Public Safety Dispatcher (Lateral)

Job Title

The City of San Luis Obispo has an exciting opportunity for Lateral Dispatchers!

Job Description

Operates radio systems to dispatch public safety emergency vehicles and personnel, answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls and provides pre-arrival medical emergency instructions. Performs a variety of clerical activities and related work as required.

Employees in this line-level classification perform the full range of assigned duties. They must be able to work in an independent manner, receiving only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Public Safety Dispatchers are fully competent and knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies within the City and the Police and Fire Departments. They are responsible for responding to a wide variety of calls and requests in an appropriate and timely manner. This requires a thorough knowledge of public safety dispatch procedures and standards as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Public Safety Dispatchers are expected to work shifts including weekends, nights, holidays, and irregular shifts, which may be on short notice. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of the Public Safety Dispatchers.

Supervision

Works under the general supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor and the Watch Commander. Employees in this classification participate in providing general instruction and training to new dispatchers or other staff.

Examples Of Duties

Example of duties and responsibilities:

• Receives information and requests for services from the public via telephone and Text to 9-1-1.
• Receives information via radio over numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies.
• Uses various computer programs to provide resource information to field units, other agencies, and the public.
• Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems.
• Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure officer and citizen safety.
• Communicates in a calm, clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Dispatches emergency police, fire, and other City resources/vehicles to scenes of requests for service in accordance with established policies and procedures. Prioritizes and assigns appropriate resources for emergency and non-emergency service calls.
• Provides medical pre-arrival instructions using established emergency medical dispatch protocols.
• Maintains computerized and paper indexes of information in the communications center.
• Disseminates information on wanted persons, property, warrants, etc.
• Responsible for proper care of communications equipment. Maintains security for confidential or restricted information.
• Participates in training program and utilizes acquired knowledge to train other unit members.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

Typical Qualifications

Education and experience: Entry Level High School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.; and Two years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience with word processing speed of at least 40 w.p.m. net; and Successful completion of a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection exam before hire. Experience operating radio and telephone equipment and data entry terminals is desirable. Lateral In addition to the above: A minimum of one year experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency. Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) experience is preferred. Possession of a California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate.

This position will be required to complete the following before a final offer is made: Polygraph, Police Background Investigation, Pre-employment Physical, Credit Check, Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI).