Lead Public Safety Dispatcher

Lead Public Safety Dispatcher

The City of Covina is accepting applications for the position of Lead Public Safety Dispatcher with the Police Department. Under general supervision, provides coordination and oversight of the activities of the Public Safety Communications Division including providing lead worker support, evaluate performance of assigned personnel, programs and operations. Participates in the work of civilian personnel responsible for the day-to-day operations in the Communications Division. Receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel; learns applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

The Lead Public Safety Dispatcher is a lead senior-level classification responsible for assisting with overseeing, directing, and coordinating a broad range of complex technical, administrative, and operational support functions within the Public Safety Communications Division. This position is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher classification by its advanced knowledge of records management operations, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements, as well as its expanded scope of responsibility and leadership authority. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and service standards; keeps superior informed on events affecting area of responsibility, particularly personnel problems, complaints, and other occurrences having an impact on the department or City.

Receives general supervision from the Administrative Lieutenant and Police Support Services Manager. Exercises direct and indirect lead worker responsibilities and provides leadership guidance and support to Public Safety Dispatchers.

Essential functions include accepting lead worker responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the Public Safety Communications Division; assisting in the planning, coordination and assigning of work assignments, work schedules, reviews and participates in the work of assigned staff; assisting in the training, motivation, and performance evaluation of assigned personnel; monitoring staff activities to ensure adherence to safety standards, work quality, accuracy, and confidentiality requirements; and assisting with reviewing, implementing, and updating policies and procedures.

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading work related documents and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone, dispatch and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Qualifications include any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Lead Public Safety Dispatcher. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher and a high school diploma or equivalent. License/Certificate: Possession of an Advanced Post Dispatcher Certificate within eleven (11) months of appointment.

Knowledge of modern office administrative practices and procedures; location of major streets, public places and landmarks in the City of Covina; public and agency desk procedures; methods of providing services and information; ability to learn alphanumeric code systems; Federal Communications Commission regulations governing voice radio and telephone communications; proper operation and care of voice radio and telephone equipment; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to perform a variety of complex work with speed and accuracy; remain calm under emergency situations; learn to operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems; work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overtime and rotating shifts; wear a department uniform; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to effectively operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems.

The City of Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Covina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Covina complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The City of Covina expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Covina's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.