Description of Job Responsibilities

Common job responsibilities for telecommunicators/dispatchers in Missouri: 

• Answer incoming 9-1-1 and administrative calls quickly and professionally

• Evaluate emergency and non-emergency situations and determine an appropriate response 

• Multi-task in a high stress situation in a calm, professional manner

• Deal with callers in crisis situations who might be hysterical or uncooperative

• Operate telephone system, radio equipment, and computers; 

• Understand computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, various mapping programs, state and federal computer systems, and radio equipment

• Communicate and reiterate information to first responders such as, law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel for necessary action 

• Provide medical pre-arrival instruction over the phone

• Coordinate multiple service requests upon direction of field units. Maintain radio contact with first responders. 

• Accesses confidential computer networks to provide necessary data to law enforcement.

• Type and verbally provide accurate information

• Answer the non-emergency line and receives information from citizens concerning various complaints, requests for assistance, and data pertinent to offenses of a criminal nature 

Training and Certifications

Commonly required training and certifications for telecommunicators/dispatchers in Missouri

• Complete the minimum training required per state statute 650.340 RSMO (required for all PSAPs/Telecommunicators) 

• Certifications in Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch, CPR

• Complete Missouri State Highway Patrol full MULES certification courses

Minimum Qualifications

Common minimum qualifications telecommunicators/dispatchers in Missouri: 

• At least 18 years of age 

• Possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent 

• Pass a thorough background screening 

• Pass a drug screening

• Work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime

• Pass certain training programs and earn certain certifications in the first six months of employment

• Possess strong communication skills

• Demonstrate excellent problem-solving & decision-making skills under pressure 

• Possess strong keyboarding and computer skills

• Be capable of receiving and giving instructions.

• Be able to work and multi-task calmly and efficiently in times of high stress

• Not share sensitive or confidential information 

• Speak, read and write in a clear, understandable fashion

• Ability to use senses of touch, hearing, and sight to interact with computer systems

Salary

Common starting salaries for telecommunicator/dispatch positions in Missouri: 

• $17.00 - $18.00 per hour, with an increase to $19.00 - $20.00 per hour upon completion of training 

• Additional for overtime and holidays 

• Benefits - health, dental, and life insurance, paid vacation/sick leave, shift differential

Benefits

Commonly offered benefits for telecommunicators/dispatchers in Missouri: 

• Health insurance; dental Insurance; life insurance; retirement; paid holidays, vacations, and sick days; shift differential pay