The City of Norfolk's Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response is seeking a full-time Public Safety Telecommunicator, Call Taker to function as a call taker in the duties of receiving requests for Norfolk Police and Norfolk Fire-Rescue via multi-line telephones, including 911 lines and computer aided dispatch (CAD). These include emergency and non-emergency calls. The Call Taker will simultaneously attends to telephone while entering and extracting data from computer systems.

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• 
  Learns and responds to emergency and non-emergency requests by answering multi
  line telephones, including 911 lines and computer-aided dispatch (CAD),
  determining the caller’s needs, verifying information given by the caller and sending
  information to the dispatcher.
• Provides additional assistance to the general public by searching wanted information, locating and/or referring phone numbers and addresses to appropriate departments, contacting outside agencies for assistance regarding mutual aid, power failures, gas leaks or other issues. Access federal, state, and local criminal databases for relevant information.
• May perform other duties such as training employees, attend training classes, conduct tours and public outreach.
• Maintains communication with other departments which may involve decision-making for public safety purposes.
• Works with various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• The ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute. Keyboard proficiency is required to effectively train in this position.
• The ability to speak clearly and effectively control a conversation with distressed callers.
• The ability to read maps, reference books, technical manuals, medical cards, and related correspondence.
• The ability to field stressful calls while entering information into computer aided dispatch system (CAD) for police/fire/EMS dispatch.
  
• The ability to train and certify on multi-line E911 and administrative phone lines and associated equipment.
• The ability to easily navigate a desktop computer and direct customer service in a stressful environment.
• Mature and professional judgment is to apply the proper course of action. Work involves choices of actions within limits set by standard practices and procedures.

Work requires knowledge necessary to understand basic operational, technical, or office processes. Level of knowledge equivalent to four years of high school or equivalency.

No experience required.

Public Safety Telecommunicator, Call Takers will attend in-house Public Safety Telecommunicator Academy, attaining the following certifications: Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN/NCIC).

Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus for applications.

Work Hours: Our staff works 12-hour shifts; 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 off, for a 2-week rotation. We average 48 hours per work week. Day shift starts at 7 a.m. and Night shift starts at 7 p.m. This schedule will rotate every 28 calendar days between Day shift and Night shift.

Work Location: EOC/ECC, 3661 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502