Firefighter Call Taker/Dispatcher

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Firefighter Call Taker/Dispatcher

Job Description

Position ID: 49178
Job Category: Emergency, Fire and Paramedics Services
Division & Section: Fire Services, Fire Svcs Comm, Tech & Org Performance
Work Location: 4330 Dufferin Street, NorthYork, ON M3H 5R9
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent
Hourly Rate: $32.54 - $54.57, Please note: The salary reflects 2023 rates
Shift Information: Monday to Sunday, 42 hours per week
Affiliation: L3888 Firefighters
Number of Positions Open: 5
Posting Period: 07-October-2024 to 22-October-2024

Reporting to the Captain of the Communications Division, responsibilities for this position include the following:

Major Responsibilities

  • Receives emergency calls from the public and other agencies
  • Quickly analyzes the information received from the caller and dispatches the required emergency vehicles
  • Efficiently operates console equipment, including telephone, radio, status control and computer aided dispatch
  • Follows established procedures in making calm decisions as required in an emergency services environment
  • Functions effectively during periods of intense stress by maintaining focus
  • Understands personal stressors and takes steps to limit their impact
  • Has a good working knowledge of available resources to support emergency scene operations
  • Liaise with senior staff to provide situation updates
  • Liaise with Toronto Fire Services Apparatus Command Vehicles, Police, Paramedic Services, TTC and other authorities to provide fluent situation updates
  • Demonstrates complete integrity at all times
  • Must be able to follow direction of a senior officer
  • Protects the confidentiality and privacy of personal public information in accordance with Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) at all times

In addition to the above duties the successful candidates are required to:

  • Continually maintain a high standard of professionalism, integrity, reliability, and credibility, which are fundamental requirements for this position
  • Function as an integral member of the City of Toronto workforce to support corporate vision and mission statements
  • Function as an integral member of the Toronto Fire Service workforce to deliver and support Division specific vision and mission statements
  • Function as an integral member of the Toronto Fire Service emergency response team to deliver and support Division specific goals of emergency response and preparedness

Minimum Qualifications

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to the following:

Must possess:

  • Must have grade 12 diploma or equivalent as approved by Ontario Ministry of Education
  • Must have minimum of two years of previous customer service experience in a fast-paced, complex, and multi-tasking environment
  • Ability to hear and readily relay information accurately with high attention to detail, while operating various methods of communication equipment (computer Aided Dispatch, TTY, portable radios, telephones) despite constant interruptions and distractions
  • Must be able to distinguish between colours for dispatch functions
  • Accurate and efficient keyboarding skills (minimum 40 words per minute)
  • Required to work onsite and work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays in a 24/7, 365-day environment
  • Able to effectively prioritize and multi-task including handling both call taking and dispatching functions using computer aided dispatch and radio communications systems
  • Good knowledge of Toronto streets, major public buildings, and general city topography
  • Must be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations that apply to this work
  • Excellent communication skills with ability to speak clearly, calmly and in an easily understandable manner on radio and telephone
  • Problem solving and decision-making ability

Must also possess:

  • Analytical mind with keen attention to detail
  • Experience with Microsoft Office and Windows operating system
  • Must possess service-oriented, professional, interpersonal/interaction skills when dealing with the public, Fire Services staff, and all other levels of City personnel
  • Ability to work within a team environment
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Ability to work and positively interact within a diverse work environment
  • Proven abilities to take initiative and be innovative

Note:

  • Must provide a Criminal Record Check obtained from a police service in Ontario, to the satisfaction of Fire Services
  • Must successfully pass CritiCall communications testing
  • Must pass in-house entry level TFS exam(s)
  • Psychometric testing may be required

Assets

  • Current and valid minimum level C, CPR Certificate issued prior to the date of application submission
  • Current and valid minimum level Standard First Aid Certificate by a WSIB approved First Aid Trainer issued no more than 1 year prior to the date of application submission
  • NFPA 1061, Standard for Public Safety Telecommunications Personnel Professional Certification
  • Successful completion of Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) training
  • Community college certificate in Emergency Communications
  • Experience related to Call-taking/Dispatch
  • Post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree
  • Volunteer and community service
  • Multilingual
  • Commitment to personal and professional development and in continuing education through ongoing learning

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture ofinclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’scommitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.

Contact Details

Interested Candidates can apply by visiting the Toronto Fire Services Career Site and click "Apply Now".