JOB DESCRIPTION
Motion/Request:
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MOTION to approve a proposed updated/revised Emergency Communications Specialist (Dispatch) job description as contained in the draft dated June 15, 2021.
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Background:
To update the job description with current requirements. No impact on salary.
Attached for reference is the 2019 job description along with the new draft.
Proposed Job Description
TOWN OF LEDYARD
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
NATURE OF WORK:
Functions as a dispatcher in the Ledyard Emergency Communications Center (LECC) which is the Primary Service Answering Point (PSAP) for the Towns of Ledyard, Preston, and any other contract towns which dispatch the towns’ emergency services personnel. Performs other duties, as required by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Receives written and oral instructions from the Chief of Police or his/her designee. Plans, organizes and performs daily work according to established policies and procedures. Establishes priorities within work assignments.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Answers all telephone calls received on the Towns’ emergency lines. Obtains information for Police, and all Ledyard Emergency Services using established procedures. Monitors fire alarm reporting system and the Towns’ emergency and local government radio and voice communications systems.
Activates emergency services personnel via the Towns’ Paging and radio systems. Communicates with emergency services personnel. Maintains activity logs and event times that support emergency operations. Notifies other emergency agencies and personnel for assistance as directed, or per protocol.
Maintains duty rosters for Towns’ emergency services personnel. Accepts telephone and/or radio messages as to availability of emergency services personnel.
**** The duties listed above are intended only as illustrative of the various types of work that may be performed. The omissions of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.****
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE:
A High School diploma (or equivalent) is the minimum educational requirement. Current certification in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) at the Infant, child, and adult level by either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. It is preferred that the applicant have a minimum of one year experience as a public safety dispatcher and/or a minimum of two years experience as an active member of a fire company or ambulance service. However, any combination of experience and training which provides the necessary qualifications may be acceptable.
The applicant must possess the ability to attend and complete all training deemed mandatory by the Hiring Authority and/or Chief Emergency Communications Specialist, including but not limited to:
(1) Emergency Medical Dispatch training (EMD)
(2) State of Connecticut Dispatcher training course as specified by Connecticut State Law.
(3) Connecticut Online Law Enforcement Communication Teleprocessing (COLLECT) training.
(4) National Crime Information Center (NCIC) training.
The applicant must have the ability to acquire a working knowledge of radios, computers and all other communications related equipment within his/her probationary period. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carryout instructions furnished in written, oral and schedule form. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively under emergency conditions. Ability to acquire working knowledge of fire, medical and police procedures. Ability to acquire use of emergency medical terms and prioritize emergency calls within general department guidelines. Ability to type accurately.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Pure tone threshold between 0 - 25 decibels, frequency from 500 - 3,000 cycles (ref ANSIS3.6, 1969)
• Vision correctable to 20/20
• Distinct pronunciation
The applicant shall be in good health and free from disabling physical and mental defects that would affect his/her ability to efficiently handle the duties assigned.
Further, the applicant shall be temperamentally suited to the position, including being able to remain calm and take decisive action during emergencies, to remain alert during periods of inactivity and when carrying out normal repetitive operations, and to work harmoniously with other persons.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The applicant must pass a comprehensive background investigation by the Police Department. In accordance with the Town of Ledyard Employee Handbook, the applicant may also be required to pass a medical examination that will certify as to one’s good health and suitability for the positions, as described under qualifications.
Part-time Emergency Communications Specialists (dispatchers) must be available to work weekend shifts and holidays as required by the Hiring Authority and/or the Chief Emergency Communications Specialist.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to hear, speak, stand, sit, walk, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; climb stairs to various levels; use hands to finger, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; use wrists for repetitive motion; reach with hands and arms; drive, tolerate exposure to environmental allergens.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific abilities required by the job include normal audio ability, close vision, distant vision, color vision peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment.
Employee must be free from mental and physical disorders which would interfere with performance of duties as described and have the ability to maintain composure with the public and co-workers in every day stressful and emergency situations. Employee may occasionally be required to function in situations where he/she is subjected to aggressive verbal behavior.
***** This job description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.*****
Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on __________________
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DRAFT Kevin Dombrowski, Chair
Human Resources Comment/Recommendation:
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Financial Information:
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Mayor Comment/Recommendation:
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Meeting Action Detail:
Town Council Meeting 01/11/2023
File #: 22680 Version: 1
Type: Agenda Item - Job Description
Title: MOTION to approve a proposed updated/revised Emergency Communications Specialist (Dispatch) job description as contained in the draft dated June 15, 2021
Mover: Ingalls Seconder: McGrattan
Action: Approved and so declared
Minute Note:
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan
Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated the Emergency Communications Specialist (Dispatch) job description was quite old and has not been updated since 2004. She stated the seventeen year-old job description has been updated to reflect the current duties of the position.
VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared
Action: Approved and so declared
________________________________________________________________________________
Administration Committee Meeting 12/14/2022
File #: 22680 Version: 1
Type: Agenda Item - Job Description
Title: MOTION to approve a proposed updated/revised Emergency Communications Specialist (Dispatch) job description as contained in the draft dated June 15, 2021
Mover: Ingalls Seconder: McGrattan
Action: Recommend to Approve
Minute Note:
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan
Discussion: Councilor Ingalls questioned whether the draft date of June 15, 2021 was correct. Administrator of Human Resources Don Steinhoff stated that June 15, 2021 was the correct draft date of the Emergency Communications Specialist (Dispatch) job description.
Councilor McGrattan questioned whether a disabled person, for example a person in wheelchair, would be able to perform the Emergency Communications Specialist (Dispatch) job. Mr. Steinhoff stated if the disabled person could be accommodated, they could perform the job.
VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared
Action: Recommend to Approve