Description

Benzie County Central Dispatch is the public safety answering point (PSAP) for emergency and non-emergency telephone requests for public safety services as well as dispatching the appropriate jurisdictional law enforcement agency, fire department and emergency medical service (EMS).  The Dispatch Center is a 24/7 operation and supports multiple agencies, township, village and city contacts after normal business hours.

 Under the direction of the County Administrator or his/her designee, directs a 911 emergency telephone system and centralized emergency communication center responsible for dispatch all police, fire, and ambulance services within Benzie County. Responsible for the maintenance of all communications and related equipment. Responsible for all administrative functions of the department including financial, personnel, and preparation and administration of the budget. The Director provides strategic direction for the department, under the general supervision of the County Administrator and consistent with the County’s overall mission and policies.

 This position may require irregular hours and may also require working as an Emergency Communications Specialist, in an emergency. This position serves in an “on-call” 24/7 capacity to support operations.

Job Responsibilities: 

1.     Performs job duties adequately, properly, and in a timely manner; follows personnel and department policies and operating procedures; shows respect, tact, and courtesy in dealings with co-workers and the general public; behaves in a manner that does not obstruct or hinder other employees from completing their duties; acts in a manner that is safe and follows the County’s adopted policies and procedures at all times. 

2.     Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with other County Departments, County Offices, residents, and elected officials, community interests, peer agencies and related interests.

3.     Manages and provides leadership for Benzie County Central Dispatch operations.

4.     Supervises and manages all dispatch center personnel. In accordance with County policy and labor contracts, the Director conducts tests for applicants, interviews, selects, oversees training, work performance, participates in employee promotion and/or disciplinary decisions and actions; establishes performance standards and appropriately evaluates department personnel.

5.     Organizes, develops, and coordinates State of Michigan mandatory continuous education and training for all personnel; assures that personnel are certified as necessary and/or appropriate within applicable standards and protocols.

6.     Serves as the primary technical advisor to the County Administrator and the County Board of Commissioners on dispatch/ emergency communications matters.

7.     Prepares the annual budget for the department; reviews financial reports to ensure adherence to the budget; prepares budget adjustments or amendments as necessary and submits for approval; reviews, prepares and authorizes accounts payable and receivable activities; manages assigned accounts and funds; seeks additional funding methods, pursues, and manages grants, monitors compliance with current funding mechanisms.

8.     Develops strategic, short- and long-range plans for the dispatch center.

9.     Drafts and implements Dispatch Center operational policies, procedures, guidelines, directives, and practices.

10.  Ensures compliance with statutory responsibilities and directives.

11.  Participates and oversees the administration of operational systems necessary for the efficient and effective delivery of 9-1-1 services..

12.  Monitors compliance with service policies set for various County and local public safety services providers including law enforcement, fire, and EMS responses.

13.  Research best practices and advancements in professional field of expertise; formulates / implements as necessary and/or appropriate.

14.  Prepares and provides annual, periodic and/or monthly reports to Board of Commissioners regarding departmental matters and operations. 

15.  Completes the annual Report to Legislature.

16.  Performs public duties, media relations, and departmental representations at public meetings.

17.  Oversees equipment maintenance and replacement for the department; manages contracts with vendors and contractors. Develops requests for proposals, selects/recommends vendors/contractors, specifies contract terms, provides direction to and oversees/evaluates work of vendors/contractors.

18.  Performs the duties and functions of an Emergency Communications Specialist, to be able to assist in the Dispatch Center, when necessary.

19.  Conducts or oversees a variety of special projects.

20.  Participates in and /or reports to a variety of meetings, committees, professional associations, Boards, and/or other related groups.

21.  Ensures compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Completes the State of Michigan Training records requirement and maintaining the funding records.

22.  Oversees 911 equipment upgrades and replacements. The Director coordinates every level of hardware and software installation and testing.

23.  Acts as a system analyst, periodically testing and reviewing the 911 and radio systems. The Director recommends system upgrades and technical changes.

24.  Exercises judgment with respect to accuracy, thoroughness, confidentiality, and sensitivity of information being processed.

25.  Other duties may be required and assigned by the County Administrator and/or the County Board of Commissioners, and/or recommended by the Benzie County Central Dispatch Advisory Board.

Requirements

 Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, ordinances, protocols, etc. relevant to 9-1-1.
• Procedures, policies, practices, and fields of knowledge related to 9-1-1, Police, Fire, and EMS operations as well as general county operations and organization.
• County functions, organizations, and the department’s role and relationship with other agencies/jurisdictions.
• Labor relations and union contract negotiations
• Applicable policies and procedures governing the hiring, employment, and separation of employment.
• Governmental accounting, budgeting, financial management, and procurement.
• Knowledge and ability to use computers and other departmental technology to prepare reports, maintain records, search for and compile data.
• Police, fire, and emergency medical procedures and protocols pertinent and applicable to dispatch operations.
• Knowledge and skills to perform the duties of an Emergency Communications Specialist.
• Geographic information systems (GIS) and technologies.
• Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and technologies.
• 911 industry trends and best practices, including Next Generation 911 technologies and concepts.

 Skills and Abilities to:

•  Collegiate proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation and mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with citizens, co-workers and representatives of other agencies.
• Skill in assigning, prioritizing, monitoring and reviewing work assignments; mentoring and training personnel with varying education and aptitudes.
• Ability to lead with vision and demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems that may impact the mission of the department and the County.
• Ability to coordinate, develop, communicate, and implement departmental procedures and operations.
• Ability to appropriately and effectively represent the County at a variety of community events and activities in support of positive public relations initiatives and develop liaison relationships between the community and the County.
• Ability to interpret and explain complex policies, processes, regulations, and applicable laws in understandable terms.
• Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and to adapt positively to changing circumstances and/or priorities.

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public safety communications or related field
• Three (3) years of directly related, progressively responsible experience, including one (1) year of supervisory or managerial experience.
• NENA Emergency Number Professional (ENP) preferred.
• Two additional years of supervisory experience can be substituted for the Associates Degree.
• Licensing and Other Requirements:
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and personal vehicle insurance
• Achieves and maintains professional, national or State of Michigan certifications and standards as necessary or required (examples: NAED, NENA, MCDA, APCO)
• LEIN Certified or the ability to be LEIN Certified