Dispatcher - CS-2151-10

Pay Grade: CS-2151-10

Job Family: Transportation

Service Type: Clerical and Administrative

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

Under general supervision, as a developmental dispatcher operating one (1) zone, dispatches police, fire, and emergency or medical services units to various locations throughout the District of Columbia to handle emergency and non-emergency calls from the general public and other public safety services which includes answering, screening, and processing calls and/or messages via telecommunications systems.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Operates a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system equipped with several computer terminals, controls, and radio frequencies to dispatch police, fire, and emergency medical services units to the assigned scene of emergencies.

Extracts information received from caller(s) and assigned field unit(s) in order to dispatch the appropriate service (police, fire/EMS, criminal emergency, damage to property, etc.).

Monitors the status of police, fire, and EMS units in assigned locations within the District and relays messages and information to assigned units using appropriate terminology to reduce air time.

Determines priorities, using computer-generated recommendations to dispatch assigned units as priorities, needs, and/or conditions change to ensure the most sufficient and rapid response.

Elicits information in order of importance to properly allocate police, fire, and EMS resources; determines level of response by agency;

Core Competencies

Thorough knowledge of Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and its jurisdiction, police districts, fire battalions, common route numbers, and major landmarks in order to quickly verify the CAD recommended response and provide directions to police, fire, and EMS units.

Thorough knowledge of police, fire and EMS policies and procedures pertaining to the proper dissemination of information and accepted radio terminology.

Skill in operating a CAD system, radios, and digital communications systems to dispatch police, fire and EMS units; skills in operating a CAD system and ACD console to receive, recode, and monitor to enter or retrieve data from local, state, and national public safety databases.

Ability to quickly asses the scope and magnitude of an emergency or non-emergency; ability to act quickly and decisively in an emergency, and ability to exercise tact and sound judgment.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements

All dispatchers are required to be certified through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch/Priority Dispatch. Academy certifications are valid for two (2) years at which time they are required to be recertified through testing in order to maintain their position. Training is provided by the agency.

Basic Qualifications

Degree Required: None.

Work Experience: Specialized work experience directly related to the position.

Dispatcher - CS-2151-11

Pay Grade:CS-2151-11

Job Family: Transportation

Service Type: Clerical and Administrative

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, serves as a journeyman dispatcher capable of operating two (2) zones, dispatches police, fire, and emergency or medical services units to various locations throughout the District of Columbia to handle emergency and non-emergency calls from the general public and other public safety services which includes coordinating activities with the representatives from the police, fire/EMS services to plan and implement comprehensive dispatch protocols, procedures, special operations, and measures.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Operates the Public Safety Land Mobile and Radio Digitally Trunked System consisting of multi-channel, and two way radio equipment to monitors all radio transmissions conducted on assigned radio channel.

Coordinates the movement of the President in and around the Washington, D.C. area with the Special Operations Division and other Federal Government Agencies and officials.

Queries criminal data via a computer system to relay to the law enforcement element of public safety.

Recommends changes in operating procedures, local regulations, and the application of specific techniques to eliminate, modify or streamline processes or procedures.

Coordinates activities with the representatives from the police, fire/EMS services to plan and implement comprehensive dispatch protocols, procedures, special operations, and measures

Core Competencies

Comprehensive knowledge of Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and its jurisdiction, police districts, fire battalions, common route numbers, and major landmarks in order to quickly verify the CAD recommended response and provide directions to police, fire, and EMS units.

Comprehensive knowledge of fire apparatus function and location; dispatch protocols and procedures; police, fire/EMS operation standards; and hazardous materials awareness.

Skill in operating a Public Safety Land Mobile and Radio Digitally Trunked System in order to monitors all radio transmissions conducted on assigned radio channel.