Public Safety Dispatcher (Entry-Level)

About the role

The City of Campbell's Police Department seeks a Public Safety Dispatcher to handle routine and emergency telephone, radio, and computer messages; keep detailed records; and perform related tasks.

Responsibilities

• Answers all telephone calls promptly and courteously;
• Makes rapid and accurate determination of the nature of each call and the degree, severity, and location of any emergency;
• Refers non-emergency callers to the appropriate agency or other resource;
• Questions emergency callers to elicit complete and accurate information necessary for emergency response and enters information in the computer-aided dispatch system;
• Gathers information using multiple audio and visual resources;
• Selects emergency response units in exact accordance with established user agency policies and procedures;
• Promptly and properly alerts response units in exact accordance with user agency policies and procedures;
• Maintains current status on all field units;
• Closely monitors any situation presenting a potential danger to the life or safety of field personnel and takes immediate action to dispatch assistance as required;
• Maintains radio contact with field units and enforces proper channel control, discipline, and courtesy;
• Maintains records and logs reflecting the outcome and details of emergency incidents;
• Participates in training and evaluation activities to establish and maintain a high level of proficiency;
• Accesses automated law enforcement systems, inputs data and information, and makes accurate entries into automated record files in accordance with applicable laws, statutes and Department of Justice requirements;
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED may be substituted for a high school diploma);
• One year of successful full-time responsible experience performing work where the essential functions of the job involved public contact, computer usage or heavy telephone traffic.

Required Documents

• Proof of successful completion of the following: Typing Certificate certifying a minimum of 40 wpm dated within one year of the application date;
• Either CritiCall Dispatcher test with a passing score dated within one year of the application date, or
• P.O.S.T. Entry-level Dispatcher Test with a T-score of 50 or above.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Standard communications principles and methods for public service dispatch activities;
• Standard office procedures and methods, including filing and the operation of common office equipment;
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar;
• Communicate clearly and concisely with persons under extreme emotional stress;
• Operate a computer aided-dispatch system;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in their course of work including the general public;
• Type into a computer terminal at a net rate of 40 words per minute;
• Quickly learn the policies, procedures and performance standards pertaining to the work;
• Hear accurately and distinctly;
• Speak clearly and precisely;
• Write legibly;
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals;
• Work in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work area;
• Work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record;
• View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditions;
• Distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals;
• Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources;
• Work continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of time;
• Perform a high standard of customer service, professional conduct and civic responsibility.

Special Conditions

• Incumbents must have the ability to work, as assigned, on schedules that may include Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and non-traditional work hours;
• A willingness to work overtime as required.

Supplemental Information

• Applications are only accepted online.
• Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Resumes should be attached separately. Please do not substitute “see resume” on the employment history section of the applications.
• Your application application is incomplete, you do not answer the supplemental questions, or if the required documents are not included in your application packet.

Testing Process

• Following initial screening of applications and supplemental questions, those applicants with the most appropriate qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process.
• Online typing certificates will be accepted.
• If you do not have a typing certificate and would like to take the test in person, please schedule an appointment at a vocational school or a staffing agency.

Lateral Applicants

• Lateral applicants that are currently employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher (non-probationary) do not need to submit proof of test scores, however a California POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate is required.
• Prior to hiring, applicants must pass a background investigation, a polygraph examination, a psychological exam, and a medical examination.

Special Notes

• Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment.
• All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and may include polygraph and/or psychological testing.