Entry-Level Telecommunicator I Position - Emergency Communications Specialist for Police, Fire, and Ambulance Services in Champaign County
Introduction to the Role and Our Organization
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Telecommunicator I - Entry-Level at METCAD 9-1-1 of Champaign County. As a Telecommunicator, you will play a critical role in providing emergency and non-emergency telephone and two-way radio communication services for police, fire, and ambulance services. Our organization is committed to delivering responsive, caring, and cost-effective services in partnership with our community, and we are looking for someone who shares our values and is passionate about making a difference.
About Our Team and Work Environment
Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service to the community, and we take pride in our work. As a Telecommunicator I, you will be working in a fast-paced, multi-discipline, and multi-jurisdictional communications center. You will be part of a dynamic team that values personal integrity, responsibility, respect, teamwork, and results. We believe in promoting a work environment that values and supports diversity and inclusion, and we encourage women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Answer and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and ambulance services
- Operate a two-way radio system to communicate with emergency responders
- Use computer-aided dispatch systems to prioritize and dispatch calls
- Provide excellent customer service in stressful situations
- Acquire mandated certifications, such as Law Enforcement Agency Data Systems, Emergency Medical Dispatch, and National Incident Management Systems, during the training phase
- Work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required
Essential Qualifications
- Must be 18 years or older by date of hire
- U.S. Citizen, or legally authorized to work in the United States (must meet I-9 requirements at time of hire)
- High School diploma, or equivalent by date of hire
- Ability to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime
- Ability to solve problems and provide excellent customer service in stressful situations
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with dispatching, customer service, and computer use
- Ability to acquire mandated certifications during the training phase
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple tasks
Skills and Competencies Required for Success
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple tasks
- Attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in high-pressure situations
- Ability to solve problems and think critically
- Strong customer service skills and ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
As a Telecommunicator I, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in emergency communications and dispatching. You will receive comprehensive training and support to help you succeed in your role, and you will have the opportunity to advance to higher-level positions within the organization. We believe in promoting from within and providing opportunities for professional growth and development.
Work Environment and Company Culture Highlights
Our organization values and supports diversity and inclusion, and we are committed to creating a work environment that is respectful, fair, and equitable. We offer a range of benefits, including health insurance, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and holidays. We also offer a pension plan, retirement health savings plan, and longevity pay. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service to the community, and we take pride in our work.
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
- Competitive salary: $26.70/hour or $55,537/year
- Annual step increases for the first 5 years
- Health insurance: The City offers employees a robust Health Alliance HMO plan, with the City paying up to $606.10 of the employee (single) health insurance premium and 50 percent of the dependent premium
- Dental and vision insurance: Employees may purchase dental and/or vision insurance through payroll deduction
- Life insurance: The City provides a $20,000 term life insurance policy for continuous full-time AFSCME employees
- Sick leave: Continuous full-time employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 3.69 hours per pay period
- Vacation: Vacation accrual rates are based on years of service and pro-rated for part-time employees
- Personal leave: At the beginning of each fiscal year, continuous full-time employees are credited with three personal days (24 hours)
- Holidays: The City observes a range of holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, and Christmas Day
- Pension: Illinois state law requires that eligible municipal employees be covered by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
- Retirement health savings plan: A retirement health savings plan administered by the Mission Square Retirement Corporation has been established for AFSCME employees
- Longevity pay: Employees receive longevity pay based upon their years of continuous employment with the City
- Credit union: Employees may join the Credit Union I, with payroll deduction for savings and credit union loan payments available
- Deferred compensation plan: The City offers employees the opportunity to participate in a tax-deferred annuity plan of the Mission Square Retirement Corporation through payroll deduction
- Residency incentive reimbursement: The City offers a Residency Incentive Reimbursement of $2,500 to AFSCME employees who establish residency or relocate within the City of Champaign (or Champaign County for METCAD employees)
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Register, schedule the E-Comm Test, and complete the application via National Testing Network (NTN)
- Complete the E-Comm Test, typing test, and E-Comm National Computer Simulations test via NTN
- Sign and submit the attestation via NTN
- Pass the background check, drug screening, hearing test, psychological evaluation, and fingerprint-based criminal history check
Conclusion
We are excited to offer this opportunity to join our team as a Telecommunicator I - Entry-Level. If you are a motivated and detail-oriented individual who is passionate about providing exceptional service to the community, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your application via National Testing Network (NTN) and take the first step towards a rewarding career in emergency communications.
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