Telecommunicator I

About the Department

Work Location

• 2101 47th Terrace East, Bradenton, Florida 34203
• Work Hours: The Emergency Communications Center is operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you will be required to work shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. On a two-week rotating basis, the schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Friday Saturday Sunday. Then Wednesday and Thursday of the following week and shifts are two (2) twelve (12) hour shifts 7:00-19:00 (days) and 19:00-7:00 (nights).
• This classification performs communications work in the operation of telephone, radio, and other related equipment in the 911 Emergency Communications Center. Work is performed in a high stress environment under direct supervision and involves primary responsibility for answering emergency calls and taking appropriate action.
• Working Conditions Indoor call center environment. Sitting for long periods of time, working on a computer and answering emergency telephone calls using a headset. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires vision at or superior to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) minimum requirements for vision, and hearing at or superior to the NENA minimum standards for hearing. Frequent high stress situations that may involve angry, frightened, or frustrated citizens. Regularly required to work other than normal business hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, as the Emergency Communications Center is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment and continued employment with Manatee County Government is contingent upon passing pre-employment and employment screenings identified in Section XX of the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual. An applicant/employee who fails to pass a drug/alcohol screening, shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years.

Position Duties

• Essential Functions These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. Quickly learns and applies knowledge of major County Landmarks, common areas (malls, shopping center, etc.) housing developments, mobile home parks, schools, churches, major employers, fire and EMS station locations, shelters, all major highways and arteries, street-grid number/naming conventions, and major anomalies to these; creates County maps outlining emergency service zones for Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement as training aids. Quickly learns and applies applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Use of a headset while continually sitting at a computer terminal for long periods of time. Maintains concentration; operates keyboard and communications equipment in a rapid, accurate, and efficient manner. All of which may involve different tones and pitch levels. Answers emergency 911 calls using the VESTA computer system. Takes appropriate action to obtain and verify callers address, identity, and the need of the caller. Determines correct response for Fire, EMA, Police, or any other agency response. Follow agencies SOP and protocols for all call types. Uses Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) for 911 call processing, verification of caller location and agency response determination. Build computer screens on CAD system for Fire, EMS and Police Dispatch. Provides critical information in "remarks" fields of CAD screen to assist responders. Must also prepare and use manual paper "cards" for use when CAD is inoperable. Uses emergency medical, police and fire protocol software and/or flip cards to determine level and priority of medical, police and fire response. Keep compliance level up to standards set by the agency. Maintain bi- annual IAED certification along with updates on all protocols. Comprehends and follows oral and written instructions; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others; and accepts constructive directions from co-workers and supervisors when dealing in emergency and/or non-emergency situations. Thinks and acts quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations; communicates clearly and effectively in a concise and non-offensive manner, orally and in writing. Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.
• Essential Functions These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
• Quickly learns and applies knowledge of major County Landmarks, common areas (malls, shopping center, etc.) housing developments, mobile home parks, schools, churches, major employers, fire and EMS station locations, shelters, all major highways and arteries, street-grid number/naming conventions, and major anomalies to these; creates County maps outlining emergency service zones for Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement as training aids.
• Quickly learns and applies applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
• Use of a headset while continually sitting at a computer terminal for long periods of time. Maintains concentration; operates keyboard and communications equipment in a rapid, accurate, and efficient manner. All of which may involve different tones and pitch levels.
• Answers emergency 911 calls using the VESTA computer system. Takes appropriate action to obtain and verify callers address, identity, and the need of the caller. Determines correct response for Fire, EMA, Police, or any other agency response. Follow agencies SOP and protocols for all call types.
• Uses Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) for 911 call processing, verification of caller location and agency response determination. Build computer screens on CAD system for Fire, EMS and Police Dispatch. Provides critical information in "remarks" fields of CAD screen to assist responders. Must also prepare and use manual paper "cards" for use when CAD is inoperable.
• Uses emergency medical, police and fire protocol software and/or flip cards to determine level and priority of medical, police and fire response. Keep compliance level up to standards set by the agency. Maintain bi- annual IAED certification along with updates on all protocols.
• Comprehends and follows oral and written instructions; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others; and accepts constructive directions from co-workers and supervisors when dealing in emergency and/or non-emergency situations.
• Thinks and acts quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations; communicates clearly and effectively in a concise and non-offensive manner, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Position requires a psychological examination and a medical examination to determine fitness for duty. Note: Through pre-employment training and exercises, candidates must successfully complete H.I.P.A.A. certification. Telecommunicator must successfully complete the following department-provided training/certification programs within specified time frames as required: Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification within three months of hire Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification within three months of hire Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification within three months of hire National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications within one year of hire Introduction to Hazardous Materials certification within three months of hire C.P.R certification within three months of hire Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC) or equivalent within three months of hire Complete Mandatory State Telecommunicator license within one year of hire Must pass NCIC/FCIC criminal background check Must complete F.B.I CJIS Security Awareness Training within six months of hire Note: all required certifications must remain current and active.
• High school graduate or equivalent. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Position requires a psychological examination and a medical examination to determine fitness for duty.
• Note: Through pre-employment training and exercises, candidates must successfully complete H.I.P.A.A. certification.
• Telecommunicator must successfully complete the following department-provided training/certification programs within specified time frames as required:
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification within three months of hire
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification within three months of hire
• Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification within three months of hire
• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications within one year of hire
• Introduction to Hazardous Materials certification within three months of hire
• C.P.R certification within three months of hire
• Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC) or equivalent within three months of hire
• Complete Mandatory State Telecommunicator license within one year of hire
• Must pass NCIC/FCIC criminal background check
• Must complete F.B.I CJIS Security Awareness Training within six months of hire
• Note: all required certifications must remain current and active.

Benefits

• Full Time Positions Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues. Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members. Wellbeing Benefits: Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year) Personal Training (5 Free per year) Pharmacy Technician Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management Registered Dietician (5 Free per year) Massages with licensed therapist (small copay) Miscellaneous Benefits: Workers’ Compensation Training/Seminars Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes). Paid Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Three (3) Personal Holidays Personal Sick Leave Family Sick Leave Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours) Professional Medical Appointment Leave Bereavement Leave Military Leave Military Training Leave FMLA Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week. Years of Service Vacation Days 0-5 16.25 days 6-10 19.50 days 11+ 22.75 days Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program Insurance: Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0. Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Prescription Insurance Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost) Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance Retirement: Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options. 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya. FRS Webinars Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner Career Wellness: Professional Leadership Programs Instructor-Led and eLearning Training Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders Career Counseling Toastmasters Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance) Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards Education Benefits: Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Flexible Spending Account: Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings. Permanent Part Time - Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP): • ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. • LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues. Miscellaneous Benefits: • Workers’ Compensation • Training/Seminars • FRS options • Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders • Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions • Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes). Paid Time Off: • 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. • Three (3) Personal Holidays • Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs. per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on a pro-rated basis

Full Time Positions Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellbeing Benefits

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• Workers’ Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.

• Years of Service Vacation Days
• Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program
• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement

Career Wellness

Flexible Spending Account

Supplemental Questions