City of Houston

Houston, Texas

9-1-1 TELECOMMUNICATOR (CTO)

Onsite$67,038/yrPosted 1 week ago

Apply to 9-1-1 TELECOMMUNICATOR (CTO) at City of Houston

Job details

Location: Houston, Texas
Work type: Onsite
Compensation: $67,038/yr
Posted: 1 week ago
Apply on: governmentjobs.com

About this role

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: HOUSTON EMERGENCY CENTER EMPLOYEES ONLY

Division: Houston Emergency Network
Location: 5320 North Shepherd
Workdays & Hours: Rotating Shifts & Off Days*
5:30am – 2:00pm - 1:30pm – 10:00pm - 9:30pm – 6:00am * subject to change*

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Houston Emergency Center assists citizens of Houston with the most efficient, accurate and professional service when processing emergency calls by taking care of citizen, one call at a time. We are seeking qualified individuals who share the same passion and commitment in being the first responder when a citizen calls. Responds to citizens' requests for emergency services by determining the type of problem and transferring the 9-1-1 telephone calls to the appropriate agencies.

Provides hands-on training for newly hired 911 Telecommunicators.
Answers 9-1-1 emergency telephone calls from citizens or agencies for Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services in a timely manner. Determines the nature and priority of the emergency and assists callers in a professional and efficient manner.
Operates various electronic telephone equipment, i.e., Vesta 9-1-1 and Cisco Telephone Systems. Uses equipment to receive and transfer incoming calls, to replay calls for clarification and to process hearing impaired calls using a TDD device.
Enters essential call and location information into Window's Operating System and various applications of the Vesta 9-1-1 System to view and retrieve information efficiently.
Recognizes critical situations and alerts supervisor on complicated and unusual situations.
Physically locates 9-1-1 telephone calls and identifies vehicles' locations using the geographic display (MapStar).
Refers calls to City departments other than Police and Fire and outside governmental, social or community agencies.
May be required to be "on call" during emergency situations.
Consults with supervisor on complex or unusual situations.
Adheres to all Policy, Procedures, Standards, Directives, and Regulations.
Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is physically comfortable most of the time with occasional periods of stooping, bending and/or light lifting of materials of up to 10 pounds. Position requires a considerable amount of time sitting.

Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required.

All positions in the Houston Emergency Center (HEC) are designated as TIER I (First Responder). Employees will require you to work long hours in emergency or disaster situations that may require you to be away from your home and/or family for extended periods of time.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a High School Diploma or GED. Must pass City administered tests.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Two (2) years of experience as a Telecommunicator in an emergency communications facility or as a call taker in an environment served by an enhanced 9-1-1 system are required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Must provide certification of successful completion of a telecommunications training program in compliance with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) guidelines.

Must provide certification of successful completion of a Public Safety Communications Training officer (CTO) program at the time of hire or within 3 months.

The TX administrative Code further requires that licenses may be only issued to U. S. Citizens.

PREFERENCES

High preference will be given to those applicants with considerable experience in a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Center or similar emergency call center environment, processing emergency calls. (e.g., Police, Ambulance or Fire). High preference will be given to applicants with successful completion of a higher level of education. In addition, preference will be given to candidates who have successfully completed a Communications Training Officer Course. Due to constant communication with citizens, quality customer service experience is critical. Bilingual skills (Spanish: speak, read and write) are also highly preferred. Valid driver's license is a plus.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualification necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
A skills assessment test may be administered. Applicant also must pass a thorough background /employment / education checks and successful interview. Internal candidates will be administered a skills assessment which may be written or oral in nature.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION YES
YES - this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 16

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov . To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6051.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6051. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

Internal candidates’ work performance, attendance and AP 3-7 history will be evaluated and considered.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Benefits

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

Medical
Dental
Vision
Wellness
Supplemental Insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Retirement pension
457 deferred compensation plan
Employee Assistance Program
10 days of vacation each year
13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
Compensable Sick Leave
Personal Leave
Flexible schedules
Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
Professional development opportunities
Transportation/parking plan
Section 125 pretax deductions
Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Supplemental Questions

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

Are you a current employee of the Houston Emergency Center Department.

What is the highest level of completed education you have obtained?

Less than High School Diploma/GED
High School Diploma/GED
Associate degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree or higher

Please indicate your verifiable years of experience as a Telecommunicator in an emergency communications facility or as a call taker in an environment served by an enhanced 9-1-1 system.

Less than 2 years
2 to less than 4 years
4 to less than 6 years
6 years or more

Do you have a current certification of successful completion of a telecommunications training program in compliance with the Texas Commision on Law Enforcment (TCOLE) guidelines?

Please indicate languages, other than English, in which you are fluent (reading, writing, and/or speaking). Check all that apply:

Spanish
Chinese or Mandarin
Vietnamese
Arabic
Other Languages
I am not bilingual

If you selected "Other Languages" in the previous question, please list those languages below. Otherwise, write N/A.

How many words per minute are you able to type? (Typing speed will be verified prior to hire)

Less than 15 words
15 words to less than 30 words
30 words to less than 45 words
45 words to less than 60 words
More than 60 words per minute

Are you currently Certified/Licensed as a Public Safety Communications Training officer (CTO)?

This position requires shift work with overtime as required. Are you willing and able to work 12-hour shifts?

Are you willing and able to work extended shifts with minimum notice?

Are you willing and able to work mandated overtime, holidays, and extended hours during emergency situations?

Are you willing and able to work in a high call volume environment and process 100 plus calls in one shift?

The following "yes" or "no" questions (#13 - #17) reflect conditions of employment, which all 911 Telecommunicators CTOs must accept. If you cannot answer "yes" to all questions, you cannot be further considered for this position. I AM ABLE TO HANDLE HIGHLY STRESSFUL SITUATIONS. As a 911 Telecommunicator CTO the job can be emotionally stressful. In order to be successful as a 911 Telecommunicator CTO, employees must be able to hear terrible problems and remain focused, thinking, and able to perform their duties competently and calmly. They must have coping skills with and processing the trauma they may have been exposed to and still maintain a healthy and positive work attitude. Are you able to do this?

All positions in the Houston Emergency Center (HEC) are designated as TIER I (First Responder) mission critical Employees. Are you able to work long hours in emergency or disaster situations that may require you to be away from your home and/or family for extended periods of time?

I AM ABLE TO PASS A THOROUGH BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION. Due to the sensitivity of information a 911 Telecommunicator (CTO) handles, applicants are required to pass a thorough investigation of their background, any conviction records, employment and education history, psychological evaluation, etc.

I AM WILLING TO WORK ANY REQUIRED WORK SCHEDULE. The Houston Emergency Center operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 911 Telecommunicators (CTO) must be willing to work any assigned shift, including day, swing, and graveyard; any holidays; and workweeks. It may take several years to achieve enough seniority to bid a preferred shift. Are you able to do this?

I AM WILLING TO TAKE A DRUG TEST AND UNDERGO A PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING. Due to life and death situations that can happen with calls taken by 911 Telecommunicator CTO's, it is critical that candidates are reliable, clear thinking and capable of performing the necessary tasks asked of them.

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCity of HoustonAddress 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002 Website https://www.houstontx.gov/

About City of Houston

City of Houston

Houston, Texas

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