911 Dispatcher Job Description

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911 Dispatcher Job Description

Job descriptions
Administration and Office Support

Job summary 1

Under direct supervision, the 911 Dispatcher performs radio and communications work in the Emergency Communications Center on an assigned shift. Answers Emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for service. Dispatches appropriate emergency personnel (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control, Public Works, Highway Department, etc.) and equipment to citizen complaints. Employees must exercise considerable tact and firmness in obtaining information from distressed persons. Employees must exercise independent judgment and initiative in receiving messages, responding to emergencies, and dispatching calls. Reports to the Communications Lead Operator (Supervisor).

Duties & Responsibilities 1

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Requirements & Skills 1

Graduation from high school or GED and some experience in clerical or communications work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
Must obtain bi-annual CPR re-certification.
- Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch Training.
- Must hold or have the ability to acquire the Basic Dispatcher State Certification.
- Ability to obtain State certification.

Job summary 2

We are looking for a qualified applicant to fill the position of 911 Dispatcher. This position provides excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement savings programs, wellness discounts and incentives, and many other great benefits such as paid leave time. Dispatchers are responsible for processing emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance received by 911.

Duties & Responsibilities 2

Processes medical/fire 911 emergency notifications
Inquiries and determines location and nature of emergency assistance requests
Determines and sends proper responses based on location, unit status, and type of incident
Obtains and provides specific information for responders to allow for immediate intervention upon arrival and to protect the safety of responders and the public
- Tracks unit location and availability continuously; facilitates dispersal of county emergency resources; anticipates additional resource needs by staging uncommitted units for depleted area coverage and response to working incidents; provides accurate documentation of call activity; maintains support resource files which indicate current street closings, hydrants unavailable, hospital patient acceptance capabilities, equipment resource lists, premise information files, and other pertinent information; observes and tests on-line and backup equipment and systems continuously.
- Articulates promotes, and supports the Mission, Vision, and Values of the department; provides answers and solutions for non-emergency requests for information and services; reviews and trains to maintain current levels of operations knowledge, stays abreast of continuous system changes, enhances knowledge, and learns new skills; provides input to enhance and improve department services to our customers and the public.
- Answers requests and completes connections; uses knowledge of call information and judgment skills proactively to activate trauma plan which includes timely notification of proper trauma center and additional resources; responds based on stated injuries, location, traffic concerns, time of day, and other pertinent information; determines and provides early weather warning information through activation of county alert sirens, radios, and pagers with accompanying alert information; provides command and control of responders until arrival on event scenes; deviates from guidelines and protocols to ensure proper outcomes of events.

Requirements & Skills 2

High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Hearing and vision acuity and the ability to pass both an auditory (Audiogram) and vision test (Ishihara Color Vision and Vision Titmus near.far.color. prep) with or without reasonable accommodation and pass a drug screen before employment.
International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED): Advanced Emergency Medical Dispatcher (Advanced EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD at the time of hire or certifications completed before the conclusion of the introductory period.

Job summary 3

This is a skilled and technical position responsible for answering all incoming emergency and non-emergency phone calls including the Enhanced 9-1-1 System. A 911 Dispatcher provides support for dispatch peers and reports to the 911 Shift Supervisor.

Duties & Responsibilities 3

Public Contact and Relations Represents approximately 90% of the work hours. Assists with answering all incoming phone lines including emergency 9-1-1 lines and all non-emergency lines. Able to prioritize and handle a large volume of incoming calls. Able to prioritize information and calls based on the pertinent information obtained.
Remains calm to assist callers during incidents of volatile situations.
- Able to read various maps associated with geographic boundaries.
- Provides police and emergency assistance to the deaf community and demonstrates the ability to properly operate the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD). Respects human diversity and respond professionally in all situations.
- Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Requirements & Skills 3

Job summary 4

We seek individuals with outstanding customer service and communication skills for the position of 911 Dispatcher. This is a great opportunity to launch a rewarding and exciting career. 911 Dispatchers serve as Call Receivers and Dispatchers.

Duties & Responsibilities 4

Requirements & Skills 4

Job summary 5

The 911 Dispatcher is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service over the telephone and by other means, employing appropriate call screening protocols and responding to those calls by dispatching the appropriate public safety resources. This position is responsible for interaction with other public safety dispatch centers in the answering and transferring of calls and incident information, and for maintaining communications with field personnel in law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies. This position is required one to respond appropriately to requests for services and information from field personnel. The 911 Dispatcher will report directly to the Shift Supervisor.

Duties & Responsibilities 5

Requirements & Skills 5

Job summary 6

We are immediately looking to fill several 911 Dispatcher positions. 911 Dispatchers perform more routine duties of radio dispatch for law enforcement, fire, and ambulance services. 911 Dispatcher candidates will demonstrate the proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment while performing multiple crucial tasks simultaneously. Rarely will you ever get a chance to meet the hundreds of people who call for help, yet they'll depend on your voice, your directions, and your knowledge to get through an emergency. No day is ever routine - one call may be a minor traffic accident, while the next is a frantic voice screaming for help. Both will be depending on your calm, firm voice and direction until help can arrive. Using state-of-the-art equipment and training, you'll provide excellent service and security.

Duties & Responsibilities 6

Requirements & Skills 6

Job summary 7

This position serves as a 911 Dispatcher. The position monitors telephones and radio; enters and receives data from computer systems; maintains records, database, and prepares reports; related work as required.

Duties & Responsibilities 7

Operates telephone, radio, and computer equipment in dispatching public safety resources and routing emergency and non-emergency calls to the appropriate agencies, with a high degree of accuracy. Observes and report variations or malfunctions with dispatch equipment performance.
- Receives emergency and non-emergency call information; dispatch calls to the appropriate unit; maintains information on unit activities; accesses computer terminals to obtain, transmit, enter, clear and record information, including the law enforcement data system; maintains the status of field units; completes activity logs or run sheets to record the activity of dispatched units; maintains telephone and radio logs.
- Relays and receives information from public and private organizations; notifies or activates other service agencies including Public Works, State Highway, Center for Living, etc.
- Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Requirements & Skills 7

Job summary 8

The 911 Dispatcher is a highly technical position that answers 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, interdepartmental calls from police, fire and ambulance services, and calls from other public safety agencies. Monitors computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information. Work requires the exercise of independent judgment and interpretation and is performed under general supervision with periodic review for accuracy and adherence to standards. The 911 Dispatcher provides callers with the appropriate advice or referral or initiates police, fire, and/or emergency medical (EMS) services to the caller. Dispatches law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel by Operating Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), two-way radio, and other sophisticated communications equipment systems.

Duties & Responsibilities 8

The 911 Public Safety Dispatcher is a highly technical position responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and public safety services to the public.
Work requires the exercise of sound independent judgment conducted in a fast-paced environment.
Work is performed under the general supervision of a PSAP Coordinator with periodic reviews for accuracy and adherence to standards.

Requirements & Skills 8

Prior experience in public safety dispatching (lateral pay for current dispatchers will be considered); two years of customer service experience in a fast-paced environment, or an associate's degree in a law enforcement-related field of study.
A keyboarding exam with a minimum of 50 WPM is required. Candidates with one year of current dispatch experience may request a waiver of the 55 WPM keyboarding test.

Job summary 9

We are looking for an experienced 911 Dispatcher.

Duties & Responsibilities 9

Requirements & Skills 9

Job summary 10

We are looking for the 911 Dispatcher.

Duties & Responsibilities 10

Train to receive and evaluate 911 calls and non-emergency calls from the public requesting law enforcement, fire, and/or medical emergency assistance.
Train to input and transmit call information using the computer terminal keyboard.
Refer callers to appropriate agencies.
Contacts various parties to notify them of complaints and/or actions required.
Train to verify and/or input data as requested by officers in the field.
Train to operate two-way radios to dispatch calls to various city and county units and receive/communicate information.
- Train to utilize multiple computer monitors from which to update and monitor call status, transmit, and receive data.
- Train to notify different agencies of services requested by personnel in the field.
- Train to contact issuing police agencies by phone to confirm warrants and request written/oral confirmations.

Requirements & Skills 10

Requires a High School Diploma or GED
Minimum of six (6) months to one (1) year of experience
TCLEOSE Basic Telecommunication License, TLETS, NCIC/TCIC full access, Basic CPR Instructions with AED and First Aid, and TDD instruction all required within one (1) year of hire
Customer service, dictation style typing preferred
- Must complete all areas of training within one (1) year of hire, which includes passing a series of written examinations
- Must be able to communicate effectively (orally and in writing)
- Must be able to analyze data/information, and make quick, accurate decisions under stressful situations

Frequently asked questions

What does a 911 dispatcher do?

A 911 dispatcher, also known as an emergency dispatcher, is responsible for answering emergency calls and dispatching emergency services, such as police, fire, or ambulance, to the scene of an emergency. The following are some of the key duties and responsibilities of a 911 dispatcher:

Answering emergency calls and gathering information about the situation.

Assessing the urgency of the situation and determining the appropriate emergency response.

Communicating with emergency responders and dispatching them to the scene of the emergency.

Providing emergency medical instructions to callers when needed.

Maintaining accurate records of emergency calls and dispatches.

Monitoring the location and status of emergency responders and providing updates to the responding agencies as needed.

Responding to non-emergency calls and assisting as appropriate.

What skills does a 911 dispatcher need?

To be a successful 911 dispatcher, one should possess the following skills:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with callers and emergency responders.

Ability to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations.

Excellent multitasking and decision-making skills to quickly assess situations and determine appropriate responses.

Familiarity with emergency response protocols and procedures.

Strong typing and computer skills for maintaining accurate records and dispatching emergency responders.

Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording information.

In summary, a 911 dispatcher is responsible for answering emergency calls, assessing the situation, and dispatching emergency services to the scene of an emergency. To be a successful 911 dispatcher, one should possess strong communication, multitasking, and decision-making skills, familiarity with emergency response protocols, and the ability to work in a high-stress and dynamic environment.

Olivia Powell
Recruiting expert

Last updated Sep 30

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Frequently asked questions

What does a 911 dispatcher do?

What skills does a 911 dispatcher need?

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