PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST, PROBATIONARY - CALL TAKER (PER

Employees in this class will undergo a training period through the Training Program within the Harford County Department of Emergency Services. The purpose of this training period is to provide the fundamentals for each position within the communications center, and certifications needed to perform the functions of the role to which you are hired. Upon successful completion of classroom training the employee will serve a probationary training period including responsibility for accurate, rapid call-taking and information dissemination. This will ensure effective receipt and documentation of all calls for service, as well as the receipt and transfer of incoming calls throughout the organization and other public safety entities. Employees must complete this training period to be eligible for promotion. Failure to meet requirements in the Training Academy or meet identified on-the-job training performance standards will result in termination from employment.

EXAMPLES OF TRAINING RECEIVED:

1. Incident simulations/Computer Aided Dispatching;
2. Police Communications;
3. Fire/EMS Communications;
4. MILES/NCIC;
5. Dispatch and Call-Taking certifications by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch;
6. Geography;
7. Emergency Telecommunications Course;
8. Policy, Procedure, and Legal Concepts.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department. The list is not inclusive. A position may require related duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.)

1. Uses training and policies to screen requests for emergency services; answering them professionally, recognizing if a call is received from telephone, text, video, or an automated data feed. Elicits information rapidly, records and enters data into computer-aided dispatch system so that emergency personnel and apparatus may be dispatched on the call. Frequently screens and transfers calls to surrounding public service agencies.

2. May be required to dispatch accurately and effectively to police, fire, or ambulance and rescue apparatus responding to the scene of emergency calls via a two-way radio system. Activate pagers to advise fire and ambulance personnel of incident, and assists in calling and obtaining personnel and resources necessary to adequately handle the incident. Activates public warning systems. Utilizes proper policies and procedures for specific incidents.

3. Assists in the preparation and maintenance of the center's files and information which assist in the efficient dispatching of emergency personnel and equipment, including but not limited to, road maintenance/closure status, bridge closures, hydrant out-of-service status, fire protective system status, apparatus status, mutual aid status, EMS and police officer capabilities, phone numbers, hospital status, and area controlled burnings.

4. Enters and retrieves computer data pertinent to criminal history, motor vehicle and driver's license information utilizing NCIC, MILES and NLETS. Researches information on past and present incidents, in-house warrants, criminal summons, and arrest records via CAD system.

5. Provides information for public inquiries. Conducts inquiries and makes phone calls for police, fire, and EMS personnel as needed.

6. May be required to prepare written reports and documents.

7. Works rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends and overtime where appropriate.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to learn the geography of Harford County, the locations of various fire companies, police departments and hospitals;
• To learn the capabilities of various types of emergency equipment;
• Knowledge of computer operations;
• Ability to obtain knowledge of public safety and/or emergency radio-communication;
• Ability to read, write and speak English in a clear, effective manner over both telephone and radio;
• Ability to communicate effectively through the use of grammar and spelling in a clear manner;
• Ability to comprehend and retain information in both stress and non-stress situations;
• Ability to work different shift assignments whenever needed (permanent or rotating);
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and customers;
• To accurately document manually or by computer;
• To articulate directions and instructions;
• To operate a keyboard and complete data entry accurately;
• Ability to sit/stand at a computer terminal and/or telephone work station for extended periods of time.
• Ability to accomplish tasks while under stress or duress;
• Ability to make decisions using all available information.

EDUCATION: Possession of a high school or vocational school diploma or GED Certificate.

EXPERIENCE: No experience required.

SAFETY: Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations, and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.

LICENSE: Possession of a valid Class C driver's license with no more than three (3) points.

COMPENSATION:

Other compensation may include but is not limited to:

• Overtime
• Compensatory time
• Shift Differentials

BENEFITS:

Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental & Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation
• Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age;
• Selected candidate must have a telephone;
• Selected candidate must work on rotation shifts which include nights, weekends, and holidays when scheduled;
• Selected candidate must have the ability to perform assignments or attend functions at various locations when required for job-related duties;
• Selected candidate must have: a) passed a typing test using a computer keyboard; b) passed an acute hearing and voice clarity test to determine fitness to perform duties of the job; c) passed a telecommunications skills test; d) passed an oral interview, which may include multi-tasking exercises; e) must successfully pass a pre-employment physical; f) must comply with Industry Standard Hearing requirements.
• Positions in this class are considered critical for snow events and County-wide emergencies.
• Employees in this classification may be required to undergo wellness examinations to ensure fitness for duty.

For those interested in learning more about the position, we will be hosting an Open House on February 26, 2025, from 6PM-8PM, at 2220 Ady Road, Forest Hill, MD 21050.