Emergency Communications Specialist IV

Salary: $28.86 Hourly

Location : Public Safety Training Facility – Frederick, MD

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Job Number: FY23-00678

Department: Division of Emergency Management

Division: Emergency Communications

Opening Date: 07/18/2023

Closing Date: 9/4/2023 4:00 PM Eastern

JOB INFORMATION
Non-exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; varying schedule; full benefits

This is a responsible skilled position that performs functions under the direction of the Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) Manager and assumes the responsibilities of the DEC Manager in his/her absence. When both the DEC Manager and Emergency Communication Supervisor are on duty, this position may serve as primary supervisor for a single operational area of the communications center. This position must retain practiced call taking abilities and remain proficient in Fire-Rescue, Police, and other affiliated agencies dispatch disciplines. Direction is given to Emergency Communication Specialist (ECS) on-call/part-time staff and full-time ECS levels I through III. Direct supervision is received from a DEC Manager, with oversight from DEC Assistant Administrators, DEC Administrators, DEC Assistant Director, and/or the DEC Director.

Frederick County Government recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 10 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitor and evaluate day-to-day activities from the operations area of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC)
Assure timely and accurate deployment of equipment and personnel
Monitor communications center activity levels, to develop and provide appropriate staffing recommendations to the DEC Manager
Oversee individual performance by verifying that both telephone and radio systems are operated correctly, protocol administration is thorough, while authenticating records are complete and accurate
Advise staff appropriately regarding departmental policy, procedure, and protocol administration
Ensure the appropriate utilization of Standard Operating Procedures
Perform notifications to utility companies, fire investigators, hospitals and other affiliated agency partners
Operate public safety radio consoles and maintain communications with allied Fire-Rescue, Emergency Medical, Police, and associated County and State agencies
Enforce compliance to the application of International Academy of Emergency Dispatch Protocols
Provide input to the DEC Manager for staff’s performance appraisals
Complete documentation as necessary which may include but is not limited to citizen complaints, procedural issues, staff deficiencies, personnel matters, equipment failures, Freedom of Information Act requests, and requirements from our agency partners
Assist the assigned Manager with preparing daily position assignments
Monitor and maintain the status of public safety personnel and equipment, analyzing situations accurately to take effective actions in ensuring officer and firefighter safety
Forward appropriate information regarding complaint or inquiry pertaining to procedural concerns, protocol inefficiencies, personnel matters, staff deficiency, or equipment failure to the appropriate DEC Manager, DEC Administrators, Assistant Director and/or Director
Communicate staff issues to the appropriate DEC Manager, DEC Assistant Administrators, DEC Administrators, Assistant Director and/or Director
Attend and participate in trainings, meetings, and public education events
Provide assistance to callers requesting Fire-Rescue, Police, and other Public Safety Services
Collect information from or for the National Weather Service
Establish and maintain control quickly over situations as they develop, by making reasonable and effective decisions
Operate KRONOS Workforce TeleStaff scheduling software, computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, telephone call handling equipment, Criminal Justice Information Systems
Participate in committee assignments
Maintain continuing education coursework as needed
Perform other related duties as assigned or required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. In addition to the duties listed in the Essential Functions section, each employee in this classification may perform the above listed other duties. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

High school graduation or the equivalency
Minimum 5 years emergency communications center work experience to include at least 2 years work experience actively performing all duties of the following disciplines: 9-1-1 call taking, police, fire, and emergency medical services dispatch
Possession of current International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Medical, Fire, and Police Dispatch certifications or comparable Emergency Call Taking certifications for Medical, Fire and Police Dispatch – applicants with comparable certifications will be required to obtain IAED EMD, EFD & EPD certifications within 180 days of employment
Possession of current CN2 NCIC access level certification
Possession of valid Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Systems Services (MIEMSS) certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), or are required to obtain MIEMSS certification within 180 days of employment
Possession of current National Emergency Number Association (NENA) or Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) certification as a Communications Training Officer (CTO), or the ability to obtain this certification within 180 days of employment
Possession of IAED certification in EMD-Q, EFD-Q and EPD-Q or comparable with the ability to obtain the IAED certifications within 180 days of employment
Possession of a valid automobile operator’s license

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, DEC administrative staff, and a diverse group of associated affiliate agencies
Considerable knowledge of local, state, and national laws and standards as they apply to the field of emergency communications and 911 Emergency Communications Centers
Extensive knowledge of emergency communications center operation and general industry standards related to working operational policies, procedures, and protocols
Extensive knowledge of the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch Protocol Systems
Extensive knowledge of Fire-Rescue, Police, and other agency partners disciplines
Considerable knowledge of current aspects of computer software and hardware as they apply to the emergency communications center
Considerable knowledge of wireless communications systems particularly as they apply to the provision of public safety services
Working knowledge of Frederick County geography and surrounding areas
Working knowledge of current communications equipment including 800 MHZ “trunked” radio systems and digital communications
Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly and distinctly, and to accurately summarize and describe information with correct, precise terminology
Ability to perform quickly and effectively in emergency situations
Ability to effectively supervise and direct the work of others

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

Call center experience working with a population of 125,000 residents

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit and perform repetitive motions; and rarely drive
While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors and frequently work in a noisy environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

Required certifications must be maintained throughout employment
Ability to provide own transportation to meetings and work locations, as needed
Available to work all shifts as assigned, including weekdays, weekends, nights and holidays
This position is subject to system-wide team reassignment or reassignment to a rotating shift schedule
This position is subject to random drug testing
The probationary period for this position is 12 months (current employees will undergo a 3 month probationary period)
This position is designate as security-sensitive, requiring satisfactory background investigation, conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, in accordance with established Frederick County policy

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include):

An evaluation of training and experience
A written examination
Related skills testing
One or more interviews
A Security-Sensitive background investigation
A pre-employment drug test and physical examination

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (10 year vesting) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee’s completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors’ services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.

Savings Plan – Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee’s direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.

Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn’t remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.

Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave – Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee’s child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.

Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

Have you graduated from high school or have earned the equivalency?

Do you have at least 5 years emergency communications center work experience?

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.

Does your 5 years emergency communications center work experience include at least 2 years work experience actively performing all duties of the following disciplines: 9-1-1 call taking, police, fire, and emergency medical services dispatch?

Do you have experience working in a call center supporting a population of 125,000 residents?

Do you have possession of a valid automobile operator’s license?

Do you have possession of current CN2 NCIC access level certification?

Do you have possession of valid Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Systems Services (MIEMSS) certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), or are required to obtain MIEMSS certification within 180 days of employment?

Yes
No
I am able to obtain the required certification within 180 days of employment

Do you have possession of current National Emergency Number Association (NENA) or Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) certification as a Communications Training Officer (CTO), or the ability to obtain this certification within 180 days of employment?

I am NENA certified as a CTO
I am APCO certified as a CTO
No
I am able to obtain the required certification within 180 days of employment

Do you have possession of IAED certification in EMD-Q or comparable with the ability to obtain the IAED certification within 180 days of employment?

Yes
No
I am able to obtain the required certification within 180 days of employment

Do you have possession of IAED certification in EFD-Q or comparable with the ability to obtain the IAED certifications within 180 days of employment?

Yes
No
I am able to obtain the required certification within 180 days of employment

Do you have possession of IAED certification in EPD-Q or comparable with the ability to obtain the IAED certifications within 180 days of employment?

Yes
No
I am able to obtain the required certification within 180 days of employment

Required Question

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Job Category

Management

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Job Type

Full Time/Permanent

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Salary

USD 28.86 per hour

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Country

United States

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City

Frederick

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Career Level

unspecified

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Company

Frederick County, MD

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JOB SOURCE

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/frederickmd/jobs/4123186