911 Employment

The Rockford 911 Division is currently accepting applications for entry-level and lateral positions. If interested view the following links:

Definition

To serve the public by answering calls for emergency assistance and dispatching the appropriate personnel, equipment, and emergency units in accordance with the location and nature of the call.

Distinguishing Features

Under general supervision, carries out full-performance level work in operating radio, CAD terminal, and other communication equipment necessary for the efficiency and safety of emergency response personnel and the general public. Receives, responds, transmits, answers, and/or verifies messages and/or inquiries received via communications equipment. Work is performed under the supervision of a 911 Shift Supervisor and in accordance with established rules and procedures. Must be able to work 12-hour shifts which include weekends and holidays. Required to work on-call assignments as scheduled as well as assigned overtime when necessary.

Examples of Duties

Receives 911 calls and non-emergency calls on the computerized telephone, cell phone, radio, and other communicating systems; refers routine calls to the proper sources or responds according to departmental procedures.
Dispatches emergency personnel and equipment according to procedures and in accordance with the nature and location of the emergency; makes radio and telephone notifications to utilities, law enforcement agencies, and other concerned parties.
Provides EMD (emergency medical dispatch) via telephone to callers in medical emergencies as dictated by emergency medical dispatch protocol approved. through IDPH (Illinois Department of Health)
Trains newly hired Telecommunicators as assigned.
Uses standard operating procedures in transmitting orders to and receiving messages from a large number of police units; determines the channel to use, the priority of calls, and the number of units to dispatch.
Maintains computerized logs of all unit status changes and monitors alarm systems from fire consoles.
Recognizes duplicate calls and creates a CAD record. Maintains constant knowledge of all available units and pending/ongoing calls; keeps current information on street conditions and road construction work.
Responds to LEADS/NCIC inquiries and make entries/cancellations as assigned.
Attends required and authorized training.
Performs related work as required.

Supervision Received

Work is performed within established policies and procedures under the supervision of a 911 Shift Supervisor who reviews work for the effectiveness of services provided, user satisfaction, and results achieved.

Supervision Exercised

Supervision of employees in the same or a lower-level class is usually not an essential task performed by positions in this class but may be required in some cases when aiding in the training of new employees.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed in an office setting and in the communications center. Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, bending, lifting of objects under 25 pounds, or minimal physical activities. Work requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time, operate computers, monitor transmitters/receivers and to perceive and or discriminate colors, sounds, depth, and texture.

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge of the geography of the communities and names and locations of principal streets and buildings in the county and area.
Knowledge of main thoroughfares and access routes.
Knowledge of the principles involved in the operation of radio, telephone, and related communications equipment.
Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch systems and computerized telephone systems. Knowledge of the general use of police, fire, and emergency medical services.
Ability to speak clearly and concisely in a well-modulated voice and to use good dictation.
Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations and under stress.
Ability to concentrate and coordinate skills in order to successfully complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to retain and summarize information and relay information clearly, promptly, and accurately.
Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure. Ability to type accurately at a minimum rate of 40 wpm
Ability to professionally control telephone conversations in order to efficiently and effectively obtain accurate information for responders.
Ability to follow guidelines and procedures in handling 911 emergency and non-emergency calls, based on SOP standards.
Knowledge of all 911 Standard Operating Procedures, Rockford Fire Department Rules and Regs, and Codes of Conduct as it pertains to 911 and City of Rockford Rules and Regs.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in EMD, CPR, and LEADS.

Education, Training & Experience

Graduation from high school or the equivalent. Past experience in positions that require high public contact, telecommunication skills and working with computers. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Completion of approved Emergency Medical Dispatch Program, CPR, and LEADS certifications within one year of employment.
Residency Requirement: Employees hired on or after June 1, 2018, shall reside anywhere in Winnebago County or anywhere within fifteen (15) miles of Rockford City Hall within six months of completion of their introductory period.