OPCD Announces Special Lateral Recruitment for Emergency Communications Specialist II

Contact: Sierra Wallace
Public Engagement Manager
504-432-0378
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OPCD Announces Special Lateral Recruitment for Emergency Communications Specialist II

NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 17, 2022) – To combat the 9-1-1 staffing shortage that is being experienced nationwide, OPCD is announcing for the first time a lateral recruitment initiative aimed at experienced emergency communications professionals.  Similar to our public safety partners around the nation, OPCD must demonstrate innovation and flexibility in how we recruit and retain top talent. The Orleans Parish Communication District is dedicated to providing the residents and visitors of the City of New Orleans with exceptional service.

This special recruitment is aimed towards individuals with a minimum of two years of experience in law enforcement and/or fire dispatch. Successful candidates must complete the OPCD training program and receive certification as an independent emergency call taker and as a law enforcement or fire department dispatcher within nine months of hire. The pay rate will be commensurate with the Emergency Communications Specialist position plus longevity. Applications may be submitted  here.

Job Title: Emergency Communication Specialist (ECS) II – *LATERAL RECRUITMENT*

Department: Operations

Reports To: Operations Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Overtime Eligible)

Base Salary: $18.02/hr + Longevity

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Planned Start Date: Monday, October 10^th, 2022

Notice: This is a special recruitment looking for individuals with experience as a law enforcement and/or fire dispatcher.  Successful candidates must complete the OPCD training program and receive certification as an independent emergency call taker AND as a law enforcement or fire department dispatcher within nine (9) months of hire.
*This position is designated as Emergency Personnel and will be required to report for duty during declared emergencies of any size. Failure to report could result in immediate dismissal.

Job Purpose/Summary of Position:

Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) and performs the operational duties to dispatch public safety personnel and equipment.  Complies with the agency’s policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all public safety responders and the public.

Job Responsibilities/Duties:

This class specification lists but is not limited to the major duties and requirements of the job. ECS(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills:

• Provides public safety dispatch services for emergency and non-emergency purposes for various agencies
• Analyze calls for service and determine the appropriate response action on all emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public requesting police, fire, and EMS.
• Determines nature and location of calls for service, dispatches field responders as necessary in compliance with the agency’s policies and procedures.
• Monitors and tracks of a wide variety of public safety field responders, resources, personnel, incidents, and trends.
• Consistently identify, analyze, and relay initial/supplemental pertinent information to field responders.
• Create and update the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) record or incident log and maintain accurate call narrative or documentation.
• Track and document radio activity, incident, and field responder status via CAD.
• Assign and coordinate field responders to incidents based on the nature and priority of incidents, available resources, and the agency’s policies and procedures.
• Analyze and evaluate all available information to identify the potential for escalation of the incident and perform status checks to determine scene and responder safety.
• Performs inquiries and criminal history checks for multiple police staff through NCIC and CJIS systems and ensures the accuracy of each query.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening
2. A minimum of two (2) years dispatching emergency law enforcement and/or fire department units to 9-1-1 calls for service
3. Proficient use in operating a computer-aided dispatched system
4. Proficient use in public safety radio system
5. Completed the following courses: ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800

Preferred Requirements:

1. 1. Satisfy all requirements listed in the minimum requirements section.
   2. Five (5) years dispatching emergency law enforcement and/or fire department units to 9-1-1 calls for service
   3. Current certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED)
      • Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD)
      • Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD)
      • Emergency Medical Dispatched (EMD)

About Orleans Parish Communications District (www.OPCDLA.gov)
Formed in 1982, the Orleans Parish Communication District is the public safety answering point (PSAP) for all emergency communications via 9-1-1 within Orleans Parish. The agency employs over 180 individuals and provides emergency medical dispatch, emergency fire dispatch, and emergency police dispatch for the millions of annual visitors and residents of the City of New Orleans. OPCD is a member of the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).