Dispatch Associate Jobs in Yakima, WA (NOW HIRING)

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month

Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields. Overview and Minimum Class Requirements The City of Yakima needs Telecommunicator's to answer 9-1-1 calls, dispatch law enforcement and fire resources, and provide emergency medical instructions over the phone.

If you like to work in a fast-paced work environment and want to make a difference in your community, answer the call. Apply today. ADDITIONAL APPLICATION DOCUMENT REQUIRED Verification of a 5-minute typing test documenting 30 WPM net typing speed without error must be attached to your application.

Verification must include your name, date the test was taken, net words per minute, and length of test. There are free keyboarding/typing skill tests available on-line. The following site allows you to take the test, enter your name, then print the certificate with your test results: http://www.freetypinggame.net/free-typing-certificate.asp APPLICATIONS WITHOUT TYPING VERIFICATION ATTACHED WILL NOT BE REVIEWED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Currently employed as a Telecommunicator I with Yakima Public Safety Communications Center (SunComm) OR Meet the following minimum class requirements: High school diploma or GED

Six (6) months' work experience providing direct customer service (e.g. bank teller, waiter) or a public safety communications environment. Must have computer and telephone experience

Able to accurately type at a sustained minimum of 30 words per minute. Associate or Bachelor of Arts degree may substitute for 6 months customer service experience requirement. Experience in a public safety communications or dispatch facility is preferred.

OR MINIMUM CLASS REQUIREMENTS FOR LATERAL APPLICANTS TO THE CLASS 18 months successful employment as a telecommunicator/dispatcher at SunComm or another high-volume police, fire or emergency medical dispatch facility with enhanced 911 and computer-aided dispatch. All candidates must successfully pass pre-suitability testing, comprehensive background check (assessing applicant's aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record and criminal history), drug screening, hearing exam, polygraph and psychological evaluation. This position requires individuals to work 12 HOUR SHIFTS with a rotating schedule of 2 months on days and 2 months on nights.

Weekends and holidays are required as scheduled. LICENSE, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES Obtain and maintain Washington State Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification, ACCESS (Retrieve and Delete Criminal Information) training, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training, and First Aid/CPR/AED certification within one (1) year of employment. Job Summary Under general supervision receives emergency and non-emergency requests for fire, emergency medical and law enforcement assistance via multiple communications systems.

Evaluates the information provided to determine the appropriate jurisdiction, equipment and personnel to be dispatched. Operates a variety of electronic equipment to successfully dispatch the appropriate emergency response. Performs related work as required.

Essential Functions The following duties are illustrative only and not all encompassing. Other related duties may be required as a function of this position. Receives, transmits and records requests for emergency and non-emergency responses via Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) telephone, text messages and TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf), non-emergency telephone, radio, alarm and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.

Uses maps, addresses and other pertinent information to dispatch the appropriate jurisdiction, equipment and personnel. Receives incoming emergency and non-emergency E9-1-1 calls; determines the location, nature of the situation and/or medical condition of persons involved; evaluates and prioritizes need; and when necessary transfers to appropriate response agency. Receives, screens and answers a variety of inquiries by telephone or text and provides information on the purpose and functions of emergency services.

Provides information and/or emergency medical dispatch (EMD) instruction under stressful conditions, calmly, clearly and distinctly, until situation is resolved and/or emergency assistance has arrived. Accurately and comprehensively enters and retrieves information into computer aided dispatch (CAD) system or other data storage and record keeping system. Monitors and transmits on a variety of radio channels.

Assists in testing radio frequencies, periodically makes routine announcements and relays information via radio and/or paging systems. Monitors and maintains the position and status of the units in the field. Directs the movement of units to other response areas, fire stations and/or jurisdictions so that adequate coverage is provided to all areas during day-to-day and major emergency operations.

May maintain the Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) and related data; obtains, verifies and reports new addresses, street additions and other information to facilitate enhanced 9-1-1 call origination information. Operates a variety of equipment including but not limited to: E9-1-1 telephone system, radio console, CAD system, computer terminals, TDD, alarm systems, recording devices, security devices and other related equipment. Monitors alarm receiving equipment and processes the information received, taking the appropriate actions; dispatch of emergency units or notifying responsible parties of malfunction or equipment out of service.

Informs supervisors of situations that require their attention and notifies the appropriate personnel for repair and testing of the communication center equipment. Performs a variety of center functions; maintains operational and confidential department records and files; composes routine or recurring correspondence; assists the operation by performing routine administrative details; relays information using appropriate communications systems. Operates E9-1-1 telephone system, CAD system, TDD, Fax machine, computer terminal, copy machine, printers, recorders and other equipment as required.

May update and clear data regarding warrants, court orders, vehicles and stolen articles. Shall be required to operate the ACCESS computer interface with requests for warrants, license checks, etc. Receives National Warning System information and disseminates appropriate tests and warnings of County, State and National emergencies to various other agencies according to State and Federal regulations.

Supports EMD quality assurance and control requirement tasks. . Under direction of a supervisor or SunComm management may process requests for confidential information in accordance with state and federal disclosure laws; makes recording of incidents from the Center's recording equipment in support of public disclosure requests, incident follow-up investigations or court ordered requirements.

May provide information regarding emergency call history by address and/or phone number to law enforcement or other entitled agencies. Maintains records of construction, repairs and changes in availability of streets, hydrants and sprinkler systems for notifications to the Public Safety departments. Maintains awareness of and complies with Division, Departmental and City policies, procedures and directives.

Assists in maintaining the cleanliness of the communications center and updates the Center's reference materials. May participate in public education events. May be required to appear in court when subpoenaed.

Position requires rotating shift work including day, swing or night and work all days of the week including weekends and holidays; and overtime as needed. Mentors and provides guidance, training or assistance to new employees as needed. Contributes to the effectiveness of SunComm and the City by demonstrating an attitude that encourages cooperation, coordination of efforts, effective time management, efficient use of resources, and exceptional customer service.

Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality service. Develops innovative programs and projects and proactively introduces change to address emerging issues and opportunities. Keeps licenses and certifications up-to-date and completes mandatory and otherwise assigned trainings as required.

Requires regular reliable and punctual attendance. Performs other related duties as assigned. Major Worker Characteristics Knowledge of emergency services operations and emergency service providers in Yakima County.

Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Have a working knowledge of the type and uses of the emergency equipment dispatched by the Center. Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and techniques.

Strong knowledge of related City, department and division functions, terminology and current activities; time management, planning and organizational practices, municipal records retention procedures, processes and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards. Knowledge of and adherence to a high standard of personal and professional ethics.

Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, emergency personnel, government officials, and members of the public. Strong working knowledge of computer operations, databases and industry applications including but not limited to CAD system; Microsoft Office Suite, and office equipment. Knowledge of basic arithmetic.

Ability to use a variety of computer software systems/applications proficiently. Must have the ability to interpret maps and to learn the roads, streets and major geographic features of the Communications Center's operational area. Ability to: receive, comprehend and rapidly relay accurate information; control telephone conversations to obtain accurate information; listen attentively and question for necessary information, provide correct, understandable instructions; perform duties during periods of extreme stress and time limitations; and, learn and apply information, laws, codes, guidelines, directives, policies and procedures related to the job.

Ability to: collect, review and organize information quickly and logically; think clearly and make quick and accurate judgements, decisions and recommendations. Must be able to efficiently and effectively enter information into a CAD systems and computer programs with speed and accuracy, to speak English clearly at sustained rapid rates in order to transmit information and locations to responding units during emergency situations. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to computer with touch keyboarding, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.

Ability to perform and understand basic mathematical computations. Must be able to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, with employees and members of the public, representing diverse educational levels and backgrounds, and with individuals at all levels of government and/or public safety, utilizing well- developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including, but not limited: to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to compose correspondence; produce and maintain accurate and timely records and reports.

Must routinely and regularly maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication. Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations, public safety entities and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Ability to work independently in isolated environment with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight for long periods of time; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize and assign workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to effectively deal with own and others' daily stress situations, and to respond promptly, calmly and effectively to emergency situations.

Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team and adhere to the department's values including, but not limited to: customer focused, teamwork, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner. Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements. Must be able to work rotating shifts including day, swing or night and work all days of the week including weekends and holidays; and overtime as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Occasional walking, ascending/descending stairs while maintaining balance.

Occasional stooping/bending/kneeling while performing duties. Constant use of both hands with repetitive motions in reaching, handling, grasping, keyboarding, and other fine skills manipulation, while performing duties and operating computers. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/listening/seeing/observing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all assigned tasks.

Must have the ability to hear, with or without a hearing aids, and speak well enough to converse on the telephone. Vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus; have the ability to see, with or witho...