Job Description:(#239856)
911 Dispatcher Duties and Responsibilities
A variety of tasks come into play as 911 Dispatchers work to coordinate the appropriate response to callers’ situations. We analyzed job postings to identify these primary 911 Dispatcher duties and responsibilities.
Manage Multiple Lines of Communication
Many emergency dispatchers do not handle a single phone line, but are responsible for handling multiple channels of communication simultaneously, such as radio, telephone or computer messaging. 911 Dispatchers often need to prioritize multiple incoming calls without getting overwhelmed, knowing that their decisions will play a critical factor in emergency services’ response time to each call.
Crisis Management
Because 911 Dispatchers are often a person’s first line of communication with emergency services – whether the issue at hand requires police, fire or medical intervention – dispatchers are sometimes required to deal with people who are terrified or overwhelmed. The emotional discipline necessary to remain calm and walk the caller through the steps necessary to ensure their safety, is a vital part of working with emergency services.
Clerical Work
911 Dispatchers are also called upon to create, copy and file a variety of case records. They may process legal violations, as well as records of stolen, lost or recovered property.
Coordinating with co-workers
911 Dispatchers also work in key roles in the chain of emergency services. They relay information to subordinates, co-workers, supervisors and the relevant emergency services necessary to meet the needs to each caller. These communications come in verbal and written forms.
Monitor Alarms
Those working as 911 Dispatchers may also remotely operate or monitor alarm systems pertaining to theft, armed robbery, intrusion, civil defense and the National Weather Service’s warning systems. This includes using Computer Aided Dispatch systems (CAD) to quickly meet a caller’s needs.
911 Dispatcher Skills
Emergency Dispatchers are the key link in the chain connecting people in trouble with emergency services. They’re often called upon to use social and communication skills to help resolve various calls, which can range from the mundane to the life threatening. Circumstances also call for critical thinking skills, to find creative ways of solving problems over the phone.
CORE SKILL
ADVANCED SKILLS: