Public Safety Communicator I
Description
Do you want to make a difference in your community? Would you find it rewarding to be a crucial link in the public safety chain? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may be a good fit for Fairfax County’s Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC).
DPSC, also known as Fairfax County 9-1-1, is a nationally recognized public safety communications agency and we are searching for new team members. DPSC is the largest 9-1-1 Center in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of the ten largest in the United States, as well as being one of the most technologically advanced 9-1-1 centers in the United States. As essential staff members of the agency, Public Safety Communicators (PSCs) are the first people that a caller interacts when reporting emergencies in Fairfax County.
Our PSCs receive extensive paid training to gain the knowledge, skills and abilities that will allow them to be independent decision makers while adhering to established policies and procedures. Through continued training, PSC I’s have the opportunity to advance to the higher PSC II and PSC III skill sets.
From their training, our PSC’s:
Answer 9-1-1 emergency and other calls from the community as well as dispatching police, fire and rescue and sheriff’s office resources
Make lifesaving decisions and provide clear direction and advice, including pre-arrival medical instruction to callers reporting medical emergencies.
Fairfax County employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, and participation in a Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, with retirement eligibility after 25 years of service.
All applicants must have the ability to:Perform work assignments at different work locations when required
Work holidays, work every other weekend and work shifts during days, evenings, or midnights
Accept last minute changes in their schedule
Compensation: The non-negotiable starting salary for this position is $27.2721 per hour, except for current Fairfax County merit employees, who will retain their current salary as long as it does not exceed $33.1490.
To learn more about our Public Safety Communicator, please click here or copy and paste the following link: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/careers into a new browser to view our recruitment video for the Public Safety Communicator.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to:
High school graduation or possession of a GED issued by a state department of education, Within a specified time period, satisfactory completion of a prescribed training program.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Within a specified time period, trainees must attain and maintain the following certifications:
Basic Dispatcher certification;
Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
Certification in Automated External Defibrillation (AED);
Certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD);
Certification as a Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Operator Level C.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be 18 years of age at time of hire;
Must be a United States citizen; or a lawful permanent resident of the United States and eligible for naturalization;
Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation, polygraph examination prior to employment;
Must be able to perform essential job functions (reasonable accommodation may be made on a case-by-case-basis);
Must have never committed, been involved in, or been convicted of, a felony or serious misdemeanor;
Must be of good character and reputation;
Must be able to work a 12-hour shift plus a mandatory ½ hour roll call prior to the shift, (days and nights) including holidays and weekends. Must be able to accept last minute schedule changes. May be required to work up to 16 hours in emergency situations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must have the ability to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time as required. Physically able to write legibly as required by public safety protocols. Communicate by speaking, articulating, and enunciating clearly in English. Hear 40 dB at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz according to DOT Standards. See, using the Snellen Standard, at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction and at least 70 degrees peripheral in horizontal meridian measured in each eye. Type a minimum of 3500 keystrokes per hour, accurately using various keyboard configurations (as per agency standards) to record and transmit caller information to include address, location, phone numbers, and other time-sensitive event details to public safety field personnel. Travel to work at other locations, to include the alternate 9-1-1 center. Able to perform job using standard agency equipment. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Benefits
Fairfax County Government strives to provide employees and their families with programs, tools, and resources to help them life healthy and balanced lives. In addition to pay, "benefits" are an important part of an employee's Total Rewards compensation and Fairfax County Government offers employees a robust package of benefits. Depending on employment status, this may include a choice of medical plans which all include prescription drug, behavioral health, and vision coverage, optional dental coverage, life and long term disability insurance, pre-tax savings plans, and more.
Professional qualifications
- High school or equivalent
Job industry
- Government