911 Dispatcher Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

In this post, we discuss the 911 dispatcher job description. You will learn what makes up the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of 911 dispatchers.

We also present information about the job requirements and salary of a 911 dispatcher, to boost your knowledge about the career.

Please, continue reading:

What Does a 911 Dispatcher Do?

The 911 dispatcher job description entails answering emergency calls from public and private sources.

In addition to handling emergency calls, they are also expected to provide general information about local services and facilities.

A 911 dispatcher works with a variety of callers in different situations.

This includes people who may have mental health issues, language barriers, disabilities, etc.

The 911 dispatcher duties involve providing accurate information to the caller.

It also entails ability to identify themselves as an official representative of the organization that they represent.

As part of their job, the 911 dispatchers ensure that all incoming calls are routed to the correct department or person within the organization.

The dispatcher must be familiar with the internal structure of the organization.

Furthermore, they communicate with the caller using appropriate communication methods such as telephone, radio, text messaging, email, etc.

They may need to take action on behalf of the caller.

For example, they may need to contact other departments or individuals to get more information about the situation.

911 dispatchers make sure that there is no delay in responding to the call.

They ensure that the caller gets immediate attention by routing the call to the right department or individual.

In addition, the dispatcher records the details of the call in case it needs to be investigated later.

They can help solve problems relating to emergencies.

This involves helping the caller find alternative solutions to their problem.

A 911 dispatcher has to follow up on the progress of the incident.

This means that they need to monitor the status of the incident until it is resolved.

More on 911 Dispatcher Job Description

The 911 dispatcher work description also involves handling emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It also entails responding to emergency calls within a certain time frame.

This varies, depending on the type of emergency. Some examples include fire, medical, police, etc.

The dispatcher documents the incident in detail.

This helps them understand how the situation unfolded.

It also provides evidence if any legal proceedings arises from the incident.

They perform other duties as assigned by the management, which may include taking messages, recording phone calls, updating databases, etc.

911 dispatchers are responsible for ensuring that the organization’s policies and procedures are followed at all times.

They deal with various types of emergencies, including natural disasters, accidents, fires, etc.

It is also their role to communicate with other organizations involved in an incident.

This includes law enforcement agencies, fire departments, hospitals, etc.

A 911 dispatcher will need to handle multiple simultaneous incidents. This requires them to multitask effectively.

They are responsible for handling emergencies during off-hours.

This includes weekends, holidays, etc.

They work with different people from different backgrounds, including both employees and non-employees.

911 dispatchers interact with the public on a regular basis.

This could involve answering questions, giving directions, etc. 

911 Dispatcher Job Description Sample/Example/Template

Here are tasks, duties, and responsibilities that commonly make up the 911 dispatcher job description:

• Provide emergency services to callers who dial 911 from their mobile phones or landline telephones
• Answer calls for police, fire, ambulance, etc.
• Record all incoming and outgoing calls
• Keep track of caller’s location
• Ensure that the phone lines are not blocked during an emergency
• Give instructions on how to handle emergencies
• Take down details of incident in case of a crime
• Make follow up reports
• File reports with appropriate authorities
• Assist other dispatchers
• Maintain records of incidents handled
• Make sure that the service is provided within established time frame
• Ensure that the emergency equipment is available at all times
• Report any malfunctioning of equipment
• Ensure that the emergency telephone number is displayed clearly
• Train new recruits
• Report any unusual activity to the proper authority
• Follow procedures as per the company policy.

911 Dispatcher Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before as a 911 dispatcher or are presently working in that role and are making a resume or CV for a new job, you can create a compelling Professional Experience section for your resume by applying the 911 dispatcher job description example above.

You can highlight the 911 dispatcher duties and responsibilities in the sample job description in your resume’s Professional Experience section to show that you have been effective working as a 911 dispatcher.

This piece of information can greatly influence the recruiter/employer to give you an interview appointment, especially if the new job requires someone with some work experience as a 911 dispatcher.

911 Dispatcher Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

To qualify to be hired for the 911 dispatcher role, employers/recruiters may want you to meet the following requirements:

• Good English language skills, including ability to write and read very well in the language
• Have basic computer skills to use Microsoft Office applications effectively
• Be physically fit and healthy, with the ability to work overtime hours when asked to by the manager
• Should possess strong organizational skills, flexibility, and adaptability
• When necessary, you must be willing and able to travel
• Possess ability and willingness to learn new technologies
• Should be able and willing to work in a team environment
• Must be able and willing to perform shift work
• Should be able to work independently and under pressure without missing the set goals
• Self- motivated
• Willing to take initiative
• Honest and trustworthy
• punctual
• detail oriented.

911 Dispatcher Salaries

911 dispatcher salaries in the United States range from $24,270 to $59,770 per year, with a median compensation of $38,010 per year, according to Comparably.

Conclusion

The 911 dispatcher job can be one of the most challenging jobs in the world. However, it also has great potential to be rewarding if you choose wisely.

If you want to become a 911 dispatcher, then this article provides helpful information on what you need to know about the duties and responsibilities they perform.

This post is also useful to recruiters/employers needing to hire the best candidates for the 911 dispatcher positions in their organizations.

They can apply the sample 911 dispatcher job description on this page in making detailed and effective descriptions of the vacant 911 dispatcher jobs in their organizations, for use in their hiring process.