Communications Dispatcher I - Unclassified

County of Santa Clara•San Jose, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision, initially in a training capacity, to answer 9-1-1 calls and dispatch personnel and equipment for one or more public safety operations. Start an exciting career and become a 9-1-1 Dispatcher! Watch these videos to hear from 9-1-1 Dispatchers who work for County of Santa Clara's Dispatch Operations Center. This is a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) position. Candidates must successfully pass a complete background investigation including fingerprints, polygraph, psychological and medical examinations. Applicants with a felony conviction and/or a conviction outside of California that would be considered a felony in this state will be disqualified. After passing the exam, hiring interview and screening processes, candidates are eligible to be hired as Communications Dispatcher I - Unclassified (U) and attend the 8-week Basic Communications Dispatcher Academy training program as a trainee. A newly appointed Communications Dispatcher I must successfully complete an 18-month probationary period during which they will be required to complete additional training under the supervision of a trainer.

Requirements

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities
Possession of a high school diploma
One (1) year of experience performing work where the essential functions of the job involved public contact, computer usage, and/or heavy telephone traffic
Must be able to pass a background investigation, including a psychological evaluation and polygraph
Successfully complete the Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification Training Course within one (1) year of appointment or vacate the position
Satisfactorily complete the Continuing Professional Training (CPT) requirement of 24 or more hours of POST-qualifying training during every two-year CPT cycle, based on the statewide CPT Anniversary Date as specified in subsection 1018(d)(2)
Attain certification by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD), and Emergency Police Dispatcher (EPD) within one (1) year of appointment or vacate the position
Maintain EMD, EFD, and EPD certifications, including completing the required continuing education training for each Priority Dispatch System
As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.
Knowledge of customer service and interpersonal communications principles
Knowledge of simple record keeping
Knowledge of basic computer use
Knowledge of telephone call-handling techniques
Ability to learn to dispatch public safety personnel and equipment in a quick and efficient manner
Ability to learn the operation of two-way radio and telephone communications equipment
Ability to monitor audible information from multiple sources (telephone, radio, and co-workers) in an open space and noisy environment
Ability to perform multiple tasks while monitoring background radio communications
Ability to multi-task requiring simultaneous typing (rapid keyboarding), talking on the radio, answering multiple telephone calls, and switching between computer screens and applications
Ability to learn to enter information accurately and quickly in the computer system while receiving information via radio and telephone
Ability to learn and adhere to Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems and other related technology
Ability to learn and remember locations and common place names of highways, major streets, industrial plants, county parks, and commercial and public buildings
Ability to learn and remember the policies and procedures of the department and County, State, and Federal rules, and regulations, as required
Ability to retain, recall, and evaluate facts and/or details solely from memory
Ability to work under pressure; exercising good judgment and common sense while making sound decisions in emergency situations
Ability to read and interpret various mapping devices and relay pertinent information
Ability to document information in English in a clear, organized, concise, and understandable manner
Ability to read, interpret, understand, and follow written and oral instructions and/or information in English
Ability to use a keyboard and other peripheral computer equipment with rapid keyboarding and a high level of accuracy
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, emergency personnel, other agencies, and the public
Ability to provide effective customer service
Ability to deal tactfully with the public, law enforcement, and other officials
Ability to transition from periods of mental and physical inactivity to periods of intense and stressful mental and physical activity (rapid keyboarding) at a moment’s notice
Ability to complete all mandated training requirements
Ability to maintain composure and work accurately under pressure or when faced with stressful situations

Nice To Haves

Candidates hired as Classified Communications Dispatcher I may be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus, up to $5,000

Responsibilities

Receives training in the reception and transmission of radio calls
Operates a variety of communications equipment, including radio base stations, radio consoles, hand-held radios, telephone, and other communications equipment
Monitors public safety frequencies
Operates data communication terminals
Conducts various database searches to obtain information in response to requests from law enforcement personnel
Records the nature and source of all incoming and outgoing radio messages, as required
May be trained in other dispatching communities after becoming proficient in 9-1-1 call answering and law dispatching
Keeps apprised of current trends in law dispatching, ensuring that continuing education requirements are met
Receives law, fire, and medical calls for service
Creates and maintains accurate and well-organized records for documentation and retrieval purposes
May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required
Performs other related duties, as required