Public Safety Dispatcher

CITY OF WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND

Personnel Division

Employment Advertisement

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

The City of Woonsocket is conducting a search for Public Safety Dispatcher.  This position will provide assistance to citizens who request emergency services.  Other responsibilities include monitoring system alarms, holding cell video and audio systems, processing incoming calls, as well as dispatching emergency services as needed.  The person in this position must be able to think and react clearly at all times while maintaining a professional and courteous phone manner regardless of the emergency level.  Must possess a working knowledge of database management, as well as Microsoft Word and Excel software.  Must be able to type at a minimum rate of thirty-five (35) words per minute as determined through a test administered by the RI Department of Labor & Training or similar test, is required.  Must pass security screening by the Woonsocket Police Department, Court Records and Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), and must have no adverse police or court records.

Application Deadline:     Friday, January 31, 2025

Classification:     Local 670, RI Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO

Weekly Rate:     $891.54 to $985.69 per week          [M54]

Hours of Work:     37.5 Hours

Examination Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., Woonsocket City Hall, Second Floor Conference Room, 169 Main Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895

Typing Certificate: Typing Certification can be obtained through RI Department of Labor & Training by appointment at (401) 235-1201, or online at www.typing.com

To Apply:  We offer a competitive benefit and compensation package.  For more information on this position including a full position description and job application, please visit the “Employment” section on the City of Woonsocket website at www.woonsocketri.org.  Please forward your completed job application, resume and typing certificate to Nikki Aphonphanh, Personnel Assistant, City of Woonsocket, 169 Main Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895; or you may send them electronically to naphonphanh@woonsocketri.org.

A City of Woonsocket Application for Employment must be completed, and one can be obtained by visiting the “Employment” section of the City’s website at www.woonsocketri.org.

About Woonsocket:  A City that upholds forward thinking principles for both employees and residents.  Located in Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley, the City of Woonsocket is a vibrant, urban community and is surrounded by the growing suburban communities of Lincoln, Cumberland and North Smithfield, and boasts a positive business climate where City officials and the business community work together to build a strong economy.  Woonsocket is centrally located in the Boston/Worcester/Providence triangle, and home to CVS Corporation, a Fortune 500 company.

JOB TITLE:                           Public Safety Dispatcher

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:  Public Safety Department/Police Division

PAY GRADE/HOURS:          Grade M54 / 37.5-hour work week

UNION:                                  Local 670, RI Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under general supervision, the Public Safety Dispatcher provides for the reception of the public, citizen requests for assistance; operation of Emergency Services Dispatching Systems; provides record keeping for related materials; monitor video and audio record systems both external and internal; and monitors activities in the detention cells as required.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Answers and processes incoming emergency and non-emergency telephone calls.
• Monitors system alarms:  Fire, Burglar and Hold-Up.
• Monitors holding cell video and audio systems.
• Answers and processes radio messages.
• Dispatches Emergency Service Personnel to call for service.
• Maintains continuous awareness of field unit locations and activities.
• Initiates necessary records and reports required.
• Records incoming complaint information.
• Provides verbal information to citizens by telephone in a courteous and professional manner.
• Redirects incoming calls to the appropriate office.
• Types and files reports; cards; and performs computer assisted and manual office clerical duties.
• Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:  A high school diploma, or a GED equivalent is required.  Must have one (1) year of experience in clerical functions.  Must be able to type at the minimum rate of thirty-five (35) words per minute as determined through a test administered by the RI Department of Labor & Training, or similar typing test, is required.

Must pass security screening by the Woonsocket Police Department, Court Records and Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and must have no adverse police or court records.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES:  Thorough knowledge and skill to communicate effectively orally and in writing in the English language is required.  Familiarity in foreign language is desirable.  Working knowledge of personal computers, printers, word processing, database management and spreadsheet software.  Ability to operate telecommunications equipment associated with the position.  Experience in public safety is preferable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand; use hands to finger, handles or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

An Equal Opportunity Employer