Police Radio Dispatcher Trainee / Police Communication Specialist

Police Communication Specialist

The Police Communication Specialist position is an entry level training position in the Communications Unit for the Police Department. Police Communication Specialists are required to handle the full range of telephone answering and dispatch functions. The key responsibilities for a Police Communication Specialist include receiving, answering, and processing 911 emergency and non-emergency calls; using a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to create calls for service; assigning priorities and type codes both to incoming calls and to the dispatch of calls for service; ability to remain calm in stressful situations and multitask; ability to interpret information from hysterical, incoherent, angry, and upset callers; and create crime and informational reports.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment. Candidates that are appointed will be required to attend the Basic Dispatch Academy held in house at the San Jose Police Department for eight (8) weeks. Candidates are paid when they begin academy training. After the academy, candidates will continue on-the-job training, rotating through a number of assignments and shifts. Mandatory overtime will be required during critical incidents or to maintain staffing levels. Wearing a uniform is required; however, uniform expenses are partially reimbursed. The wearing of a headset is also required and is purchased by the employer. Incumbents receive paid training beginning on their first day attending the Basic Dispatch Academy. These positions may require assignments to a Swing, Graveyard, or other non-standard shift; most work four 10-hour shifts followed by three days off. There is a shift differential payment of $2.25/hour for Swing Shift and $2.50/hour for Graveyard Shift.

Salary Ranges Police Communication Specialist - $91,837.20 - $111,602.40

Minimum Qualifications

Police Communication Specialist

Education and Experience: Completion of high school or equivalent (General Education Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate) AND one (1) year of experience working in public contact employment defined as customer service, a call center, or a closely related field where substantial face-to-face or over-the-phone contact was made with the public.

Other Qualifications

Competencies The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include: Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts. Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel. Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor. Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills. Decision Making - Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions. Multi-Tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current positions. Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and effective manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate. Initiative - Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education that promotes job performance.

Selection Process Application status updates will be provided approximately one to two weeks after the job announcement closes. Depending on the availability of positions, not all candidates may advance to the background process after passing the oral board interview. Additional information will be provided at the mandatory information session. The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only those candidates whose background best match the position will be forwarded to the next phase of the selection process, which includes an Information Session, Computer Practical (CRITICALL) and Oral Interview. Applicants deemed most competitive after oral interviews will be required to pass a police background investigation, which includes polygraph, medical examination, and psychological screening. For more information regarding the Background Process click HERE . Mandatory Information Session: Attending Information session is mandatory to move forward to the CRITICALL Exam. The Information Session provides applicants with more details regarding the day to day duties of the position(s) and an overall understanding of the hiring and training process as well as information regarding the Background Process and requirements. Computer Practical (CRITICALL): The City of San Jose Police Department administers the CRITICALL Exam during the recruitment process. The CRITICALL exam is a Pass/Fail computer practical where applicants listen to a series of taped exercises, which require applicants to rapidly and accurately process simulated dispatch information. Timeline: Recruitment Process - September - December 2026 Backgrounds - December 2026 - June 2027 Hire Date: July 2027 TIMELINE AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Benefits

The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits page for detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage. For information on the City's Retirement Plan (pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. In addition to the benefits above, there is an additional perks site to explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.