Public Safety Communicator I

• Answer 9-1-1 emergency and other calls from the community as well as dispatching police, fire and rescue and sheriff's office resources
• Make lifesaving decisions and provide clear direction and advice, including pre-arrival medical instruction to callers reporting medical emergencies.

• Perform work assignments at different work locations when required
• Work holidays, work every other weekend and work shifts during days, evenings, or midnights
• Accept last minute changes in their schedule

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Serves as primary point of contact for reporting all 9-1-1 emergencies in Fairfax County;
• Represents the County and Department in a professional manner and with a high level of customer service;
• Provides information or directions to callers, police, fire & rescue/EMS and other public safety agencies, adhering to DPSC, Police, Fire & Rescue department policies and procedures governing the dissemination of information;
• Operates a sophisticated workstation comprised of multiple computer systems including Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency telephone system, geographical mapping tools (GIS and aerial photography), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and other repositories of critical information, etc. to answer, triage and process incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the general public or other public safety agencies for the protection of life and property;
• During a life-threatening emergency, establishes communications with the caller, provide safety/life-saving instructions, and maintains control of the conversation until units arrive on the scene;
• Interacts with callers who may be injured, distressed, distraught and/or emotional, and also public safety field personnel on the telephone and radio to accurately communicate information and instructions in all situations;
• Gathers, classifies, and supplements pertinent information obtained from the caller and enters it into the CAD system, consistent with appropriate protocols;
• Establishes communications with hearing impaired callers through the TTY application of the telephone system;
• Facilitates language interpretation between non-English speaking callers and interpreters to provide assistance needed;
• Provides all services in a "manual mode" (i.e., non-computerized environment) when primary CAD system is not available;
• During computer down time, operates the back-up telephone system (BUTS) and TTY device, uses the street directory, telephone lists, and complaint cards, etc. to generate the appropriate public safety response;
• Performs job duties at the alternate 9-1-1 center if activated or during tests/drills.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• By the end of the probationary period, thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures,
• process, laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting public safety call-taking, and the ability to apply them appropriately;
• By the end of the probationary period, skill in operating all equipment, systems, and consoles to receive, record, and monitor data about emergency/non-emergency calls;
• Ability to listen and obtain essential information by telephone;
• Ability to listen and respond effectively to abusive and excited callers without deterioration of quality of service;
• Ability to quickly assess the scope and magnitude of an emergency;
• Ability to demonstrate understanding, compassion, and empathy;
• Ability to act quickly and decisively;
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under stress;
• Ability to exercise tact and sound judgment;
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in English;
• Ability to maintain control and manage calls while conveying confidence;
• Ability to exercise tact, judgment, confidence, and authority;
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers and others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to:
High school graduation or possession of a GED issued by a state department of education, Within a specified time period, satisfactory completion of a prescribed training program.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Within a specified time period, trainees must attain and maintain the following certifications:

• Basic Dispatcher certification;
• Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
• Certification in Automated External Defibrillation (AED);
• Certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD);
• Certification as a Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Operator Level C.

• Must be 18 years of age at time of hire;
• Must be a United States citizen or must have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past ten (10) consecutive years ;
• Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation, polygraph examination prior to employment;
• Must be able to perform essential job functions (reasonable accommodation may be made on a case-by-case-basis);
• Must have never committed, been involved in, or been convicted of, a felony or serious misdemeanor;
• Must be of good character and reputation;
• Must be able to work a 12-hour shift plus a mandatory hour roll call prior to the shift, (days and nights) including holidays and weekends. Must be able to accept last minute schedule changes. May be required to work up to 16 hours in emergency situations.

• Must be 18 years of age at time of application;
• Must successfully complete a criminal and public safety background investigation and a polygraph examination prior to employment;
• Must successfully complete hearing, vision, and drug screening;
• Must be able to perform essential job functions (reasonable accommodation may be made on a case-by-case-basis);
• Must have never committed, been involved in, or been convicted of, a felony or serious misdemeanor;
• Must be of good character and reputation.
• Must be able to meet requirements to work nights, weekends, and holidays.