6J42
PAY RANGE: 16
FIRE EQUIPMENT DISPATCHER
(Bilingual)
(General)
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is full performance level emergency radio communications work. Employees work on an assigned or rotating shift, receiving telephone requests for fire fighting, medical and other services, and dispatching the appropriate personnel and apparatus. Employees in this class use computers to input and retrieve dispatch related data. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher level fire equipment dispatcher.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
BOTH SPECIALTIES
Answers incoming calls from the public for fire fighting, medical and other services; determines the seriousness of such calls by extracting pertinent information from distressed callers; enters proper situation codes and types pertinent information into a computer; relays basic emergency medical information to callers, including instructions on how to perform CPR and other basic life support procedures until arrival of medical rescue personnel. Keys codes into database to display incoming call information; selects units to dispatch from available fire/EMS personnel and apparatus displayed on terminal screen; selects alternative fire or EMS companies according to protocol and judgment when regular units are unavailable; relays information over fire and medical radio bands to selected vehicles, equipment and crews.
Receives request for information from police units, fire and medical personnel and the general public such as the status of fire and medical events, equipment, and personnel.
Provides guidance and advice to trainees in techniques and procedures of a computer-assisted dispatch system, medical and fire techniques and procedures; may provide relief coverage in all areas of the Fire Communications Center on an assigned shift.
Performs related work as required.
BILINGUAL SPECIALTY
Performs the duties described above in English and a non-English foreign language.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
BOTH SPECIALTIES
· the principles, practices, methods and procedures used in operating a variety of fire alarm communications equipment
· Fire station locations and the location of the principle fire hazards in the City
· the physical layout of the City with regard to dispatching of apparatus or medical units
· the spelling of City streets and area names
SKILL IN:
· extracting pertinent information from callers in distress
ABILITY TO:
· type information into a computer accurately and at a minimum speed established by the department
· think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations
· maintain simple clerical records accurately and legibly
· speak clearly and distinctly
· establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and fellow employees
· operate communication equipment including telephones, radios, headsets, and computers
BILINGUAL SPECIALTY
· speak, read, and write fluently and clearly a specified Foreign Language and the English Language
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 8/15)
EDUCATION:
BOTH SPECIALTIES
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
One year of trainee level experience operating a variety of fire communications equipment.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined acceptable by the Office of Human Resources that has included the certifications by the American Heart Association and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency identified in the Licenses, Registrations and/or Certifications below.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE BILINGUAL SPECIALTY
Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to read, write, understand and speak fluently and clearly in a designated foreign language.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
Certified by the American Heart Association in the use of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillators prior to appointment and during tenure of employment.
Certified by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency as a Call Taker, Fire Dispatcher and Ambulance Dispatcher prior to appointment and during tenure of employment.
Latest Spec Revision: CSC: 8/15; Ad Board- 8/15
Change in pay rate:
CSC – 7/21
Ad. Board – 8/21
Change in pay rate:
CSC – 3/24
Ad. Board – 4/24
CP