Employment
There no current openings.
Spokane County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Call Receiver
Description
A 9-1-1 Call Receiver’s primary duty is to respond to emergency calls from citizens by answering 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency telephone lines. They will determine nature and jurisdiction of emergency, (Fire, Medical, Law Enforcement), route service and information calls to law enforcement dispatchers via Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and/or route calls to the correct dispatcher (Law Enforcement, Fire and Medical). 911 provides report writing through Crime Check.
Qualifications
A High school diploma or equivalent.1 year of any combination of education, training and/or work experience which provides evidence that the applicant possesses the knowledge and abilities required for the position. Must type net 30 wpm; successfully pass a criminal background check; be proficient in the use of personal computer; and have a valid driver’s license.
Current Openings
There are no current openings.
Schedule/Shifts
Emergency Communications Center operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
There are three main shifts:
- Day 7:00 am - 3:00 PM
- Swing 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Graveyard 11:00 PM – 7:00 am
Other shifts are offered for peak call times
Shifts are bid every six months and bidding is processed by seniority. Each shift offered has at least two consecutive days off. A work week is 37.5 hours.
Vacations are bid twice a year and are also bid based on seniority. Occasionally, Call Receivers may be required to work mandatory overtime. Holidays occurring on a regularly scheduled work day are paid at a holiday rate or may be taken as a day off with standard pay if staffing allows.
For further questions, contact the Training Supervisor at (509)532-8959.
Employment FAQ's
How long does training last?
4 weeks of classroom training (M-F 0700-1500)
8-12 weeks on phones (various and changing to match trainer’s schedule)
How long does the probationary period last?
1 year (1950 hours)
What is the average time employed before enough seniority is established for a day shift work assignment?
With weekdays off, about 5 years. With weekends off, about 10+.
What shift do new employees usually get assigned or are available for bid?
Graveyard or swing shift with weekdays off.
What is the turn over rate?
Nearly non-existent, the reason for the continual opening/listing is that we are having difficultly finding qualified candidates.
When 9-1-1 employees do leave, what are the most cited reasons?
Stress from trying to coordinate the work schedule and personal life, frustration with shift work and few holidays off.
How long on eligibility list?
6 months.
How long does the hiring period take?
From beginning of the posting to the end of the end application process/testing it is approximately 2 months.
What advancement opportunities are available within the agency?
- Trainer
- Out Of Class Call Receiver (OOC) like lead person/Supervisor
- Supervisor
Are there advancement opportunities available to a police or fire dispatcher position?
No. Police and fire dispatch are separate agencies but we are however co-located.