Emergency Services Dispatcher (OA) Job in Montgomery County, MD

Vacancy No. NIH-ORS-DE-25-12644318 Department National Institutes of Health
Salary $51,442.00 to $82,305.00 Grade 6 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/6/2025 Close Date 1/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Montgomery County, MD


Summary

If you have experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher and/or in the operation of police, fire, and security radios, fire and security alarms, and closed circuit television systems that are utilized in a communication center, AND you want to play a significant role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) team. For more information, visit. http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/Pages/home.aspx.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. Foreign nationals or legal permanent residents are not eligible for consideration.

Duties

As an Emergency Services Dispatcher (OA), the incumbent works primarily independently, displays full knowledge, skill, and efficiency in most work and continues to develop and/or enhance already learned knowledge, skills, and abilities to complete work listed below. The major duties and responsibilities include:

  • Monitors primary, secondary, and emergency police and fire radio frequencies keeping track of units that have been dispatched, busy, out of service, etc.
  • Writes clearly, concisely, distinctly, and readily understood in the English language when taking notes, entering data into data systems, or completing other types of written reports or documentation.
  • Correctly evaluates, prioritizes, and initiates the appropriate level of response and/or equipment for each call.
  • Receives emergency 911 and non-emergency calls from the public for Police, Fire, Guard, and other collateral support and evaluates, prioritizes, and initiates the appropriate level of response and/or equipment for each call with minimal supervision.
  • Maintains continuous contact with the caller during emergency situations and provides instruction regarding actions to take pending the arrival of police, fire, or medical response forces.
  • Proficient in the use of ECC equipment, including, but not limited to a CAD system, 911 emergency call lines, Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) system; automated telephone integration system displaying registered caller address and phone number, and communications tracking systems that track and report all incoming and outgoing calls.
  • Understands the operation, use, and functionality of telecommunications and access control devices associated with the vehicle and pedestrian entrances and properly employs these devices to control vehicle and pedestrian traffic ingress and egress appropriately.
  • Proficient in using the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system accurately, wherein status of Police and Fire response forces are tracked, and data on citizen complaints, and other reported events, including response codes, clearance codes, personal information, and summaries are officially entered for official reporting purposes.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • This position requires weekend hours, nights, rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.
  • If selected, you will be covered by a bargaining unit (union).
  • If selected, you must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
  • This is a testing designated position. Incumbent must submit to and successfully pass a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment.
  • The Incumbent will also be subject to unannounced random drug testing for the duration of their time in this position.
  • If selected, you must be able to obtain and maintain the required certifications: Emergency Numbers State Board (ENSB)/Public Safety Telecommunications I, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch, and Emergency Police Dispatch.
  • If selected, you must attend recurring training on Customer Service for Dispatchers and Cultural Diversity Awareness.
  • If selected, you must obtain and maintain required certification on the Maryland Electronic Telecommunications Enforcement Resource System (METERS), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).
  • If selected, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Basic Life Support Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Qualifications

You qualify at the GS-06 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) assisting in receiving and dispatching 911 emergency or non-emergency service requests; 2) using software applications to prepare documentation, reports, or other office support materials; and 3) communicate information to emergency personnel through an automated system i.e., Emergency Communications Center (ECC).

You qualify at the GS-07 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) using correct response codes and terminology in dispatching and logging police and fire radio and telephone communications; 2) operating police, fire, and security radios, fire and security alarms, and closed circuit television systems that are utilized in a communication center; 3) documenting pertinent facts and taking notes while communicating by telephone, radio, or computer, and 4) reconstructing or transcribing notes; and assembling, preparing, and documenting written information.

You qualify at the GS-08 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) responding to the requests of police and fire units, acknowledging radio transmission and providing requested information and/or dispatching other support units as necessary; 2) maintaining contact with the caller during emergency situations and providing instructions regarding actions to take pending the arrival of police, fire, or medical response forces; 3) recognizing the elements of situations, incidents, and crimes in order to associate and enter the correct call type code into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) for official reporting.

In addition, you must be able to type at least 40 or more words per minute.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12644318

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information



  • This position is designated as an "emergency essential" position and the selected candidate will be considered an "emergency essential" employee and will be required to be available, ready, willing, and able to report for duty under all circumstances (e.g., inclement weather, government closings and holidays, lapses in appropriations, non-emergency and emergency situations) for operation 24 hours a day and 365 days per year coverage.
  • NIH may repay certain outstanding Federally insured student loans to facilitate the recruitment and retention of highly qualified people. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
  • We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions.
  • The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
  • The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
  • Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process.
  • Visit our Total Compensation page and this sample for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement, and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment.
  • If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Factor 1: Knowledge of the operation of police, fire, and security radios, fire and security alarms, and closed circuit television systems that are utilized in a communication center.
  • Factor 2: Ability to document pertinent facts and take notes while communicating by telephone, radio, or computer, and to reconstruct or transcribe notes for logs or records.
  • Factor 3: Skill in collaborating with others and maintaining effective working relationships.
  • Factor 4: Ability to assemble, prepare, and document written information and reports.


If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application and responses to the online questionnaire will be evaluated under Category Rating and selection procedures for placement in one of the following categories:
  • Best Qualified - for those who are superior in the evaluation criteria
  • Well Qualified - for those who excel in the evaluation criteria
  • Qualified - for those who only meet the minimum qualification requirements
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Applicants determined to be Best Qualified will be referred for further consideration. Preference eligibles in the Best Qualified category are referred before all other applicants.

To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry and substantively exceed the basic qualifications by scoring at least an 85 on the assessment and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.

Required Documents

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS
RESUME:
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We cannot assume you have performed the necessary experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career.

To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:

  1. Job title
  2. Name of employer
  3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)
  4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
  5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)
  6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position)

If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you must list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.

Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.

For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: NIH Jobs website, USAJOBS Resource Center, and the USAJOBS Resume Writing Video Tutorial.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
You must submit a completed assessment questionnaire.

Unless otherwise stated, we will only use the information above to determine your qualifications. Not providing the required information may result in a determination that you do not meet minimum requirements for the position (e.g., an ineligible rating) or a lower rating.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PREFERENCE OR ELIGIBILITY CLAIMS
To claim veterans' preference, career transition selection priority, Schedule A or military spouse eligibility, you must provide the documentation listed below AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire.
  • Veterans' preference (DD-214, VA Disability Letter, etc.): Reference Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for required documentation for 10 point claims. Submission of SF-15 is not required, unless you are claiming derived preference (XP) as described in questions 7, 8, or 9 on the SF-15. In those cases, you must submit a completed SF-15 and the required documentation. For 5 point claims, you must submit your DD-214 (if separated) or any written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
  • Visit our sites on Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) for more information and required documentation.
  • Visit our site on the Appointment of Certain Military Spouses for more information and required documentation to verify eligibility.
  • Schedule A Eligibility (Applicants with Disabilities) Applicants who are eligible to be considered under Schedule A must submit appropriate documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation must be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter must be printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. Veterans' preference takes precedence in these appointments.

The Schedule A and military spouse hiring authorities do not guarantee employment or give an individual preference in the hiring process.

If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible, or you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility.

Do not submit documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please read and follow all instructions in this announcement, complete the online application, and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on 01/15/2025 to receive consideration.

  1. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply.
  2. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. See the "Required Documents" section for any additional forms and/or supplemental materials required.
  3. Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly to any Eligibility you wish to claim. You will only be considered for those Eligibility questions (Status Applicant, Reinstatement, Schedule A, etc.) you respond in the affirmative to, regardless of what documentation you submit. We cannot assume you intended to respond differently to a question based on other information in your application package.
  4. Complete the assessment questionnaire. Applicants are asked all questions regardless of their consideration preferences. We will only consider you for the grades, series, locations, specialties, and other considerations that you self-identify as being qualified for or interested in. Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12644318
  5. Verify all required documentation is included in your application package, review your responses to the assessment questionnaire for accuracy, and then submit your application.
In addition to the required documents, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, copy of your transcripts, and any applicable certifications or licenses. Even though this information is not required at the time of application, we may request this information later.

We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements. For technical difficulties, contact HR Systems Support between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ET Monday through Friday at hrss@nih.gov.

If you need any other accommodation or assistance with applying, please contact Lori Palmer at palmerlom@mail.nih.gov. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date.

NIH's EEO and Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement

Visit the NIH's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion site for information on NIH's EEO program, Reasonable accommodation procedures, laws, policy statements, and the operation of the EEO complaint process.

Agency contact information

Lori Palmer
Address
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgement email. You will be notified of the status of your applications via email. In addition, you can track the progress of your application package through your USAJOBS account.

At the discretion of the agency, you may be contacted via phone or email for an interview or to provide additional information up to several months from the closing date of the announcement. Please ensure you have provided accurate contact information. To remain in consideration, you must respond in a timely manner to our correspondence and requests for documentation or information throughout the hiring process.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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