Job Summary
An Emergency Dispatcher is responsible for receiving calls from individuals who require emergency assistance, dispatching emergency responders to the scene of the incident, and staying in contact with the emergency responders throughout the incident. The dispatcher must be able to work under pressure and have excellent communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Respond to emergency calls from the public
- Dispatch emergency responders, including police, fire, and medical personnel
- Maintain communication with emergency responders throughout the incident
- Record information regarding incidents and relay information to emergency personnel as necessary
- Assist in coordinating emergency efforts between multiple agencies
- Provide accurate and timely information to the public regarding emergency situations
- Report malfunctions in equipment to supervisor
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to work under pressure
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to multitask
- Availability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Basic computer skills
- Experience working in a high-stress environment preferred
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time
- Ability to hear and speak clearly in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to use a computer for extended periods of time
- Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations
Introduction
As an emergency services organization, finding qualified emergency dispatchers is essential to ensuring the safety of the public. Crafting an effective job posting is critical to attracting top talent to join your team. Below are key elements to consider when creating an emergency dispatcher job posting.
Job Title and Overview
The job title and a brief overview of the role should be included at the beginning of the job posting. For example, "Emergency Dispatcher: We are seeking a skilled and compassionate emergency dispatcher to join our team."
Job Summary
The job summary should provide a clear, concise explanation of the position and the responsibilities that come with the role. It should be easy to read and should include enough detail to help candidates determine if they have the necessary qualifications. Use bullet points to break down the job description into specific responsibilities, such as:
- Answer incoming emergency calls and dispatch the appropriate emergency services
- Monitor emergency equipment and coordinate service and maintenance when needed
- Document accurate and detailed incident reports
- Communicate effectively with first responders and other emergency personnel
Education and Experience Requirements
List the educational requirements and any preferred experience needed for the job. For example, a high school diploma or GED may be required, but prior experience working in a dispatch center and a certification from the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatchers may be preferred.
Skills and Qualifications
Describe the skills and qualifications that are essential to successfully perform the duties of the job. This can include:
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- The ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure
- Strong computer skills
- An understanding of emergency medical terminology
- The ability to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment
Salary and Benefits
Providing salary and benefits information can help attract top talent. Be sure to include the salary range as well as any health benefits, paid time off, and retirement plans that come with the position.
How to Apply
The job posting should include clear instructions on how to apply, including how to submit resumes and cover letters. Specify any requirements, such as background checks, drug tests, or driver's license verification. Provide a deadline for submissions and specify how candidates will be contacted.
Conclusion
Crafting an effective emergency dispatcher job posting is essential to attracting the right candidates for the job. Be sure to include a comprehensive job summary, education and experience requirements, essential skills and qualifications, salary and benefits information, and clear instructions on how to apply.
What are the qualifications for an Emergency Dispatcher?
Emergency Dispatchers should have 1-2 years of experience in emergency telecommunications, experience in dispatching emergency services such as fire, police, or medical response, good communication skills, working knowledge of computer programs such as CAD and mapping, and a high school diploma, or equivalent.
What should be included in an Emergency Dispatcher job posting?
An emergency dispatcher job posting should include the job title, job summary, job duties and responsibilities, qualifications, educational requirements, experience requirements, necessary skills, and attributes that may be required, availability requirements, work hours, and location of work.
How can I reach qualified candidates for my Emergency Dispatcher job posting?
You can reach qualified Emergency Dispatcher candidates by posting your job on online job boards, industry-specific job boards, and social media platforms. Other great ways to reach potential candidates include job fairs, professional associations, and employee referral programs.
What should the job summary include in an Emergency Dispatcher job posting?
The job summary should include a brief description of the job, highlighting the core duties and responsibilities. Employers can use this section to provide potential candidates with an overview of the position, the company culture, and any other important information that is relevant to the job. Writing an effective job summary is essential to attract qualified applicants.
What are the responsibilities and duties of an Emergency Dispatcher?
The duties and responsibilities of an Emergency Dispatcher include answering emergency calls, providing rapid and accurate assistance to emergency services teams such as law enforcement, EMS, and fire services, monitoring GPS to track units, providing callers with pre-arrival instructions, and accurately monitoring multiple radio channels.
