EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS TELECOMMUNICATOR/TRAINEE

The City of Peoria is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

LOCATION: PEORIA MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 542 SW ADAMS, PEORIA, ILLINOIS (Free Parking)
SALARY: 2024 Rate: $23.52/hr as Trainee - $25.98/hr as Telecommunicator
Initially hired as Trainee; promoted to Telecommunicator after completion of training
$250.00 bonus upon hire, $500.00 bonus upon completion of one year, $250.00 bonus upon completion of 18 months.
HOURS: Days off, Shifts, and Hours vary
Three Shifts: 1st=6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 2nd=2:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., 3rd=10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.
As-Needed Shift (any hours and days with minimum 5 days notice - after completion of training) High probability of 2nd or 3rd shift, two consecutive days off during the week, work all weekends and holidays.

The City of Peoria Emergency Communications Center (ECC) is responsible for emergency communications for the citizens of the City of Peoria and Peoria County. The ECC provides dispatching services to Peoria Police, Peoria Fire, Peoria County Sheriff, Emergency Medical Services, Peoria County Fire & EMS agencies and other City departments as part of the Peoria City/County Enhanced 9-1-1 system. The ECC typically receives over 350,000 incoming telephone calls a year. Telecommunicators are responsible for communication between those in need and police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS). This is done by taking emergency phone calls, sending out appropriate information for Police, Fire and EMS and providing accurate contact information for affected individuals.

IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES: Skill in typing information (45 words per minute), using letter/number combinations, quickly and accurately; ability to handle a high degree of stress; ability to listen to caller, type information into computer about the call, and respond to radio simultaneously; make decisions quickly and take effective action in emergency situations; ability to establish and maintain working relationships with the general public and other employees.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS: Tests will be conducted on an on-going basis; applicants will be notified of testing dates; applicants who successfully pass all required tests will be placed in an eligibility pool for future hire. Candidates who successfully pass tests will be required to observe in the ECC for a minimum of 4 hours. Candidates will be given an orientation and detailed information about the duties and environment. Selected candidate must successfully pass a criminal background check, pre-employment physical, including a drug screen, prior to hire.

High school diploma or GED; radio or telephone communication courses helpful; prior related dispatching experience desirable; experience in multi-tasking jobs a plus; equivalent combination of education and experience considered; must pass computerized telecommunicator test and oral interview; selected candidate must successfully pass background investigation conducted by the Police Department.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS TELECOMMUNICATOR/TRAINEE
STEPS IN HIRING PROCESS - As of 1/1/2016

CRITICALL TESTING (allow 2 hours for test)

• Test held at the Municipal Services Building, 542 SW Adams, Info Systems Training Room
• Computer scored test includes:

• Test held at the Municipal Services Building, 542 SW Adams, IS Training Room
• Valid behaviorally based assessment specifically for entry level 9-1-1 telecommunicators and call takers

• Prior to the Oral Interview each candidate must spend a minimum of 4 hours observing in the City's Emergency Communications Center. Candidates may observe on any day of the week, including weekends. Candidates will need to make arrangements with the ECC Shift Supervisor for their observation.

• Given to all individuals who pass the Criticall & Select pre-employment test
• Approximately 25 minutes in length
• Standard interview questions - job -related questions that measure the individual's ability to think on their feet
• Conducted by Staff of the Emergency Communications Center and Human Resources
• Individuals are given points for each question: points are totaled and averaged for passing score of 45 (Maximum points 75)
• Information about the shift, environment, training, benefits given to applicants at this time

• Candidates who pass the oral interview will be given a detailed background investigation questionnaire to complete. This must be returned to the HR Department within 5 business days of notification of passage of the oral interview.
• Background investigation, including a criminal history check, will be conducted by the Peoria Police Department. Passage of background is required.