Police Radio Dispatcher Trainee / Police Communication Specialist

The San Jose Police Department is dedicated to providing public safety through community partnerships and 21st Century Policing practices, ensuring equity for all. The Department is committed to treating all of San Jose's diverse community members with dignity, fairness, and respect, while protecting their rights and providing equal protection under the law. 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. Receive, answer, and process 911 emergency and non‑emergency calls. Use a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to create calls for service. Assign priorities and type codes to incoming calls and dispatch of calls for service. Remain calm in stressful situations and multitask. Interpret information from hysterical, incoherent, angry, and upset callers. Create crime and informational reports. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this or other divisions or departments. If interested, apply to ensure consideration for additional opportunities. Candidates 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 may be required during critical incidents or to maintain staffing levels. Uniform is required; uniform expenses are partially reimbursed. A headset is required and is purchased by the employer. Incumbents receive paid training beginning with their first day attending the Basic Dispatch Academy. These positions may require assignment to a Swing, Graveyard, or other non‑standard shift; most work four 10‑hour shifts followed by three days off. Shift differential payment is $2.25/hour for Swing Shift and $2.50/hour for Graveyard Shift. Police Radio Dispatcher Trainee The Police Radio Dispatcher Trainee position is an entry level training position in the Communications Unit of the Police Department. Learn to dispatch police personnel and equipment on both routine and emergency calls utilizing the CAD system, video display terminals, radio dispatching consoles, etc. Answer the telephone and receive emergency, non‑emergency, and 9‑1‑1 requests for assistance. Inquire, interpret, verify, receive, and disseminate information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, etc. Participate in field training exercises as needed to fully develop dispatching skills. Perform all related learning and testing activities. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this or other divisions or departments. If interested, apply to ensure consideration for additional opportunities. Formal training in the classroom and in the field will be provided. Police Radio Dispatcher Trainees must complete the training program and be appointed to the class of Police Radio Dispatcher to retain employment. Successful candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills, strong customer service skills, and the ability to retain composure and work accurately under pressure in emergency situations. Candidates appointed will attend the Basic Dispatch Academy for eight (8) weeks. After completing this portion, they will begin a five (5) week Radio Academy and training program as a Police Radio Dispatcher. Mandatory overtime may be required during critical incidents or to maintain staffing levels. Uniform is required; uniform expenses are partially reimbursed. A headset is required and is purchased by the employer. Incumbents receive paid training beginning with their first day attending the Basic Dispatch Academy. These positions may require assignment to a Swing, Graveyard, or other non‑standard shift; most work four 10‑hour shifts followed by three days off. Shift differential payment is $2.25/hour for Swing Shift and $2.50/hour for Graveyard shift. Salary Ranges Police Communication Specialist – $91,837.20 - $111,602.40 Police Radio Dispatcher Trainee – $98,563.92 (after training completed, salary range for Police Radio Dispatcher is $109,418.40 - $133,049.28) These amounts include an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non‑pensionable pay. Education and Experience Police Communication Specialist: Completion of high school or equivalent (GED 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. Police Radio Dispatcher Trainee: Successful completion of high school and one year of experience receiving, processing and/or dispatching calls in a radio dispatch or call center OR successful completion of high school and one (1) year of experience working in public contact employment. NOTE: Public contact employment is 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. Competencies Job Expertise – Knowledge of professional/technical principles, procedures, policies, and regulations. Communication Skills – Conveys information clearly, orally and in writing; listens effectively; is open to others' ideas. Computer Skills – Experienced with MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel. Customer Service – Anticipates customers' needs; delivers services effectively and efficiently. Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills – Builds effective relationships with co‑workers and supervisors. Decision Making – Identifies issues, problems, opportunities; chooses appropriate actions. Multi‑Tasking – Handles multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously. Reliability – Completes work assignments in a timely and effective manner. Initiative – Exhibits proactive problem‑solving and pursuit of continuing education. Background Check Passing a San Jose Police Department background check, including but not limited to a polygraph examination, medical examination and psychological evaluation is a condition of employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr