Public Safety Dispatcher

The City of Oxnards Police Department is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher with strong technical and customer service skills to be part of the team. This individual must be comfortable multitasking and maintaining composure in stressful situations. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time extensive keyboarding and operation of a mouse foot controls wearing of a headset and wearing of a uniform.

• Receives all 911 calls for the City; determines the nature and location of the emergency; utilizes various systems to convert latitude and longitude on wireless 911 calls to locate the caller; determines priority and enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) to be forwarded to the appropriate radio dispatcher or other agencies.

• Remains on the line with the caller in emergency situations until law enforcement arrives on scene to provide assistance.

• Utilizes very good customer service skills on all calls and calming techniques on calls involving hysterical or upset callers.

• Obtains information from callers and determines if the incident contains the necessary elements of criminal activity as defined in the California Penal Code Vehicle Code Welfare and Institutions Code and/or the Health and Safety Code.

• Hears multiple conversations simultaneously distinguishing between voices and sources to obtain relevant information quickly and accurately.

• Simultaneously receives keys in and transmits information and field assignments to units in the field; maintains contact and monitors status of field units; coordinates activity of up to 50 units on various dynamic incidents; enters and updates information on a computerized system.

• Answers non-emergency calls for service determines type of assistance required and orders tow trucks public works personnel or other appropriate personnel.

• Makes immediate decisions and reacts in a quick calm controlled and effective manner in emergency situations.

• Speaks clearly distinctly concisely and correctly over the radio and telephone.

• Reads understands and interprets complex maps; develops a working knowledge of the City of Oxnard geography including jurisdictional boundaries freeways roadways and landmarks.

• Obtains information utilizing computerized databases including Geofile municipal codes county ordinances assessors database phone/address cross-references DMV records driver license records wants and warrants restraining orders missing persons runaway juveniles probation status and parole status and transmits researched information to field units.

• Types accurately on computer keyboards and operates mouse and foot controls while conversing on the radio and/or telephone.

• Prioritizes tasks and performs multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced high-stress emergency work environment.

• Provides all pertinent information to officers and other emergency personnel and coordinates appropriate level of response to maintain their safety and the safety of others.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Payroll/Classification Title:
Public Safety Dispatcher

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Overall supervision is provided by the Communications Manager with technical or functional supervision being provided by a Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor. Upon assignment training may be provided by a Public Safety Dispatcher or Supervisor if needed for newly hired Public Safety Dispatchers in training.

This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Department.

• Receives records and assigns case numbers and prioritizes incoming calls for law enforcement fire medical emergency and other Department services.

• Dispatches units based on the nature of the call staff availability assigned geographical area and location of the call; monitors unit status.

• Answers incoming business and emergency calls; take complaints and requests for information from citizens and where appropriate refer calls to appropriate parties.

• Operates computerized law enforcement information systems to update information or retrieve information in response to officer requests and radio user status.

• Enters information into centralized law enforcement record-keeping systems. Confirms outstanding warrants with other agencies.

• Types and files a variety of information.

• Updates a variety of computerized and paper information files regarding Department activities such as missing persons stolen vehicles and warrants.

• Assists other law enforcement and fire agencies as necessary. Conducts basic maintenance activities on communication equipment.

• Notifies proper City authorities of emergencies after normal business hours.

• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public; provides information as is appropriate and resolves complaints.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE:

• No prior related experience required for this position. Previous experience with public contact is highly desirable.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATE:

• Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid class C California drivers license may be required for some positions.

• Possession of a Basic Dispatcher Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is required within the first 12 months of employment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to communicate in English effectively both orally and in writing.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Submit NEOGOV/Government Jobs online application.

• Complete and submit responses to the supplemental questions if required.

• Upload resume cover letter proof of degree (transcript) or other requested documents.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the online application and include the information only on the resume. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state see my resume or see my personnel file are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Cover letters and/or optional resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

The list of qualified candidates established from this recruitment may be used to fill other full-time part-time and temporary assignments.

Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough reference check and background investigation. Some positions that work with or have access to the Police Department may require a polygraph exam. Select positions may require candidates to undergo a pre-employment medical and/or psychological evaluation.

UNION MEMBERSHIP:
Positions in this classification are represented by the Oxnard Peace Officers Association (OPOA).

NOTE:
For most positions the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web-based enabled tools therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.

Regular and reliable attendance effective communication skills and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.

Employees are required to participate in the Citys direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

This position requires an 18-month probationary period. Internal applicant probationary periods will be governed by the applicable MOU.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100 all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.

This position is governed by the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex national origin age marital status medical condition disability or sexual orientation.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodations for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT:
On the first day of employment new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify please contact DHS. you have any questions regarding this recruitment please contact Vivian Morales at .

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.