Communications Dispatcher

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK

This is highly responsible shift work, involving the operation of modern communications equipment, including computers, radios and telephones. Employees receive emergency 9‑1‑1 and non‑emergency calls, complaints and inquiries from the public, evaluate and dispatch police, fire and emergency medical services. The work of this division is maintained twenty‑four hours per day, seven days per week, including weekends and holidays. Employees are assigned to work day, afternoon and midnight shifts, including frequent weekends and holidays. This is sedentary work.

Duties And Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions (Functions essential to attaining job objectives)

Receives and transmits messages to and from police, fire and emergency medical units, as well as other local government and municipal communications units via two‑way radio.

Receives enhanced 9‑1‑1 emergency telephone calls for service; evaluates situation to determine appropriate response, and dispatches and advises appropriate response unit.

Provides Emergency Medical Dispatching services.

Communicates effectively with people of varying language and communications abilities.

Communicates effectively during stressful telephone contacts, dealing effectively with hysterical, injured or disoriented callers.

Operates the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) using keyboard device in conjunction with dispatching police units.

Operates the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) computer system via keyboard.

Participates in the Emergency Response Unit requiring on‑call emergency response.

Works shift assignments including frequent weekends and holidays.

Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

Marginal Job Functions (Peripheral or incidental to primary job functions)

Prepares written records and reports, and maintains hard copy files.

Operates the citywide emergency "Early Warning Siren System" for severe weather, disaster, or other public emergencies.

Operates Tele Typewriter (TTY).

Performs related duties as assigned.

General Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to operate two‑way radio and multiple line telephone equipment in order to send and receive both emergency and non‑emergency communications.

Ability to discern voice and other auditory signals as necessary in receiving telephone and radio communications.

Ability to perform functions efficiently and effectively while maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism during stressful, high volume work periods.

Ability to communicate verbally in English using appropriate grammar and diction; knowledge of Arabic language helpful.

Ability to deal with multiple demands simultaneously, to prioritize and adjust priorities as needed.

Ability to operate a microcomputer or terminal keyboard.

Ability to discern a range of colors on a color computer monitor.

Ability to operate Tele TYpewriter (TTY) and other equipment as appropriate.

Experience And Training / Licensing Requirements

PARTS AND WEIGHTS OF THE EXAMINATION

Pre‑Employment Skills Assessment 60%

Interview 40%

Experience And Training Required

Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalent. Supplemental coursework or experience in the use of computers and related applications is helpful. 9‑1‑1 Dispatch experience desired.

Post Employment Offer Requirements

Satisfactory completion of criminal history (including sex offender registry if applicable), and a drug screen that tests for illegal drugs as defined by the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act but not those legalized under Michigan law.

All appointees are subject to a one‑year probationary period.

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