Public Safety Telecommunicator
Job Description
Department: Public SafetyDivision: Communications CenterExempt/Non‐Exempt: Non‐ExemptUnion/Management: Local 246Full‐Time/Part‐Time/Seasonal: Full‐TimeWorkweek: Varied shiftsSalary: $41,600/year. Competitive Jersey City retirement and health benefits package available,including pension, dental, medical, prescription, FSA (flexible spending account), life insurance, andmore.The City of Jersey City is looking to hire several Public Safety Telecommunicators (Fire Dispatchers, 911Dispatchers, and Police Dispatchers) to work in the City’s 911 Call Center. These roles will be responsiblefor receiving and responding to telephone or other electronic requests for emergency assistance,including law enforcement, fire, medical, or other emergency services and/or dispatches appropriateunits to response sites.
Responsibilities
Job Duties:• Receives telephone or other electronic requests for emergency assistance.• Determines the nature of calls and transfers callers to the appropriate emergency unit.• Obtains, verifies, and records emergency locations, name of callers, the nature, severity, andcurrent status of emergencies, and obtains any other appropriate information needed to securea full assessment of the circumstances.• In response to medical emergencies, provides first aid or CPR instructions to stabilize themedical condition of persons until the arrival of a professional.• In non‐medical emergencies, provides precautionary instructions and advice to assure personalsafety of persons and/or to minimize the loss of property pending arrival of fire, police, or otherassistance.• Refers non‐emergency situations to other appropriate public or private agencies and maydispatch non-emergency personnel or equipment.• Relays information or instructions to field units via radio or mobile data terminal.• Utilizes video display terminal or computer-oriented or radio equipment to receive, monitor,record, summarize, and/or transmit data relating to the emergency.• Dispatches specific law enforcement, fire, or medical assistance units to emergency locationsbased on pre‐established response plans, and seeks guidance from supervisory personnel whencircumstances warrant significant deviation from pre‐established response plans.• Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
• Preferred Experience: Experience in receiving, transmitting, and relaying of video display and/orradio messages, recording complaints and requests for emergency assistance, or other relevantpublic safety experience is a plus.Required Education: High School Diploma or GED.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:• MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE• LIVE IN THE STATE OF NJ• MUST BE ABLE TO TYPE 25 WPM• BE ABLE TO PASS A WRITTEN EXAM THAT INVOLVES, LISTENING AND READING• COMPREHENSION, AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS• MUST BE ABLE TO GO THROUGH A COMPLETE BACKGROUND CHECK• MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK OVERTIME• TRAINING IS DONE ON THE JOB AFTER YOU ARE HIRED AND IT IS PAID.Essential Skills:• Ability to remain calm and composed in high‐pressure situations.• Demonstrates organizational and record-keeping skills.• Strong verbal and communication skills.• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and foster professionalrelationships with direct reports, supervisors, callers, and emergency units.• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.• Detail‐oriented with strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create and maintain positiveand professional relationships with supervisors, senior participants, and lunch site hosts.• Communicate with diverse populations.• Passion for serving the senior citizen community.• Ability to work in a fast‐paced environment with significant people interaction.• Ability to quickly learn new computer programs; experience with Microsoft Office, a plus.
