Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist (Call Taking/Dispatching)
The application process for the position of Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist is open until filled.
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About the Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist Position
The Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist is responsible for delivering quality emergency communication services to the public, as well as providing accurate and timely dispatch support to police officers and fire rescue personnel. The Communications Specialist has a unique responsibility in a fast-paced environment that requires careful attention to detail, multi-tasking, and good communication skills. The Communications Specialist obtains location and other pertinent details from the caller to make the initial determination of the level and type of service needed when processing emergency calls for service. This is a challenging and rewarding career that affords one the opportunity to provide a vital service to the community. Major duties include answering 9-1-1 emergency calls, and dispatching police officers and fire rescue personnel to respond to calls, using a computer system known as Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD).
Frequently Asked Questions
- One (1) year of responsible work experience involving public contact.
- Completion of high school or High School Certificate of Completion recognized in the state of Maryland.
- Successfully complete a one (1) year on-the-job training program
- Obtain emergency call taking certifications
- Demonstrate strong communication and customer service skills
- Demonstrate attention to detail
- Multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Work within the framework of a quality assurance improvement program. This includes the recording, monitoring, and review of telephone, radio, and computer work for quality assurance purposes.
- Be able to work any shift to include days, evenings, midnights, holidays, and weekends. Please note that for evening, midnight, and holiday shifts, you will receive additional compensation.
- Be flexible with your schedule to adjust to last minute changes to include mandatory overtime when necessary.
- Remain calm, respectful, and professional with various types of callers who may use derogatory language/statements.
- Computerized Exam
- Qualification Appraisal Interview
- Background Investigation
- Conditional Offer
- Medical/Psychological Examinations
- Sit-Along at the Emergency Communications Center
- Final Offer
Salary range for Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist (PSECS):
Salary** Effective 07/02/23 Effective 01/14/24 (3% GWA) Effective 06/16/24 (3% GWA)
Starting Salary for PSECS I: $48,618 $50,077 $51,579
Salary range for PSECS II: $52,453 - $82,436 $54,027 - $84,909 $55,648 - $87,456
Salary range for PSECS III: $56,872 - $89,948 $58,578 - $92,646 $60,335 - $95,425
Salary range for PSECS IV: $59,263 - $93,986 $61,041 - $96,806 $62,872 - $99,710
Salary range for Senior PSECS: $61,788 - $98,228 $63,642 - $101,175 $66,551 - $104,210
This position has a very extensive upward mobility career ladder as indicated below:
- Employees will receive Proficiency Advancement with a 10% increase in salary to Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist (PSECS) II (grade 17) after achieving check-off as a multi-discipline public safety call taker with at least five (5) months experience as a PSECS I.
- Employees will receive Proficiency Advancement with a 10% increase in salary to Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist III (grade 19) after achieving check-off in a single discipline public safety dispatch with at least five (5) months experience as a PSECS II.
- Employees will receive Proficiency Advancement with a 5% increase in salary to PSECS IV (grade 20) after achieving check-off in all disciplines public safety dispatch with at least fourteen (14) months experience as a PSECS III.
- Employees will receive Proficiency Advancement with a 5% increase in salary to Senior Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist (grade 21) after 24 months as a PSECS IV.
**Please note that salary is subject to change.
- -Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist will be paid $1,000 upon initial hiring.
- -When the Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist completes the first 3 months of training, they will be paid $1,000.
- -After the Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist has completed another 6 months of training, they will be paid $1,500.
- -After the Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist has completed another 3 months of training right up to the 12-months, they will be paid $1,500.
Benefits**
Montgomery County Government offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
- Full salary and benefits begin first day of training
- Potential for 23% salary increase after first year
- Pension Retirement
- Bonus pay for trainers
- Medical I Dental I Vision I Life Insurance I Prescription Drug Plans (County contribution up to 80%)
- Paid Holidays, Accrued Sick, Annual, and Compensatory Leave
- Paid Military Leave for Training Purposes (15 days per year)
- Personal Leave
- Pay Differential for evening and midnight shifts
- Multilingual pay upon certification
- All uniforms furnished (cleaning and alteration provided)
- Promotional opportunities
- Medical catastrophe benefits/Workman’s compensation insurance
- Meal reimbursement program
- Credit Union
- Schedule Options
- Cost of Living Wage Adjustment (COLA)
- May advance to "professional level" without degree
**Please note that benefits are subject to change
- Operations Supervisor
- Training Instructor
- Technology Support
- Quality Assurance
- Administration
- Management
Contact Us
By Phone: 240-773-5300
By Email: MC911.Recruitment@montgomerycountymd.gov
Download the brochure
PSECS Handout
How to Apply
