordinates through monitoring at regular intervals
• directing and coordinating subordinates’ work assignments
• conducting performance evaluations
• training, coaching and counseling subordinates
• conducting internal investigations
• instructing and briefing staff on new policies and procedures
• preparing, presenting, and maintaining departmental reports and records
• performing administrative functions
• promoting a safe and healthy work environment
• operating a Police, Fire, and EMS two-way radio, computer dispatch terminal, and call evaluating equipment as needed
• coordinating dispatch of multiple emergency services including Police, Fire, and EMS upon receipt of report of emergencies
• maintaining working knowledge and understanding of public safety policies and procedures for the Department of Emergency Management, Police, Fire, and EMS through prompt attention to department issued
• routinely work in a fast-paced environment under pressure caused by the circumstance, nature, and number of emergency and non-emergency calls received.
• must be able to multitask and prioritize
• work requires considerable manual dexterity
• required to work day, evening, night shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed
• may be required to work shifts of more than 8 hours and must be willing and able to respond, report, and mobilize as necessary

Working Conditions: Public Safety Communications Dispatchers work in a fast-paced, highly stressful, and confined environment

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, a Public Safety Communications Dispatcher receives incoming emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency telephone calls from both the public and public safety agencies
• This position dispatches police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) field units to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service over a two-way radio system utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system

The Department of Emergency Management’s Division of Emergency Communications operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

• Public Safety Communications Dispatchers may be assigned to work various schedules which include day shift, swing shift, night shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime
• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and efficiently gathers, evaluates, prioritizes, and documents information from callers
• Dispatches police, fire, and EMS field units to specific locations using a computer-aided dispatch system, multiple video display terminals, two-way radio dispatch console, and related equipment
• Evaluates incoming reports of police, fire, and medical emergencies; immediately transmits complete and accurate information to appropriate field personnel
• Monitors, coordinates, and accurately maintains the status of incidents and records of dispatched emergency service personnel and apparatus
• Receives and disseminates information from other law enforcement and emergency service computer networks related to jurisdictional requests for police, fire, or medical service assistance, or to notices of wanted persons, stolen property, warrants, and all-points bulletins; maintains confidentiality of information
• Maintains familiarity with area geography including major streets and buildings; recognizes circumstances that may pose hazards to public safety field units and the public
• Maintains up-to-date understanding of public safety policies and procedures for the Department of Emergency Management, police, fire, EMS, and other emergency service providers
• Responds to routine and non-routine inquiries regarding police, fire, or emergency medical services; properly classifies and prioritizes any report or complaint and determines appropriate course of action; provides appropriate referrals as necessary
• Works various 8-hour or 10-hour shifts, or longer, including day shift, swing shift, night shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime