Police Dispatcher

Montebello Unified School District

Salary: $26.30 - $34.58 Hourly

Location: Montebello and Bell Gardens, CA

Job Type: On Call

Job Number: 26-06-SPD-AN-RS

Department: Pupil and Community Services

Position Information

This is an open competitive recruitment to create an eligibility list for an as-needed position. Successful candidates are expected to work eight (8) hours a day, five (5) days a week. Candidates must submit proof of all supporting documents to be considered for the recruitment process. Failure to attach any one of the required documents will result in disqualification from the recruitment. Final candidates will undergo a comprehensive background investigation to verify personal history including, but not limited to: financial responsibility, criminal history, drug use, driving record and supplemental application materials before a selection is made.

Duration of eligibility list: Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list that will remain valid for six months from the date of approval by the Personnel Commission.

General Purpose

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, performs responsible dispatching duties to assist School Police in timely responses to routine and emergency calls, monitors alarm equipment and security cameras; receives and transmits routine and emergency radio messages; receives telephone calls; prepares various reports, logs, correspondence and files; and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This single position classification exercises independent thinking and judgment when receiving and responding to calls, alarms in schools and offices; initiates, receives, and transmits radio messages; dispatches School Police patrol units.

Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Monitors alarm equipment and security cameras and receives incoming emergency and routine radio and telephone calls; determines appropriate action based upon available information; secures and records necessary information regarding nature and location of incidents; dispatches necessary police, fire or other emergency resources according to established procedures.
2. Maintains contact with District School Police and dispatches units to assigned intrusion calls.
3. Receives telephone calls from public reporting irregularities and incidents at schools or other District facilities.
4. Inputs information into computer, collects and files information regarding incidents and departmental activity; compiles data, prepares and types reports and memorandums as assigned.
5. Operates a variety of departmental equipment such as two-way radio communication system and radio/transmit monitor, computer terminal, telephone and copier.
6. Assists individuals in person or over the telephone with limited or non-English speaking persons as related to emergency and non-emergency situations.
7. Processes and maintains a variety of confidential information as necessary.
8. May operate a District vehicle.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

1. Basic principles of public safety dispatching and related codes.
2. Techniques of maintaining composure in emergency situations.
3. Correct oral and written usage of English.
4. Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
5. Operation of a computer terminal.
6. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy in person and over the telephone.
7. Technical aspects of field of specialty.

Ability to:

1. Monitor alarm equipment and security cameras; receive and transmit routine and emergency radio messages; receive telephone calls.
2. Reason and respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations in a calm and efficient manner.
3. Speak clearly and concisely over communications systems.
4. Understand and follow oral and written directions.
5. Learn to interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
6. Operate a variety of departmental equipment such as two-way radio communications system and radio/transmit monitor, computer terminal, telephone and copier.
7. Prioritize emergency situations.
8. Compile and enter data while speaking on the radio or telephone.
9. Operate a computer terminal with speed and accuracy.
10. Perform clerical duties such as filing and typing records and reports.
11. Maintain confidentiality and work with discretion.
12. Complete work independently with many interruptions.
13. Operate a computer terminal and computer using word processing, spreadsheet and other business software.
14. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
15. Work rotating shifts including a variety of holiday, evening and weekend hours.
16. May be required to work extended hours as requested or in emergency situations.
17. Maintain a safe working environment.

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Graduation from high school, G.E.D. equivalent, or higher.
• One (1) year of experience in dispatching in a police or security environment.
• One (1) year of general clerical experience.
• Completion of a P.O.S.T. approved Dispatcher Course.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• A valid Driver License and evidence of automobile insurability is required.
• Bilingual in Spanish is desirable.
• Incumbents must wear District assigned attire provided by the District.
• Final candidates will undergo a comprehensive background investigation to verify personal history including, but not limited to: financial responsibility, criminal history, drug use, driving record and supplemental application materials.
• The review of suitability for employment will also include an examination by a licensed psychologist, and a medical examination.

Physical and Mental Demands: Sitting and operating a keyboard to enter data into a computer terminal for extended periods of time. Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone. Vision needed to read a variety of reports and materials. Wearing headsets and working in a closely situated area is required. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.

Examination Information

Applications may be rejected for any appropriate reason including, but not limited to, the following: late, incomplete or illegible application materials; failure to clearly demonstrate minimum qualifications on the application materials; a record of unsatisfactory service or dismissal from the classified service; conviction of certain offenses; false, misleading statements or omissions of information on application materials. The Personnel Commission's Staff also reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to those whose qualifications best meet the needs of the District. The examination process may consist of any of the following: an evaluation of training and experience, a written test of job knowledge, a performance test, an appraisal interview, and/or any other tests determined by the Personnel Department. Candidates must successfully complete all parts of the recruitment process to be placed on the eligibility list. Applicants will be notified, via e-mail, of their qualification status. The Montebello Unified School District shall assume no responsibility for late notice, delays, or non-delivery of applicant notices due to mail service. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the Classified Personnel Department in writing of any address and/or telephone number change.

Following the final filing date, a review and evaluation of applicants' training and experience will be conducted. Based on that evaluation, applicants whose training and experience best meet the current needs of the District will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process.

The Personnel Commission reserves the right to change, alter, cancel, add or modify examination parts, as well as weights and dates.

Applicants with Disabilities Individuals with disabilities (as covered in the Americans with Disabilities Act) may request that reasonable accommodations be given during the examination process. Applicants must notify the Classified Personnel Office, at the time of filing the application, the type of accommodations being requested. Candidates may be required to provide documentation supporting the need for reasonable accommodations when the request is made.

All employment offers are conditional, based upon the successful completion of the following: Fingerprint/background clearance, medical examination by a District approved physician, and a test for tuberculosis.

Benefits

The District offers eligible employees and their dependents medical insurance coverage with