LATERAL Dispatcher and 911 Call-Takers job in Tacoma

Dispatcher:

As part of South Sound 911 Operations Division, the Dispatcher position performs complex and responsible dispatcher duties in the Emergency 911 Communications Center; processes citizen’s requests for law enforcement services under various conditions, including emergency situations, receives emergency communications, determining the nature, location and severity of the emergency and dispatches appropriate personnel, apparatus and equipment; provides information to client law enforcement agencies, other City and County agencies and law enforcement officers in the field; monitors and controls communication traffic and assure officer safety to the extent possible. Completes training for and demonstrates ability to perform the duties of Communications Officer; and maintains the skill to perform the essential functions of the Communications Officer classification.

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. Dispatchers are expected to work independently in a variety of tasks and ask for assistance/clarification from the Communications Supervisor when questions/concerns arise. This position reports to the Communications Supervisor.

Communications Officer (911 Call-Taker):

As part of South Sound 911 Operations Division, and under the direction of the Communications Supervisor, this position performs complex and responsible work in the Emergency 911 Communications Center processing citizen’s 911 and business calls by screening calls, recording information and transferring calls as appropriate for law enforcement, fire and medical aid services under emergency conditions in an accurate and timely manner; provide routine information and assistance to the public, various law enforcement agencies and other City and County agencies. This position requires ongoing multitasking ability, and use of discretion and judgment.

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. Communications Officers are expected to work independently in a variety of tasks and ask for assistance/clarification from the Communications Supervisor when questions/concerns arise.

Requirements

Dispatcher:

Graduation from high school or equivalent. Ability to perform split ear functions. Two years of experience involving considerable public contact and multi-tasking.

Lateral Dispatcher candidates must have a minimum 3 years of experience as a Dispatcher within a 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) receiving a minimum of 300,000 calls annually.

Communications Officer (911 Call-Taker):

Graduation from high school or equivalent. Experience involving considerable public contact and multi-tasking.

Lateral Communications Officer candidates must have a minimum 3 years of experience as a 911 call-taker within a 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

Hiring Process

Interested candidates should email HR@SouthSound911.org. Please include resume and letter of interest, detailing the size and call volume of current and past agency employment, along with any other relevant information. If selected to move forward in process, candidates will participate in additional process steps, as listed below, in sequential order:

Additional steps of Lateral Process:

• Completion of Personal History Statement through Public Safety Testing (online, no cost)
• Complete Dispatcher CritiCall Test (online, no cost)
• Panel Interview (in-person strongly preferred, will consider virtual setting as needed)
• Conditional Offer
• Fingerprinting (in-person)
• Observation (in-person, can be combined with fingerprinting session)
• Background Investigation
• Psychological Assessment (virtual)
• Fit Assessment (online – PXT Select)
• Final Interviews with Executive Staff (in-person strongly preferred, will consider virtual setting as needed)
• Medical/Drug Screen (in-person, or if out of area, can arrange for local-to-candidate testing)
• Final Offer

Incentives

Lateral candidates receiving a final offer of employment after completing the process will receive the following:

• $2,000 hiring incentive upon date of hire*

Starting salary will be dependent on number of years’ experience in a Dispatch role, as follows:

• < 5 years’ experience – Step 2 ($34.93/hour)
• 5-10 years’ experience – Step 3 ($36.68/hour)
• 10+ years’ experience – Step 4 ($38.51/hour)

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact Laura Lakowske @ 253-798-2638 or laura.lakowske@southsound911.org.

*Hiring incentive will be paid in full at time of hire, on the first eligible pay date. The hiring incentive is subject to all required taxes and withholdings. Retention of full amount of hiring incentive is contingent upon continued employment with agency. If employee leaves at any point prior to their 2-year anniversary, a repayment schedule will apply.