Emergency Communication Specialist II

Under general supervision, an incumbent of this class is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Emergency Communications Center in the Department of Emergency Services or the Communications Unit in the Department of Public Safety. Responsibilities include training new personnel, scheduling shifts and work assignments, providing technical expertise in the operation of electronic communications equipment and subject matter expertise as it relates to emergency call response within Westchester County. Thorough knowledge of emergency practices and procedures is essential for this position. Responsibilities also involve administrative support functions to ensure the effective operation of the unit. Incumbents function as team leaders and subject matter experts within the communications center. This class is distinguished from Emergency Communication Specialists I in that incumbents are responsible for ensuring proper workflow, mentoring, and event management within the communication center, ensuring effective response to all incoming calls, along with handling assigned administrative duties. Does related work as required.

High school or equivalency diploma; current CPR certification; current Emergency Medical Dispatch certification** or APCO Law Enforcement Communications certification; and four years of full time (35 hours per week) paid experience in a law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services or emergency dispatch agency for which a primary function of the position was dispatching emergency response personnel and assets.

**APPROVED PROVIDERS FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH CERTIFICATION:  Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO®); International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED™); or PowerPhone®.  

The following substitutions may be combined to cover a maximum of TWO years of the required experience.  There is no substitution for the required certifications.

(a) Verifiable experience as an active volunteer member of a law enforcement agency, fire department, emergency medical services agency or emergency communication center which involved utilizing computers, radios and E911 telephone equipment to dispatch emergency response personnel and assets may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to two years of the required experience. Part time experience will be pro-rated to a 35-hour work week.

(b) Satisfactory completion of thirty credits toward a degree in Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services or closely related field may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to two years of the required experience.

(c) Current Emergency Medical Technician - Basic certification may be substituted for one year of the required experience. 

(d) Successful completion of NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) Firefighter I training or equivalent may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

(e) Successful completion of NYS Basic Course for Police Officers may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Incumbents are required to obtain and maintain APCO Communications Center Supervisor certification and other relevant certifications as required by their department while in the title. 

1. The number of years of experience required in the minimum qualifications is based upon the presumption of full-time employment. Part-time experience will be prorated based on a 35 hour workweek.
2. Verified and documented volunteer (unpaid) experience will only be credited when specifically allowed by the job description or examination announcement.

Education beyond the secondary level must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

Filing an application for a posting does not substitute or relieve you of the requirement to file appropriate application and fee when the civil service exam may be announced.