EOC 911 Dispatcher

St. James Parish Government is hiring for the position of 911 Dispatcher in the Emergency Preparedness Department .

JOB FUNCTION: The position of Dispatcher is responsible for answering all emergency calls and dispatching appropriate authorities as needed. This position requires strict confidentiality as well as timeliness and efficiency. Through direct guidance and supervision from the Assistant Director of Emergency Preparedness of St. James Parish Government, the Dispatcher will be responsible for monitoring a variety of public safety telecommunications systems and equipment. The parish Dispatchers work within the same location as the sheriff’s office Dispatchers. Individuals in this class are able to complete the majority of their work with a minimum amount of supervision. Normally works a rotating 12-hour shift, which includes an on-call rotation. This position is safety sensitive and is classified as essential during declared emergencies or natural disasters. This position is non-exempt from the payment of overtime as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Handle the reception and transmission of telephone and radio emergency calls, complaints and inquiries from the public
• Evaluate information to determine jurisdiction and other pertinent data and disseminating necessary information to the appropriate agencies in a prompt and efficient manner
• Monitor various public safety telecommunication systems and equipment
• Operate a variety of equipment including, but not limited to, enhanced 911 telephone systems, telephone device for the deaf (T.D.D.), audio recording and playback equipment, radio transmitters and receivers, radio consoles, data communication terminals, and computer aided dispatch systems
• Record the nature and source of all incoming and outgoing radio and telephone messages
• Study and maintain familiarity with highways, roads, streets, parish municipal numbering system, landmarks, major buildings and geography of all St. James Parish and surrounding areas
• Attend trainings, conferences, hearings, and other meetings related to this position as required by the Director, Assistant Director or Communications Supervisor

· Perform any other work-related duties as assigned by the Director, Assistant Director or Communications Supervisor

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skills and/or ability required. St. James Parish is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: High school graduation or its equivalent. Must possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license (Class E) and have an acceptable driving record. Must have reliable transportation. Must have working knowledge of a personal computer and all other standard office equipment/machinery.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must have the ability to read a variety of correspondences, reports, ordinances, proclamations, resolutions, forms, manual, etc. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from outside entities with poise, voice control, and confidence.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measurement using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages and also interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: Possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license (class E), have a form of reliable transportation, and have an acceptable driving record.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must be proficient in the use of a personal computer with experience using the Microsoft Office programs, especially Microsoft Word and Excel. Also will be required to work in various software packages
• Ability to perform assignments with minimal supervision and maintain efficiency and timeliness
• Must be willing to work overtime on occasion
• Must be willing to attend occasional meetings and seminars outside of the office that may require an overnight stay when necessary
• Position requires a high degree of confidentiality due to the privileged and confidential nature of the information processed; Ability to maintain professionalism under a high-pressured situation

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds related to typical office functions. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors within a dispatch center located inside the Emergency Operations Center.

St. James Parish is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. The parish will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, agree or political affiliations.