Public Safety Dispatcher

Job Description:

Public Safety Dispatcher

Description

Job Summary

Mohave County Sheriff's Office is currently recruiting for a Public Safety Dispatcher.

Performs entry level work involved in simultaneously operating a multi-channel radio console, computer terminal, 911 mapping and multi-line telephone while maintaining a computer aided dispatch system, receives and transmits information and transmits messages and instructions to law enforcement response personnel within policy and procedural guidelines. In a learning and training capacity, an employee will assist and perform (as level of understanding and experience increases) in any or all of the examples of work performed by a Public Safety Dispatcher Senior.

REPORTS TO
On-the-job training is performed under immediate supervision of a higher level of authority; however, as skill and experience are gained in fulfilling routine duties, increasingly independent action and decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures may be authorized.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May oversee and assist newer employees with proper guidance and direction when necessary.

Essential Job Functions

• Receives, evaluates and prioritizes calls from citizens reporting emergencies or problems.
• Communicates with caller until information is fully understood.
• Calms and counsels distraught and irate callers in emergency situations.
• Efficiently informs Sheriff’s personnel, and/or responding entities of the nature and location of the problem.
• Dispatches appropriate units to emergency scenes.
• Communicates streets, address and locations to units in the field.
• Assists unit in determined best route as necessary.
• Maintains contact with officers.
• Responsible for accurate data entry in local, in-house, state and national criminal justice records systems.
• Knowledge of the 911 system, how to obtain caller location and decipher such data to usable information for field units.
• Knowledge of all security regulations as to use of and distribution of all information obtained via criminal justice terminals and equipment.
• Monitors and recalls immediate locations and assignments of public safety personnel.
• Sends and receives messages via criminal justice computer system.
• Responsible for the security and confidentiality of criminal histories and other sensitive information received in the communication center.
• Maintains logs pertaining to calls for service, time and disposition of calls and field unit status.
• Conducts periodic checks of equipment to assure proper functioning.
• Keeps informed of County geography, street locations, patrol districts and other agency boundaries.
• Maintains reference materials and keep informed of basic laws, codes, ordinances, Sheriff’s Office regulations, policies, procedures, organizational structure and functions.
• Accuracy, speed and efficiency in researching multiple systems and distribution of data/information to a multitude of requestors.
• Communicates and acts in a professional manner with the public, co-workers, and work contacts.

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs related work as required.
• Performs special assignments as requested.
• Exercise regular and predictable attendance and punctuality in accordance with Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma /GED (General Education Degree).
• OR any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may will be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

SPECIAL JOB REQUIREMENT

• Must pass drug screen post offer.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license for operation of motor vehicles on Arizona roads at the start of employment and maintain said license while employed in this position.
• Provide acceptable driving history at no cost to the County.
• Must demonstrate the ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute (WPM).
• Must complete the Sheriff’s Office eighteen (18) week telecommunications course.
• Possess a willingness to strive and obtain a Terminal Operator Certification within six (6) months of appointment.
• Must successfully complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command levels 100 LE.b, 200.b and 700.a courses.
• Must obtain Train-the-Trainer certification within three (3) years of employment.
• All candidates will be required to successfully complete a thorough criminal background, fingerprint and health-related examination, with NO FELONY CONVICTIONS.
• May require successful completion of a psychological and polygraph examination.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Filing methods, typing, telephone answering, and other office procedures.
• Correct punctuation, spelling, grammatical usage, reading skills and other communication skills.
• Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures, and Department Regulations.
• Map reading skills.
• Access to useable resources utilized in the performance of the job.

Skill in:

• Operating computer terminal and telephones as well as all office equipment including but not limited to copier, facsimile etc.
• Verbal, written and oral communication.
• Principles of customer service.

Ability to:

• Learn operations of radio console, 911 equipment including but not limited to mapping, GIS, GPS coordinate plotting and caller tracking, recording equipment, EAS radio, NAWAS Phone.
• Work with multiple computer terminals and monitors simultaneously, accurately, expeditious and efficient data entry into multiple systems
• Prioritize tasks/learn geography of Mohave County and surrounding counties.
• Hear multiple events simultaneously and take appropriate action immediately.
• Learn all radio codes and officer call signs.
• Comprehend CAD system and any other computer systems utilized within the communications center.
• Understand all aspects of response within the emergency response of Mohave County such as law enforcement, medical, fire and any state and federal response systems.
• Flexible in handling multiple tasks.
• Understand written and oral instructions.
• Maintain required records and reports.
• Think and act quickly in an appropriate manner during emergency situations and in accordance with prescribed departmental procedures.
• Deal courteously and effectively with the public over the telephone and/or in person.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Comprehend operations instructions pertaining to specialized equipment.
• Maintain a good working relationship with coworkers, members of the department, other agencies and the general public.
• Speak clearly in a well-modulated voice in an acceptable speed.
• Exercise care in the use of supplies and equipment.
• Performs multiple functions simultaneously in a timely manner.
• Effectively and efficiently operate communications equipment.
• Prioritize incoming information in order of importance.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and have a vast knowledge of policies and procedures or have the ability to obtain the information through various resources within three (3) years of employment.
• Perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Comply with Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures, and Department Regulations.
• Continue to acquire supervisory skills through available resources.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Medical
Mohave County provides two options for Self Insured Medical Plan, paid by Employee & Employer, to regular employees (employees who work at least 30 hours per week). Both plan options utilize the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona for in Arizona coverage, plus the Aetna Choice POS II network for out of Arizona coverage; when you need medical care, select a provider from the directory and verify the provider's current status as a network provider. The medical plans include pharmacy benefits.

• Summary Plan Description
• PLAN 1: Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plan Deductible $1,200 per person deductible. Calendar Year Out of Pocket Maximum per Single Coverage is $6,300 and $12,700 for Family Coverage.
• PLAN 2: High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) $3,250 maximum Out of Pocket for Single Coverage and $6,500 maximum Out of Pocket maximum for Family

Out of Pocket Maximum includes medical Deductible, medical Copays, Prescription Drug Deductible and Copays.

TELADOC

Teladoc is a healthcare option available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year for non-emergent medical conditions.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
This voluntary benefit is available to all regular employees working at least 30 hours per week. This pre-tax option will reduce taxable income.

• Health care reimbursement account: up to $3,200 per year
• Dependent daycare reimbursement account: up to $2,500 per year

Health Savings Account (HSA)
This voluntary benefit is available to all qualified employees who are on the High Deductible Health Plan. This pre-tax option will reduce taxable income. You may elect to contribute up to the full 2023 annual limit:

• $4,150 max employee contribution for Single coverage
• $8,300 max employee contribution for Family coverage.

Dental
Dental insurance is available to regular employees working at least 30 hours per week through Ameritas.

• High Option: $2,000 maximum annual benefit.High Option includes orthodontia benefit with lifetime maximum of $1,500.
• Low Option: $2,000 maximum annual benefit.

Vision
Vision insurance is available to regular employees working at least 30 hours per week through Ameritas. Ameritas offers access to a broad network of independent providers as well as access to out-of-network providers with two plan options available. Plan 1: EyeMed ViewPointe or Plan 2: VSP Focus.

Short Term Disability
Coverage is through Ochs, Inc. - Madison National
Short-Term Disability (STD) is insurance that replaces some of your income if an injury or illness prevents you from working. Provided by Mohave County.

Life Insurance
Coverage is through Ochs, Inc. - Minnesota Life

• Basic Life Insurance / Accidental Death & Dismemberment of $50,000
• Provided by Mohave County to regular employees working at least 30 hours per week

Optional / Voluntary Benefits
Payroll deductions are available for the following Optional / Voluntary Benefits:

• Supplemental Life Insurance is available through Ochs, Inc.- Minnesota Life Insurance Company for employees, spouse and dependent children.
• Tax Deferred Compensation Plan 457: this option is voluntary and available to all employees through ICMA-RC or Nationwide.
• Identity Theft Protection is available through IdentityForce, Sontiq for employees and eligible dependents

Retirement Systems / Long-Term Disability
Mohave County is a MANDATORY participating agency in these classification-based retirement systems:

• (ASRS) Arizona State Retirement System: Eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week for 20 weeks or more. MANDATORY contribution rate as of 07/01/2023 is 12.27% beginning on your first paycheck and is employer matched.
• (CORP) Correction Officers Retirement Plan: Employees in Adult Detention positions with the Sheriff's Office. Contributions begin 90 days after first day of employment. Election rates of contribution are between 5% - 40%; default rate of 7%.
• (AOC-CORP) Administration of Courts - Correction Officers Retirement Plan: Juvenile Detention and Adult Probation (Superior Court). Contributions begin 90 days after first day of employment. Election rates of contribution are between 5% - 40%; default rate of 7%.
• (PSPRS) Public Safety Retirement System: Employees in certain positions with the Sheriff's Office. Defined Benefit Tier 3 contribution amount is 9.94%. Contributions begin 90 days after first day of employment.

Additional Benefits
The following additional benefits are available to all regular employees:

• 11 Paid Holidays
• Payroll direct deposit
• Paid Time Off - vacation/sick time
• Pre-tax deduction plan
• Up to 80% of medical premiums paid by Mohave County
• Bereavement Leave

These materials were created to help you understand the benefits available to you. This is not a Summary Plan Description and is not intended to replace the benefit summaries or schedule of benefits contained within the Plan. If any provision of these materials is inconsistent with the language of the Plan, the language of the Plan will govern .

Salary:

$45,656.00 - $69,076.80 Annually