POSITION SUMMARY: The Dispatcher reports directly to the Communications Supervisor and coordinates response for emergencies and general assistance to ensure appropriate, safe and timely response to calls for service. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: A. Receives a request for service from several different sources such as: teletype; police radio; telephone; or in person from a complainant. Answers incoming phone calls, obtains pertinent information, determine the calls state of emergency, prioritizes those calls, and communicate critical information. Receives multiple requests and assesses each request individually. Perform various tasks simultaneously. Determines appropriate type and number of emergency personnel needed and dispatches personnel to traffic accidents, crime scenes and other critical incidents. Read a map and communicate accurate directions. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the geography of all agencies served, including the location of streets, important structures and landmarks, to provide effective guidance to public safety personnel and responders. Remain calm, think clearly and react quickly in emergent and non- emergent situations. Operate several computer systems to facilitate exchange of information. Establish and maintain good working relationships with other employees and work effectively as part of a team. Maintain a professional relationship with other agencies and the general public. Provide excellent customer service to citizen and law enforcement personnel by responding to requests for information in a highly professional and resourceful manner. Follow directives. Make sound decisions and work without direct supervision. Deals tactfully with persons who are in highly stressful situations. Maintains knowledge of Federal communications Commission's rules and regulations. Monitor alarm systems that indicate location of fire, burglary, or other emergency situations, and reacting immediately to ensure proper response. Condense copious amounts of information into relevant, clear, concise and accurate written and verbal communications, using appropriate acronyms and codes essential for effective call processing. Demonstrate reliable and punctual attendance and adaptability to address coverage needs as required to maintain effective operation of the dispatch communications center. B. Initiates and completes the ICRs after the request for service is made. Maintains the State and national computer files for Morrison County in the area of missing persons, stolen vehicles, stolen articles, wanted persons as in warrants and other required areas. C. Operates jail security doors and monitors security cameras. Operates the jail entrance door that allows law enforcement personnel to bring prisoners into the jail. Monitors camera maintaining the security of the Morrison County Sheriff s Office and operate security doors. Operates the jail exit doors in the case of a jail emergency. D. Performs other job duties and projects in accordance with Morrison County policies and procedures as directed by the Sheriff. Attends and participates in workshops, continuing educational programs, committees, boards, seminars, in-service training, etc., as approved. Follows established safety and infection control policies and procedures and participates in all required in-service training regarding fire safety, disaster preparedness, infection control, and safety regulations. Maintains work areas in a sanitary and safe manner and follows departmental dress code. Follows all established safety procedures and precautions when operating office equipment. WORKING CONDITIONS: Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset people both in person and on the phone. Is subject to regular interruptions. Is required to attend and participate in continuing education programs. Is required to sit in one position for long periods of time and stay alert during periods of inactivity. Is required to talk and listen constantly and effectively. Use headsets, hear and comprehend conversations accurately. Is required to have clear close vision, not be color blind, and have the ability to adjust eye focus as you move from computer to manual to monitoring camera, etc. Position is required to work rotating shifts, holidays and weekends. Due to the type of clients the position is exposed to, many dispatchers may choose to have unlisted phone numbers because citizens will call the dispatchers at home while they are off duty about job related questions. The dispatchers are subject to remarks and interruptions while at public affairs and social clubs, again while off duty. Dispatcher is under additional stress with the advancement of the enhanced 911 systems and the civil liability being placed on dispatchers during the handling of these calls