Public Safety Dispatcher (Lateral)

About the role

The City of Campbell's Police Department seeks to hire a Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher. This position involves answering and transmitting routine and emergency telephone, radio, and computer messages, keeping police records, and performing 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

Knowledge and 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

Essential Duties and Physical Abilities

• General office environment
• Sit and/or stand for long periods of time
• Repetitive keyboarding
• Reach, squat, lift, and carry up to 25 pounds
• Able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Campbell

Special Conditions

• Must have the ability to work, as assigned, on schedules that may include Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and non-traditional work hours
• 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

Other Requirements

• 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

Supplemental Questions

• I have read and understand this important information.
• Have you attached the necessary Typing Certificate result?
• Describe how you manage stressful situations and provide an example of how you incorporated those skills in a stressful situation as it relates to a Public Safety Dispatcher.
• Please describe in detail your experience working in a fast paced environment with frequently changing priorities, with each task still holding significant importance.
• Where did you hear about this position?