Worcester County

Worcester County Emergency Services Communications Clerk Qualifications

The Worcester County Emergency Services department periodically has openings for Communications Clerk Trainees. The process starts with a three hour written exam designed to test the applicant's ability to make good judgment decisions, take detailed written notes and dispatch closest appropriate units. Once the tests have been scored interviews are set with the Human Resources Director, along with the Director and Assistant Director of Emergency Services. Candidates are screened on their speaking ability, attitude and overall personal presentation. Those offered employment, who accepts, must also undergo a criminal background check and drug and alcohol testing.

The new applicant must be willing to work any shift assigned, which will include nights, weekends and holidays. Applicants are also made aware that since this is a critical part of public safety to the citizens of Worcester County they are required to report to work when other county offices may be closed due to weather or other extreme conditions. They are also subject to call back due to shift shortages or extreme workload in the dispatch center.

All Communications Clerks begin their career with 3-weeks of training with the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Supervisor. This time is spent becoming acclimated to the department's Standard Operating Procedures, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, Verizon Vesta telephone equipment, county geography and roads. Once assigned to a shift the Communications Clerk Trainee will work under the direct supervision of a Shift Training Officer. During the probationary period (18-months) the Trainee must also attend, and pass, training as a Maryland/National Academy of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Emergency Telecommunicator, and the NAED Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD), and Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD). The Trainee must also attend and pass a class presented by the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System (MILES) that trains them on accessing criminal history and motor vehicle files.

Although a stressful job, there is a relatively low turnover rate within the department. Applications are accepted when advertised. To check for Communications Clerk or other county job offerings check the Worcester County Human Resources web site.