Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee

About the role

The City of Riverside seeks applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to twelve (12) months. Public Safety Dispatcher Trainees serve as the crucial connection between the public and law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming telephone calls on an assigned shift; input and retrieve information in a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Obtain and record information using a telephone system or mobile data computer (MDC) to enter emergency necessary law enforcement, fire medical and other emergency services such as ambulances and tow trucks.
• Compile data and maintain records of emergency recorded, equipment and personnel dispatched, and/or disposition of emergencies.
• Send, receive and decode teletype information.
• Provide a variety of public information relating to law enforcement or fire activities as permitted.
• Operate a variety of equipment such as a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, 9-1-1 telephone system and alarm monitoring system.
• Calm distressed citizens on the phone.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.

Requirements

• Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
• Experience: None Necessary.
• Special Requirements: Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, as well as days, swing and graveyard shifts; Must be able to pass an extensive police background investigation; Must be able to sit for long periods in a confined area and wear a headset; Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve months of employment, a POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent certificate.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: Modern office methods, equipment, and procedures; Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar; Telephone and radio courtesy; Radio and/or mobile data computer (MDC) system; Computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; Police department standards, policies, and procedures; City policies and procedures.
• Skill: Using standard broadcasting procedures and rules associated with the operation of an emergency services communication network; Hearing and comprehending telephone communication, fire radio traffic and routine interpersonal communications with supervisors and adjacent dispatchers; Reacting quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation and adopting an effective course of action; Using manual dexterity in operating a computer terminal, telecommunications devices, data cards, time stamp, and multi-functional radio operating console; Operating computer terminals including use of the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system; Operating radio channels and/or mobile data computer (MDC) system; Performing a variety of clerical tasks such as filing, record keeping, and typing; Organizing work within a constantly changing set of priorities.

Benefits

• Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%.
• Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year.
• Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
• Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
• Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
• Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
• Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits.

Pay

• 5% Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Pay
• 5% Communications Training Officer (CTO) Pay
• 5% Lead Dispatcher Pay
• Swing shift and Graveyard Differential Pay
• Double time overtime during graveyard hours
• Holiday premium pay
• $2,500 retention bonus every 2-years

Schedule

• 3/12 split weekend schedule
• 6-month shift rotations by seniority