Emergency Communication Specialist Recruit

Join the Department of Emergency Communications for an entry-level Emergency Communications Specialist (911 call-takers) HIRING EVENT on Wednesday, December 3rd at the Frederick County Public Safety Training Facility. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. and will close at 1:00 p.m. During this event, you will have the opportunity to complete a mandatory orientation session to learn more about the Emergency Communications Specialist career, complete a mandatory CritiCall examination process, and meet with Communications management to complete an interview process. Please note, later arrivals may not be able to compete all steps during the hiring event and may be asked to return at a later time.

Check out our recruitment video -

POSITION DETAILS:

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible; additional compensation to include $3.00/hour shift differential for shifts 4pm - 8 am); full-time; 40 hours per week; varying schedule; rotating shifts; full-benefits

NOTE: This full-time recruitment process will create an active eligibility list to allow Frederick County Government the opportunity to fill current and upcoming vacancies.

This skilled position is responsible for the receipt and processing of emergency and non-emergency calls for public safety services, timely and accurate deployment of appropriate public safety personnel and apparatus to the location of emergencies. Training and supervision are received from the Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) Manager or Emergency Communications Specialist IV with oversight from a DEC Administrator, Assistant Director, and/or the Director.

Frederick County Government values 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 highly 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 holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Vesting after 5 years of service
• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.

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

• Receive and process incoming calls of emergency, non-emergency, informational and business nature
• Utilizing a protocol based call processing systems obtain necessary information facilitating the dispatch of appropriate public safety personnel, apparatus or resources
• Provide assistance to callers requesting Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Fire-Rescue, Law Enforcement, and other Public Safety Services
• Communicate with EMS, Fire-Rescue, Law Enforcement and affiliated agencies personnel and equipment
• Monitor incidents and situational developments to coordinate the utilization of essential services and resources
• Monitor incidents and situational developments for requests or instructions regarding the dispatch of additional apparatus, equipment, or personnel
• Comprehend and execute instructions communicated by supervisors, field personnel, officers, officials, or incident commanders
• Dispatch required apparatus, resources, equipment, or personnel in accordance with standard operating policies and procedures
• Alert other jurisdictions when necessary
• Operate computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and other computer software products
• Maintain computerized and manual records
• Relay information to appropriate officials or agencies
• Operate public safety radio consoles and maintain communications with allied EMS, Fire-Rescue, Law Enforcement, and associated Local, Municipal, County, State, and Federal government agencies
• Operate Text-to-911 and TTY equipment (telephone equipment for persons who are hearing/speech impaired)
• Handle multiple tasks and track multiple in-progress incidents simultaneously
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The essential duties do not cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements 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.

• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Minimum age 18 years
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Ability to obtain Emergency Communications Specialist certifications, in medical, fire and police dispatch (International Academy of Emergency Dispatch) within 1 year of hire, and to maintain re-certification as due
• Knowledge of Frederick County geography and surrounding areas
• Effective keyboarding/data entry skills in order to accurately enter information during conversation with callers
• Ability to effectively utilize computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and other automated information systems
• Knowledge of fire, rescue and law enforcement disciplines
• Ability to effectively read maps and give directions
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality
• 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 develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, user agencies and the general public
• Ability to perform quickly and effectively in emergency situations

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• 1 or more years of recent (within the last 5 years) career or volunteer experience in fire, ambulance or police services
• 911 / emergency communications work experience
• Data entry work experience
• Customer service work experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit and perform repetitive motions
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors and occasionally work in a noisy environment

• The training academy for this position will consist of approximately 10 weeks of training which will take place Monday – Friday during the hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Ability to work all shifts as assigned, including weekdays, weekends, nights and holidays (usual shift assignment will be 12 hours; employees are required to work day shifts and night shifts)
• This position is subject to random drug testing to include marijuana
• The probationary period for this position is 12 months
• 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
• The employee selected for this position must successfully pass all knowledge, skills and abilities to be upgrade to an Emergency Communication Specialist III within 48 months of full-time employment or be terminated from employment.
• Candidates who were previously rejected may reapply for consideration, however those declined for reasons that assure another rejection will not be reconsidered.

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1) An evaluation of training and experience

2) Attend mandatory departmental orientation

3) A computer based test to evaluate your listening, comprehension, typing and decision making skills

4) One or more panel interviews

5) A pre-employment psychological examination

6) A pre-employment Security-Sensitive background investigation

7) A pre-employment physical examination and drug test to include marijuana

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to

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 (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) 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.