Is this Career Right for You?

A self-evaluation questionnaire

Choosing a career as a 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Specialist may be one of the most rewarding decisions you will make. The position offers many opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others. You will be:

  • The First of the First Responders.
  • The on-scene first responder agencies partner on the front line.
  • Part of a team that maintains public safety.

This job is not for everyone. There are several realities of the position that you should understand as you consider if this career is the right choice for you. 

The following self-evaluation questionnaire is intended to help you determine whether a career as a 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Specialist is right for you. 

Each of the following statements describes an important quality, characteristic or consideration required in this job. It will help you determine if this is the career for you.

 

Job Fit: Ask yourself...YesNo
1.Am I committed to helping others in a public safety environment?
2.Am I accountable for my actions and live a lifestyle that is honest and free from illegal activities?
3.When exposed to traumatic, violent, or disturbing events, can I manage my emotions while completing essential job duties?
4.Do I have a support system in place at home for debriefing, managing and coping with stress?
5.Am I able to work well with others, be supportive and flexible?
6.Am I empathetic and willing to help someone who is experiencing an emergency?
7.Do I meet all of the minimum requirements of the job?
8.Do I have effective keyboarding skills and can I type 43 net words per minute with an accuracy rate of 95%?

  

Work Environment: Are you willing and able to...YesNo
1.Participate in pre-employment screening including drug testing, psychological screening and a background check?
2.Work in an environment that may require prolonged sitting, wearing a headset, tracking multiple computer screens, and be exposed to noise disturbances for an extended period of time?
3.Understand that I will be required to work weekends, holidays, birthdays and special occasions and the impact it may have on my personal and family life?
4.Work a shift that is 8 to 12 hours in length and work a rotating schedule that consists of a combination of day and night shifts to a support 24/7 work environment?
5.Communicate calmly and professionally with callers who are in various emotional states (e.g. angry, confused etc.) and may use profane language?
6.Work in an environment that requires managing sustained periods of moderate to high levels of stress?
7.Work in an environment that involves interaction with a diverse population of cultures, nationalities, and languages?

Results

If you answered No to any of these questions, this may not be the career for you at this time.

If you answered Yes to all of these questions we invite you fill out an application!