Telecommunications 9-1-1 Specialist (9-1-1 Dispatcher)
- Full-Time
- Austin, TX
- Travis County
- Posted 2 years ago – Accepting applications
Do you want to be a first responder while enjoying the benefits of an air-conditioned office? Do you like a fast-paced work environment where no two days are exactly the same? Are you good with a keyboard and have great multi-tasking skills? Are you a good listener? Are you able to be the calm voice in stressful or chaotic situations? If you answered yes to these questions, a job as a Telecommunications Specialist – 9-1-1 dispatcher might be for you. This position is located at our Combined Transportation, Emergency and Communication Center and focuses on supporting our community. 9-1-1 Specialists are the first point of contact on 9-1-1 and coordinate Law Enforcement, EMS, and Fire response.
This is a great position for those interested in developing their critical response skills in a rewarding and fast-paced environment, and who desire a competitive Total Rewards Package. Travis County offers one of the highest-rated retirement plans. We also offer vacation and sick leave, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, personal holidays, 12 company observed holidays, and longevity pay.
Additionally, Telecommunicators are eligible for licensing pay and shift differential for evening and night shifts.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the first in a series of three telecommunications-related job classifications within the Public Safety/Emergency Management job family. This classification is distinguished from the Telecommunications 9-1-1 Senior in that incumbents typically specialize in a division/department function and also possess broader knowledge/skills about division/department operation to allow more independence in carrying out responsibilities. May be required to work on rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department. Duties and Responsibilities
- Answers incoming emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency calls.
- Operates emergency telecommunications networks equipment used in receiving and relaying information in response to emergency calls.
- Refers emergency fire and EMS calls by communicating with persons verbally over telephone and radio equipment. Ensures callers are transferred to appropriate agencies.
- Maintains telephone contact with callers during critical incidents and updates dispatch card with information pertaining to the call. Keeps caller calm and focused. Controls the call to quickly and accurately obtain necessary information.
- Operates telephone device for the hearing impaired (TDD) to ensure emergency services is provided.
- Accesses Language Line to ensure appropriate emergency response.
- Operates a radio system in accordance with FCC rules and regulations.
- Dispatches units to various calls for services.
- Coordinates, performs and controls multiple 9-1-1 communication multiple-simultaneous tasks on demand.
- Obtains and relays information to patrol officers and staff through telecommunications networks using a Computer Aided Dispatch Terminal (CAD), NCIC, TCIC, and TLETS. Uses log, runs inquiries, researches and enters information, assigns case numbers and maintains databases.
- Uses laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for ensuring proper response to the public calls for assistance and inquiry.
- May interpret maps and other legal location description documents.
- Obtains appropriate information from calls via 9-1-1 telephone system.
- Processes information and data in accordance with TCSO policies and legal requirements.
- May operate a County vehicle for business purposes and under non-emergency conditions.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience:
High School diploma or G.E.D. AND one (1) year of telecommunications experience or equivalent, including one (1) year of computer experience;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Incumbents are required to pass an exam administered by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) in order to obtain their Basic Telecommunicator license within the first year of employment. Travis County Telecommunications trainees receive extensive paid on-the-job training, including classroom training and field training to prepare them for the licensing exam.
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Preferred:
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Typing speed: 40 words per minute or greater
Experience in Telecommunications
Experience in law enforcement telecommunication and CAD systems
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Experience with TLETS/NCIC/TCIC and OpenFox
Applicants are encouraged to attach a resume with the online applications.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- 9-1-1 concepts and equipment functions.
- Federal, State, Local and County communications laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
- Law enforcement computer databases and telecommunications networks.
- Basic telephone courtesy and functional knowledge.
- Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
- Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
- Both verbal and written communication.
- Gain working knowledge of the physical County geography layout.
- Communicate clearly, concisely and with professional tact both verbally and in writing.
- Perform on demand, in a highly stressful environment, while maintaining a professional manner.
- Perform multiple-simultaneous tasks on demand.
- React and remain calm under stress and make quick and calm decisions in emergency situations.
- Understand and carry out verbal and written directions/instructions.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.
This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
Work Hours: Work Hours Vary
Works some holidays, nights, and weekends
- 10-hour shifts
- 24 hour per day operation
- 7 days per week
Location: 5010 Old Manor Rd., Austin
Drug and Alcohol Test Required, CritiCall Testing Required, Criminal, Credit, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Check Required.
Benefits
Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment.
FY2022 Travis County Benefit Guide
In this valuable Travis County Benefits Guide you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.
Credit Union
Employees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.
Direct Deposit
Employees may sign up for direct bank deposit.
Employee Assistance Program
Travis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.
Employee Organizations
Membership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.
Employee Health & Wellness Clinic
Employees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.
Holidays
An average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Longevity
Longevity pay is paid for each year completed after three years of continuous service. Peace Officers in a law enforcement activity, whose job requires state peace officer certification, receive pay after one year of certification.
Parking
A limited number of assigned parking spaces are available to employees in the Courthouse Complex.
Personal Holidays
Regular, full-time employees are eligible for up to three paid personal holidays each calendar year. Part-time employees shall be granted personal holidays on a prorated basis. New employees earn personal holidays for the calendar year in which he/she begins employment, based on the month in which employment begins:
July - September 1 personal holiday
October - December None
New employees are eligible to take personal holidays after 90 days of employment.
Retirement
Travis County is a member of the Texas County & District Retirement System with mandatory participation by certain classes of employees. Seven percent (7%) of the gross salary is deducted each pay period. An employee is fully vested after eight years of service. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.
Sick Leave
Regular employees earn sick leave at a rate of eight hours per month with unlimited accrual during employment. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro-rated basis.
Tuition Refund
Certain classes of full-time employees may receive reimbursement for fees associated with pre-approved, job related course work completed satisfactorily.
Vacation
Based on years of county service, regular, full-time employees earn vacation time at the following rates:
Part-time employees earn vacation leave on a pro-rated basis.
Workers' Compensation
The county provides all employees workers' compensation coverage with benefits in accordance with state statute, if the employee sustains an injury out of, or in the course of work.