Public Safety Communications Dispatcher I (Full-Time/Part-Time)

Job Purpose

Monthly Stipend Full Time - $1,000 Part Time - $500 To be considered for this position, please attach the following to your application: An Official Typing Certificate (not obtained online and dated within one year) +40 wpm.

Under direction, receives 911 emergency police and non-emergency calls. Dispatches officers to assignments according to established public safety procedures based upon the interpretation of incoming calls. Operates various telecommunications center equipment in a highly stressful assignment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Disclaimer - This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed. In other cases, related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Receives and evaluates all 911 calls, police and fire emergency and non-emergency calls, and business calls.
• Dispatches police units and animal control units to emergency or non emergency locations.
• Provides dispatching and communications services to Municipal Code Enforcement Officer, Probation Officers, and Community Service Officer Personnel.
• Operates multi-channel radio system, maintaining radio contact with mobile and portable units.
• Recognizes units from other agencies and assists them with City units or supplies requested information. Transfers non- emergency and business calls to appropriate parties.
• Manages telephone inquiries and complaints.
• Logs and fills out call forms and maintains records of radio calls and monitors radio traffic.
• Calls out appropriate technicians to make repairs on malfunctioning equipment.
• Responds to officer-initiated radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information.
• Monitors closed circuit security cameras.
• Maintains and accesses business and premise history and indexes files for emergency and other necessary contacts.
• Handles in-house and radio paging activities and other after-hours phone lines.
• Maintains a variety of bulletins, lists, ledgers, logs, and files containing information needed by officers in the field.
• Dispenses information contained therein upon request of officers or their supervisors.
• Changes communications audio tapes to provide continuous record of police department emergency communications, and maintains tapes in accordance with current law and procedure.
• Provides court testimony.
• Interfaces with police command staff concerning shift issues.
• Assists female Custodial Officers with clerical requirements and taking photographs of inmates
• Assists in the training of new Public Safety Communication Operators.
• Performs a variety of other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities. Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of PC's and related software.
• Operation of dispatch communications equipment.
• Use of oral and written English, spelling punctuation and composition.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Operation of standard office equipment.
• Police terminology and related emergency radio and telephone communications procedures.

Skilled in:

• Reading, spelling, interpreting and applying procedures and policies.
• Performing detailed work.
• Assessing and prioritizing emergency situations and information.
• Attending to multiple and simultaneous activities and information sources.
• Operating standard office equipment.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Communicating with the public.
• Preparing reports.
• Reading and interpreting street maps.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Operate a PC and related software
• Maintain effective working relationships
• Pass an initial comprehensive background investigation.
• Wear standardized apparel
• Function within a structured "chain-of-command" environment.
• Operate a keyboard with a tested speed of at least 40 words per minute.
• Read, understand, interpret, and apply established City dispatching codes, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Apply principles, practices, and techniques used in public safety dispatching to available City equipment.
• Operate a complex radio dispatch/information system.
• Remain calm and focused and make rapid judgments under sustained highly stressful emergency conditions.
• Understand and comply with broadcasting procedures and FCC regulations.
• Be consistent in meeting employment obligations by reporting on time and working full workdays and workweeks, as assigned.
• Must be willing to work evenings, nights, weekends and holiday shifts on a rotational basis, and remain on duty or respond to recall when paged and physically available in order to maintain minimum staffing levels.

LICENSES and CERTIFICATES:

• High School Diploma or an equivalent certificate or diploma recognized by the State of California.
• Possess a Certificate of Graduation from a Public Safety Dispatcher Training Course or acquire it within one (1) year of appointment or employment.

Education and/or Experience

• Associate's Degree or two (2) full academic years of attendance at an accredited college or university with a major or emphasis in criminology, law enforcement/administration of justice, behavioral science or related field, preferred
• Graduation from an armed forces radio school, preferred.
• Familiarity with police terminology, preferred.
• One (1) to Two (2) years of experience in a dispatching role with a law enforcement agency, other radio dispatching role, armed forces radio experience, or serving as a reserve peace officer with a police or sheriff department is desirable.

Selection Process: Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview and testing processes. Reference checks, Live Scan, background investigations, psychological testing, and pre-employment physicals including drug testing are part of the employment process and background standards.