In the city of Henderson emergency dispatchers are called communications operators and work for the Henderson Police in the 9-1-1 Call Center. They are hired by the city of Henderson to answer and dispatch both emergency and non-emergency calls for EMS, fire, and police calls. For this reason there is always a need for highly professional people with strong decision making capabilities in the Henderson 9-1-1 call center.
Factors which contribute to Henderson’s need for qualified communication’s operators include:
- Henderson has a relatively high rate of violent crime. Your chances of being a victim of property crime in Henderson are 1 in 29.
- Your chances of being a victim of violent crime in Henderson are 1 in 200.
- In 2012 Henderson logged 14 murders, 29 rapes, and over 700 assaults.
The steps to becoming communications operator in Henderson are as follows:
 | Meet Education and Job Requirements |
 | Apply For a Position in Henderson |
 | On-the-Job Training |
 | Get Certifications |
Step 1. Meet Education and Job Requirements
In order to become a communications operator in Henderson you must have at least graduated from high school or obtained a high school equivalent (GED.) In order to put yourself in the best position to be accepted for the job position you should consider obtaining a degree from a local college or university. This will put you in a better competitive position and also prepare you for some of the challenges you will face on the job.
Check with local college and universities for courses of study which will help to prepare you for your career a communications operator including:
- Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This degree is an excellent degree to peruse because it goes directly to the heart of your job duties as a communications operator. You will learn how to handle emergencies and help to keep the public safe in times of danger.
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. This is another good degree to seek. You will be trained in theory and practice related to the criminal justice system. This training, and the skills you earn in the pursuit of this degree, can be used to help keep callers and law enforcement agents safe.
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. If you are are looking to truly accelerate your career a degree in organizational leadership may be appropriate. This will not only help you prepare to lead callers to the best resolution to their immediate satiation, but it will also help prepare you to lead a team of communications operators.
Communications operators in Henderson are paid a salary of $30.21 – $34.59 hourly. There are several minimum qualifications you will need in order to be considered for the position including:
- 18 years of age
- Ability to work any scheduled shift, which may be scheduled 24 hours per day 7 days per week
- Ability to accurately input 4200 keystrokes per hour on a computer keyboard
- Obtain Medical Priority Dispatch System certification within 1 year of hire
- Obtain Fire Priority Dispatch System certification within 1 year of hire
- Obtain CPR certification within 1 year of hire
Step 2. Apply For a Position in Henderson
You must apply for the position by going to this website and searching for an opening. Click on the communications operator job title. At the top of the page you will see a link which says “Apply.” Click this link. If you have not registered for the jobs website, you will be prompted to register. Fill out the application and submit. The application will include a questionnaire which will help determine your qualification to proceed.
Step 3. On-the-Job Training
You will need to continue to develop your abilities in order to adequately perform your job functions. Some of the skills you will be required to develop on the job include:
- Develop through knowledge of dispatch protocols and techniques
- Develop through knowledge of Henderson rules, regulations, and policies
- Develop through knowledge of federal, state, and local laws
- Develop knowledge of how to work job related technology including telephones and computers
Step 4. Get Certifications
As a condition of your employment you will be required to get the following certifications:
- Medical Priority Dispatch System certification.
- Fire Priority Dispatch System certification
- CPR certification