911 Telecommunicator

Salary : $54,184.00 – $75,920.00 Annually

Location : Mankato, MN

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2023-00115

Department: Sheriff’s Office

Division: Dispatch

Opening Date: 10/17/2023

Closing Date: 11/5/2023 11:59 PM Central

DESCRIPTION

Under the direct supervision of the Communications Center Administrator, this position is responsible to provide quality services that promote and protect the safety, security, and well-being of all the people in our community. The 911 Telecommunicator is responsible for coordinating incoming 911 communications and other activities to support public safety personnel in the interest of public safety. The position will receive emergency and non-emergency 911 calls from the public and dispatch, monitor, and respond to public safety personnel.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Receives emergency and non-emergency 911 calls and texts. Performs multiple tasks simultaneously within critical time constraints and under pressure of emergency conditions. Responds to requests for service requiring law enforcement, medical, fire, and/or rescue services per established policies. Gathers and evaluates relevant information from all available sources to establish priorities as outlined in the standard operating procedure manual. Provides public service information including weather/road conditions and makes referrals to mental health resources and other public/governmental agencies as appropriate.
2. Dispatches appropriate personnel from fire, law enforcement, and ambulance services. Monitors and operates multiple ARMER radio talk groups and conventional radio channels. Receives and processes officer requests for various services and updates responding units regarding status, location, and pertinent information throughout the duration of an incident. Uses various systems to page emergency responders and conduct pager tests. Communicates with emergency responders and queries driver’s licenses, license plates, and related searches.
3. Operates multiple computerized mapping systems. Assists responding units with directions to scenes and monitors the location of emergency response vehicles from law enforcement, fire departments and ambulance services.
4. Operates Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System. Creates and enters necessary information into the dispatch system and keeps a log of radio traffic/telephone traffic. Enters and removes arrest warrants and looks up previous incidents.
5. Enters, modifies, cancels, and queries missing persons and stolen property through local, state, and national computer systems. Queries and interprets criminal histories. Enters, modifies, cancels, and queries various alerts including attempts to locate and Keep Our Police Safe (KOPS) alerts.
6. Operates and activates the community notification system and the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) for emergency and non-emergency situations. Sends alerts to the public when in imminent danger or during emergencies that may affect the public’s health, safety, or welfare.
7. Operates the Mobile Data Computer. Assists with troubleshooting computer system problems.
8. Operates internal and external security systems and alarms. Monitors various camera systems and monitors emergency man-down system. Controls door locks, gates, garage doors and monitors duress alarms throughout the Justice Center.
9. Provide caller with instructions for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) over the phone when needed.
10. Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
11. Interacts positively with internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and customers.
12. Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.
13. Attends work during regularly scheduled hours.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides Credible Testimony in Court. Attends and testifies in criminal and civil court proceedings. Represents the interests of the county, state, and federal government. Makes a verbal account for observations, actions, and findings while performing official duties.
2. Trains and mentors new staff as requested.
3. Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration.
4. Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma/GED

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior dispatch or customer service experience
• Experience in Microsoft Office programs

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must comply with all federal and state laws and organizational and departmental policies and regulations.
• Must be able to type proficiently.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must not have had local, state of Minnesota, or federal law enforcement database access revoked or suspended and must be able to obtain and maintain access authorizations to local, State of Minnesota, or Federal law enforcement databases necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must complete MN BCA 2-day Basic Operator Training within 6 months of start date (in-person or virtual).
• Must complete Telephone Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (T-CPR) training/certification prior to completion of training.
• Must obtain and maintain all requirements for certification as required by the State of Minnesota for 911 Telecommunicators.
• Must comply with data practices policies and standards relative to not public data. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished the not public data must be properly stored according to county policy and the Minnesota Statutes.

HOURS OF WORK

Involves a rotating shift, which under normal condition results in a 40-hour work week. Full Time Dispatchers bid for shifts by seniority. During training, new employees will be scheduled time on all shifts and may be assigned to training outside of normal work hours that will be mandatory. Overtime, day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours are required. Hours of work are structured to meet call for service demands and the needs of the public served.

Benefits Overview
LELS – Dispatch

The County of Blue Earth provides a comprehensive, balanced, competitive total compensation package. The County’s benefit programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or dependent care assistance, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings.

The following outlines County offered total compensation benefits. This document provides an overview and does not offer all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents and/or collective bargaining agreements, the plan documents will prevail.

Regular, Full-Time Employee

Wage/Salary Scale
Blue Earth County features a 12-Step Pay Plan. Our advertised salary ranges include all 12 Steps. A selected candidate will typically be offered Step 1 of the salary range. Additional salary considerations are subject to negotiation and dependent on skills and experience directly related to the position.

Vacation Leave
Vacation accruals, utilization, and payouts are detailed in the collective bargaining agreement and/or the employee handbook. An additional eight hours shall be paid in lieu of Christmas Eve, which must be used between January 1 and December 31 of each calendar year.

Blue Earth County Years of Service Bi-Weekly Accrual Rate
0 – 1 year – 3.23 hours
0 – 5 years – 3.85 hours
6 – 9 years – 4.77 hours
10 – 13 years – 5.69 hours
14 – 18 years – 6.62 hours
19 – 24 years – 7.54 hours
25 + years – 8.46 hours

Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at a rate of eight (8) hours for each full month of service.

Paid Holidays
Blue Earth County recognizes 11 (88 hours) paid holidays in lieu of holidays.

Health Insurance
Employees may choose from 3-health insurance plans and either single or family coverage. Insurance Rates (Monthly) – Effective: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

Plan 1: CMM $0 Deductible
Employee: Single – $120.40 / Family – $1,061.38
Employer: Single – $1,083.45 / Family – $2,476.55
Total Cost: Single – $1,203.85 / Family – $3,537.93

Plan 2: CMM $300 Deductible
Employee: Single – $0.92 / Family – $710.28
Employer: Single – $1,083.46 / Family – $2,476.54
Total Cost: Single – $1,084.38 / Family – $3,186.82

Plan 3: HDHP with HSA
Employee: Single – $0.00 / Family – $422.96
Employer: Single – $868.64 / Family – $2,129.83
Total Cost: Single – $868.64 / Family – $2,552.79

Blue Earth County contributes to a health savings account (HSA) when the employee elects the HDHP. Single coverage HSA contributions equal $1,400, and family coverage HSA contributions equal $2,800.Life InsuranceEmployees are provided with Term-Life Insurance at no cost to them:

• $20,000 term-life/$20,000 accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• After ten (10) years of continuous employment with Blue Earth County, the policy will increase to $35,000 term-life/$35,000 accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)

Retirement
The County and the employee contribute to the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) based on a percentage of the employee wage:

General/Coordinated Plan
Employee: 6.5%
Employer: 7.5%

Voluntary Benefits Available

• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Nice Healthcare
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Deferred Compensation (457b)
• Roth IRA
• 529 Educational Roth
• Supplemental Life
• AFLAC

01

The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

• Yes
• No

02

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters or Higher
• None of the above

03

Which of the following best describes your experience in emergency response, crisis hotline or a service oriented role interacting with people?

• No Experience
• Less than 6 months
• More than 6 months, but less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2
• More than 2 years, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 4
• More than 4 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years, but less than 6
• More than 6 years, but less than 7
• More than 7 years, but less than 8
• More than 8 years, but less than 9
• More than 9 years, but less than 10
• 10 or more years

04

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

• Yes
• No

05

Which of the following best describes the percentage of your time that has been spent talking or working with panic-stricken/distraught individuals?

• Less than 20% of my overall time
• More than 20%, but less than 40% of my overall time
• More than 40%, but less than 75% of my overall time
• N/A – I have no experience in this area

06

Which of the following best describes how frequently you have had to handle multiple tasks simultaneously or multiple tasks your current role or previous position?

• Hourly
• Once a day
• Two times a week
• Once a week
• None of the above

07

Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience performing emergency and non-emergency calls for service, such as but not limited to 911 dispatching experience, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, interrogation/interview skills, and troubleshooting customer problems?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• More than 6 months, but less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2
• More than 2 years, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 4
• More than 4 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years, but less than 6
• More than 6 years, but less than 7
• More than 7 years, but less than 8
• More than 8 years, but less than 9
• More than 9 years, but less than 10
• 10 or more years

08

Please list the languages other than English that you are able to understand and speak fluently. (Select all that apply) NOTE: If asked to interview, you will be required to demonstrate your ability.

• Spanish
• Somali
• Arabic
• American Sign Language
• Other
• None of the above – I do not speak or understand any languages other than English.

09

Describe your experience or ability speaking and understanding languages other than English. Do not type “See Applications”. If no experience, TYPE N/A.

10

IIn the Blue Earth County Dispatch Center, we use the following software. Please indicate the current versions of software that you are PROFICIENT in using: (select all that apply)

• Microsoft Office Word
• Microsoft Office Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Computer Aided Dispatch System Software
• Mapping Software
• Mobile Data Computer Software
• Wireless Office Messenger Paging Software

11

If you selected Computer Aided Dispatch System software, Mapping Software, Mobile Data Computer Software, or Community Notification Software please indicate the specific program you have experience in.

12

Have you received your MNJIS/NCIC Terminal Operator Certification?

• Yes
• No

13

Have your access rights to MNJIS/NCIC terminals ever been revoked or suspended?

• Yes
• No

14

Which of the following systems are you familiar with utilizing? (select all that apply)

• PS Portals State Computer
• Motorola VESTA Phone System
• Computer Information System (CIS)
• Motorola MCC7500 Armer Radio System
• N/A – I do not have experience in this area

15

Which of the following best describes your computer experience/ability:

• No experience
• Limited – I am somewhat familiar with computers
• Moderate – I use a computer occasionally at home and/or at work
• Extensive – I use various computer programs as a significant portion of my job

16

You will be required to take a typing skills test, are you able to type at a rate of 30 wpm with 90% accuracy?

• Yes
• No

17

Have you tested to be a 911 Dispatcher with Blue Earth County in the past two years?

• Yes
• No

18

Describe how your background and experience align with the duties and responsibilities of this position.

19

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Describe any other special training you’ve completed or skills and experience you currently possess that you feel would make you the best-qualified person for this position.

20

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Blue Earth County conducts a background check for a position within the Sheriff’s Office. If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and education records, identification verification, driver’s license record and a criminal history?

21

Do you know of anything in your background that would preclude you from passing our background check for this position? Include here if you have been denied employment in a law enforcement/correctional setting based on findings of a background investigation. (See below the types of issues that will or may disqualify you from being employed in the Sheriff’s Office.) Areas that WILL DISQUALIFY you from being accepted for employment: felony conviction, felony or gross misdemeanor drug conviction, Criminal Sexual Misconduct, gross misdemeanor conviction within the last five years, conviction for eluding or assaulting a peace officer, evidence that you have misrepresented or falsified your application or any part of the process. Areas that MAY DISQUALIFY you from being accepted for employment: DUI, implied consent or BCA over .10 in the last five years, misdemeanor convictions, including DAR/DAS within the last three years, dismissal from police agency, negotiated resignation in lieu of termination, undesirable discharge from military, documented patterns of misconduct at prior employers.

22

If you selected yes to the above question about your ability to pass a background check, please describe the circumstances.

23

Questions 23 through 27 indicate your willingness to accept the working conditions for this position. If you answer “NO” to any of these questions, you may want to reconsider applying for this position. The Blue Earth County Dispatch Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a rotation shift which runs for 28 working days. Full Time Dispatchers bid for shifts by seniority. If hired as a 911 Dispatcher are you willing to work the evening or overnight shifts?

24

Are you willing to work in a highly stressful environment on a daily basis?

• Yes
• No

25

Are you willing to make critical decisions under considerable pressure and stress?

• Yes
• No

26

Are you willing to work in an environment with limited opportunity to move from the work station?

• Yes
• No

27

Are you willing to work rotating 8-hour, 10-hour, or 12-hour shifts as well as days, evening, nights, weekends and holidays?

Required Question