Public Safety Communications Supervisor

Job Summary

Performs professional dispatch and supervisory functions as a first-line supervisor for the 911 Dispatch Center operating 24/7 including nights, weekends, and holiday shifts. Performs highly specialized and technical communications work, makes critical life and death decisions, and supervises on-duty personnel. Work requires independent judgment in the application of established policies and procedures and at times requires instant interpretation of policies and procedures in highly stressful incidents.

Job Description

Manages and coordinates the activities and operations of an assigned shift within the highly technical 911 Dispatch Center; maintains efficiency of operations amid continually emerging technological capabilities; participates in routine dispatcher duties on a combination of shifts as needed or assigned. 



In the absence of the Captain and PSAP Manager, coordinates the activities and general operations of the facility; represents the agency at regional and state meetings regarding 800MHz Radio and 911 phone systems as needed. 



Assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures mandated by the Scott County Sheriff's Office and emergency services providers.



Interviews job applicants, makes recommendations for candidates to be offered conditional employment, and makes recommendations for final employment status. 



Ensures that the proper required service people are notified of equipment failures and acts in a rapid and decisive manner to implement standby procedures. 



Prepares data, records, and reports relating to dispatch activities and reviews reports of subordinates; ensures that records and reports of dispatch activities on each shift are properly executed and routed to management. 



Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.



Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time. 



Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires equivalency of an Associate's Degree and three years of work experience with operations in a PSAP environment. One must be able to multi-task amid changing priorities and periods of high stress. Supervisory and training experience is preferred. A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

Supervisory Controls
The employee is under the general direction and supervision of the PSAP Manager and Sheriff's Captain, but very often due to the nature of shift work, must rely on own judgment in situations. The employee works independently within the established departmental polices and guidelines; a great deal of independent judgment is needed for interpretation of these guidelines in highly stressful incidents. The work product and results are reviewed on an ongoing basis through observations, review of written and oral reports, and tape recordings.

Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The employee promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

Core Competencies and Abilities
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge - Knowledge of policies, practices, and services of the division.

Knowledge of Data Privacy Laws.

Knowledge and understanding of 911 CAD software.

Knowledge of rules and technology as they pertain to Public Safety emergency dispatching, the 800 MHz Radio, and 911 Phone System.

Knowledge of NCIC/Criminal Justice Information System; must possess and maintain State of Minnesota Certification.

Abilities - Ability to supervise the work of 911 Dispatchers.

Ability to communicate life-saving techniques and directions to the public.

Ability to operate multiple telephone, radio, and computer terminals and remain calm and decisive when dealing with calls for emergency assistance.

Ability to solicit information and tactfully and efficiently deal with a variety of people, including those who are frightened, incoherent, hostile, verbally abusive, and/or under great stress.

Ability to adapt to different situations and conditions, quickly assuming control of the situations at hand; ability to anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives; ability to track and coordinate several complex situations simultaneously.

Ability to effectively respond both physically and mentally at levels inherent in performing the position's essential duties.

Ability to differentiate and distinguish color when using mapping and radio applications.

Ability to make immediate, appropriate, and independent decisions responding rapidly and effectively in emergency situations.

Ability to maintain task focus, emotional composure, and professionalism during periods of high stress, anxiety, or multi-task activity.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires 40 hours of inside work sitting or standing at a radio terminal within the 911 Dispatch Center. The position includes shift work in a 24/7 operation.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. Must be able to distinguish color and tones when using mapping and radio applications.

Emergency call center environment includes periods of high stress and multi-tasking during emergency situations. Requires the ability to concentrate and stay task focused amid high call volume and competing demands.