Salary : $83,276.15 Annually
Location : La Plata, MD
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2023-00741
Department: Emergency Services
Division: ES – Communications
Opening Date: 08/29/2023
Closing Date: 9/17/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Summary
Performs supervisory and management functions relative to the operation of the Charles County’s 9-1-1 /Public Safety Communications Center. Supervises and directs the operations and personnel assigned to the division. The Assistant Chief serves as a technical resource to staff regarding operation of the many critical public safety systems used to receive, process, and distribute requests for emergency service. Assists with planning and operation of complex programs and mission critical systems with zero tolerance for failure. Performs duties using considerable discretion to maintain awareness of the facility readiness and quality of services being delivered. Overall goals are set, and the worker determines the specific tasks and assignments to be performed, independently handling new, unusual problems and deviations encountered in the work. Works independently and uses considerable discretion to deliver programs and services approved by the Chief.
Essential Job Functions
- Assists with management of the day-to-day operation of the 9-1-1/Public Safety Communications Center and is responsible for assuring that all equipment/components of the system are in working order. Attends and/or conducts staff meetings.
- Supervises and provides direction to the Public Safety Communications Lieutenants. Supervises, provides direction, and acts as a technical resource to the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Database Specialist, the 9-1-1 Address Database Specialist, the Training and QA Captain and any other support staff required to manage the technologies associated with the interdependence of the 9-1-1, CAD, and Public Safety Radio Systems.
- Assists with the management of quality assurance and personnel training. Supervises the delivery of all 9-1-1 programs such as public education, special needs customers (deaf and/or speech impaired, children with severe medical disorders), hazardous or dangerous addresses, Reverse 9-1-1, etc. Coordinates with FARU. Performs work of a Communications Lieutenant when needed. Reviews and comments on employee performance appraisals and performs performance appraisals on Communications Lieutenants.
- Assists in the preparation and administration of budgets/grant applications for the Division. Routinely interfaces with and maintains a cooperative working relationship with other Emergency Services division and public safety agencies that serve Charles County including but not limited to: The County Attorney’s Office, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, Volunteer Fire/EMS Companies and surrounding Public Safety agencies.
- Attends various meetings as a representative of Charles County 9-1-1 /Public Safety Communications. Examples: RACES, Various Planning Committees for County Wide Training, Fire Chiefs, EMS chiefs, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Charles County Association of EMS, Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Committee, State EMD subcommittee and the Tri-State EMD consortium committee.
- Provides to Fire and EMS Companies, information regarding programs and systems used by Communications that impact their operations, including but not limited to Emergency Medical Dispatch, the Public Safety Radio System, use of Mobile Data Computers and the 9-1-1 communications operations. Represents the division on interagency committees and assists in the development of customer service policies to assure that the division is responsive to the needs of those it serves. Provides oversight of new employee orientation/training and ongoing training of employees. Also, provides technical, high level, system(s) specific training to employees and public safety partner agencies.
- Assists with evaluating/resolving customer inquiries regarding Charles County 9-1-1, Public Safety Communications Center. Assists with preparation/evaluating/validation of statistical information from Computer Aided Dispatch.
- Manages the Emergency Medical Dispatch Medical Case Evaluations program and provides feedback to Training Captain and supervisory employees. Assistant Chief assures that Division Quality Assurance scores and program compliance information is properly documented and acted upon. Oversees the tracking of mandatory employee training certifications/licenses and coordinates with the Training Captain regarding ongoing training efforts. Maintains/programs the 9-1-1 Telephone Database.
- Supervises the preparation of Division duty schedules. Has primary responsibility for assuring the minimum staffing requirements are met at all times.
- Handles minor problems, prepares DPW work requests and coordinates facility maintenance. Interacts with vendors and maintenance personnel.
- Assists CAD Specialist/Chief of Communications reviewing running assignment changes, equipment additions/deletions.
- Receives and responds to Freedom of Information requests filed with either the Department of Emergency Services or the Charles County Fire/EMS Communications Center. Prepares audio recordings, handwritten documentation for legal, civil court cases, investigative, and critique purposes.
- Reviews applications for employment and sits on interview panel. Prepares a written test for applicants.
- Maintains the operational readiness of the 9-1-1 back-up center and all associated systems and components, to include bi-weekly exercise of staff and the equipment to ensure the center is fully functional at all times.
- Acts for the Chief in his/her absence. Assume Command of Division in the absence of Chief during Emergency Operations Center activations.
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Management, Computer Technology, or Public Safety. Five years (5) of experience in public safety field or related work that includes supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Licenses or Certifications:
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT – Maryland), Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD – Maryland), International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) – Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch and Emergency Police Dispatch and Health Care Provider CPR certification. IAED Emergency Medical Dispatcher – Quality Assurance IAED Emergency Telecommunicator – Instructor. National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Emergency Number Professional (ENP) and Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP), IAED Emergency Dispatch Center Executive Certification or Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Registered Public Safety Leader or Certified Public Safety Executive, FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400, IS-700, IS-800, Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC), or Certified Emergency Vehicle Operations (CEVO), Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Awareness, Weapons of Mass Destruction relative to the 9-1-1 environment. Quality Assurance (ED-Q) for EFD, EMD, EPD. A valid drivers license.
Special Requirements/Qualifications:
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION, AND EMPLOYEES IN THIS POSITION ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING.
Must successfully pass a background investigation.
Subject to work beyond the normal scheduled hours of work.
Must respond to emergencies in the Mobile Command Post as part of an incident dispatch team or in a first responder role in support of an Emergency Services/Emergency Management mission/deployment.
Must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends when necessary.
Must be available on an on-call basis.
Must work irregular duty assignments.
Must wear a uniform and safety equipment, when needed.
Must attend educational sessions as required.
Must be able to travel out of town for one day or more.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of County, Department and Division polices, orders, rules, regulations
- Knowledge of public safety dispatching procedures.
- Knowledge of the systems and topology associated with the techniques, procedures, policies, methods, operation, application, capabilities, and maintenance of the various public safety wire line and wireless communications technologies that comprise the Charles County public safety/public service communications network.
- Knowledge of management/administrative practices and procedures.
- Knowledge of CAD system and Database management principles.
- Knowledge of Charles County geography and surrounding area and public safety agencies.
- Knowledge of Digital Logging Recorder.
- Knowledge of Emergency Dispatch Software
- Knowledge public safety phone system
- Skill in the use/operation of computers, computer applications, computer networks, computer hardware and software, data entry, retrieval, report writing and system administration. Emphasis on management of very large, mission critical database.
- Ability to gather, organize and present statistical information to assist in planning.
- Ability to select, supervise, motivate, train, and evaluate employees.
- Ability to create and maintain a positive work environment and team building skill.
- Ability to communicate effectively, understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Ability to accurately interpret emergency situations and take immediate and appropriate action.
- Ability to use a variety of types of computer software related to general office work and public safety dispatching.
- Ability to interact with public and other public safety agencies to resolve conflict and set goals.
- Ability to deal effectively with the Fire/EMS officers, the media, and the public.
- Ability to analyze and recommend solutions to operational problems.
- Ability to meet, interact and deal tactfully with diverse groups and agency partners to establish and maintain collaborative, cooperative working relationships, resolve conflicts, and set goals/objectives.
- Ability to demonstrate familiarity with and able to use the language/codes/jargon of various public safety agencies.
Additional Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity and requires operation of keyboard devices.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment; however, at times work may be performed outside in inclement weather and under undesirable and hazardous conditions.
Department/Division: Department of Emergency Services/Communications
Pay Grade: 118
FLSA Status: Exempt
Telework Eligible: Yes
Reports To: Chief of 9-1-1/Public Safety Communications
Supervises: Public Safety Communications Lieutenants
Public Safety Dispatcher I, II, and III
BENEFITS AT A GLANCE
Benefits eligibility is for employees who work 30+ hours/week unless noted below
For more information about benefits visit:
13 PAID HOLIDAYS
EMS EMPLOYEES RECEIVE 6 CORE HOLIDAYS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
ANNUAL LEAVE
- Begin employment by accruing 8 hours a month (sliding scale based on hours worked)
SICK LEAVE
- Accrue 7.5 hours a month (sliding scale based on hours worked)
TRANSFER OF SICK LEAVE
- May receive credit for up to 400 hours of accrued, but unpaid, sick leave from previous employer when they begin employment
PAID TIME OFF (PTO)
- Employees working 1950 hours per year recieve 30 hours of PTO
- Employees working 2080 hours per year recieve 36 hours of PTO
- Employees working 2184 hours per year recieve 36 hours of PTO
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
- Up to 6 weeks of paid leave after birth/adoption of child
HEALTH INSURANCE – County PAYS 70% of cost (sliding scale based on hours worked)
- Blue Choice Advantage, Prescription & Vision
- Blue Choice HMO Open Access, Prescription & Vision
- CareFirst Dental
- Delta Dental
RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE – Health Reimbursement Arrangement. New hires who elect health insurance coverage with Charles County Government (CCG) will be enrolled in a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Account (VEBA). Upon retirement or separation from employment, you will be able to use the funds in the VEBA account to pay for your health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses. You are required to contribute $30.80 per pay period (via payroll deduction). CCG will also make a contribution of $90.40 per pay period .The contribution may be adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
PENSION PLAN (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan)
*In order to be eligible for the pension plan, you must work at least 37.5 hours a week.
- County Pension Plan – Non-Public Safety, Mandatory Participation 4% employee contribution
- County Pension Plan – Public Safety, Mandatory Participation 8% employee contribution
- Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan – Communications, Mandatory Participation 7% employee contribution
- Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan – Sworn, Mandatory Participation 8% employee contribution
- Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan – Corrections, Mandatory Participation 7% employee contribution
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457(b) Governmental Plan)
*Available to all employees, regardless of hours worked.
- Mass Mutual
- MetLife
- Nationwide Retirement Solutions
LIFE INSURANCE
- No charge to employee (Valued at 1.5x the employee’s annual salary, not to exceed $250,000)
- Supplemental insurance available for additional cost
- Dependent life insurance available for additional cost
LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE – No charge to employee
- Benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability up to $5,000/month
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
- Medical and Dependent Care
THE STANDARD SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME PRODUCTS
- Accident Policy and Critical Illness Policy
LEGAL RESOURCES
- A prepaid Legal Resource benefit
ONSITE CHILDCARE AT A DISCOUNTED RATE
- Located at the Community Services building (8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, MD 20677)
HOUSE KEYS 4 EMPLOYEE PROGRAM – Up to a $7,500, 0% interest loan, to be used for a down payment or closing cost toward a new home in Charles County. For eligible full-time employees who are first time home buyers.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
01
Please describe your supervisory experience.
02
Do you have five (5) years of experience in public safety, including five (5) years of supervisory experience?
- Yes
- No
03
Applicants MUST attach copies of their certifications to the application to be eligible to continue in the process. Have you attached all of your certifications?
- Yes
- No
04
The position you are applying for requires an acceptable driving record. The Charles County Government employee driving policy states that employees will be considered to have an acceptable driving record if ALL of the following statements are true: – I do not exceed a maximum of four (4) points on my driving record. – I do not have a suspended or revoked license. – I do not have a single motor vehicle violation, conviction, or plea of Nolo Contendere, or the acceptance of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) involving the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, refusal to take an alcohol or drug test, or the misuse of legal over-the-counter medication for any of these violations. – I have not demonstrated a pattern of unsafe vehicle operation as evidenced by moving violations or single infraction of such severity (e.g., eluding a police officer; evading responsibility; failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, reckless driving, etc.).According to these guidelines, do you have an acceptable driving record?
- Yes
- No
Required Question