Assistant Administrator for Emergency Communications

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; varied days and weeks; full benefits; subject to specialty reassignment

This professional and supervisory position within the Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) assists the Administrator assigned to a particular section of the Department with the overall management of day-to-day operations of that section.  This position will report to an Administrator assigned to one of the Department sections consisting of operations, training, technology, or quality assurance.  Supervision is given to Emergency Communications Specialists and Managers.   Direct supervision is received from the Administrator, with oversight provided by Assistant Director or Director of Emergency Communications.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy.  For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.  If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.  

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan 
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year. 

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

• Monitor and evaluate day-to-day operations; provide recommendations to Administration for improvements in departmental workflow, policies, and procedures; assist in the communication and maintenance of policies, procedures, and information for the 911 Center internally and to local agencies
• Plan, coordinate, and execute functions of the Emergency Communications Center
• Coordinate support operations to agency partners i.e. Board of Education, Red Cross, Parks and Recreation, Fleet Services, Maintenance, Highway Operations, Municipalities etc.
• Oversee the scheduling, preparation, and coordination of shifts to ensure adequate coverage
• Review previously approved payroll activities or timesheets with administration
• Collect and relay statistical information as required; prepare departmental reports
• Coordinate and conduct random and special case reviews to measure protocol compliance; complete protocol case review and provide feedback to Administration
• Assist with collecting records pertaining to Freedom of Information Act requests and Department compliance
• Review cases and records within the Quality Assurance Program for compliance to established standards; assist with development of quality assurance bulletins and report
• Develop and update protocols and trainings; consult with Administrators on suggested updates
• Identify trends in performance, alert management to the need for remedial training or operational changes
• Serve on the Dispatch Review Committee
• Work with the technology group on data collection, entry and management within CAD, VESTA, and other associated emergency communications center systems
• Coordinate with Administrators and assist in the development of and administration of intra-departmental training programs; provide required instruction
• Assist with continuing education and re-certification by creating, tracking and entry, utilizing Virtual Academy and the IAED site
• Represent the Department as necessary at public hearings and meetings with various internal and external groups, councils, municipalities, associations, and boards
• Participate in the recruitment and selection processes for new Emergency Communications Specialists; coordinate and development new recruit academy materials
• Drive County vehicle to offsite meetings and trainings
• Plan and schedule trainings and special events, as needed
• Perform other departmental related duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job 

• Associate’s degree in Public Administration, Public Safety, or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years emergency communications center work experience performing duties in 911 call taking, and all dispatch disciplines to include, police dispatch, fire dispatch, and emergency medical dispatch which must include 3 years of Emergency Communications Center supervisory work experience
• Possession of a valid driver's license

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are High School Diploma (or equivalent) with 9 years work experience as described above which must include 3 years of Emergency Communications Center supervisory work experience.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILTIIES:

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Advanced knowledge of Local, State and National laws and standards as they apply to the field of Emergency Communications and 911 Emergency Communications Centers
• Advanced knowledge of emergency communications center operation and general industry standards related to working operational policies, procedures, and protocols
• Advanced knowledge of Fire-Rescue, Medical, Police and other partnering agency disciplines
• Advanced knowledge of current aspects of computer hardware and software as they apply to emergency communications
• Knowledge of Frederick County geography and surrounding areas
• Knowledge of communications equipment including 800 MHZ "trunked" radio systems and digital communications
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly and distinctly, and to accurately summarize and describe information with correct, precise terminology
• Ability to perform all duties associated to the Emergency Communications Managers position
• Ability to obtain the following certifications within 180 days of employment: IAED EMD, EFD, and EPD certification or comparable Call Taking certifications for Medical, Fire, and Police Dispatch (expired certifications may be considered); CN2 NCIC access level certification, Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services (MIEMSS) certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD); Communications Training Officer (CTO) certification, and IAED certification in EMD-Q, EFD-Q; and EPD-Q or comparable quality assurance certification for Police, Medical and Fire (expired certifications may be considered)
• Ability to perform quickly and effectively in emergency situations
• Ability to effectively supervise and direct the work of others
• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges 
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, general public and a diverse group of user agencies

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Additional education in any field of study

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit and perform repetitive motions
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors and occasionally work in a noisy environment

• Employees in this classification are designated as Essential. An Essential Employee means the employee is considered necessary for the operation of County services. Essential Employees are required to report to work in the event of a weather incident, general emergency, or disasters when County offices are closed. They may be required to work overtime with little or no advance notice and may be required to report to work in emergency situations and/or after hours.
  
• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
• Ability to work all shifts as assigned, including weekdays, weekends, nights and holidays 
• This position is subject to random drug testing
• The probationary period for this position is 12 months (internal employees will undergo a 3-month probationary period)
• Current FCG employees who will meet or exceed the experience requirements by the close of the application period, will be considered for evaluation and testing.

 EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) A written examination
3) Skills testing
4) One or more interviews
5) A pre-employment psychological examination
6) A pre-employment drug test