Dispatcher - Lateral

City of Alhambra•Alhambra, CA

About The Position

The Dispatcher performs complex duties involving the receipt and dispatching of calls for law enforcement, fire, ambulance, and other emergency assistance. The position receives emergency requests, determines the nature and location of emergencies and their priority, dispatches resources, and maintains contact with field units. It also uses computer and telecommunications systems to access and relay public-safety information, and performs associated records, clerical, and equipment-maintenance work. The lateral incentive program offers eligible candidates hired by the City of Alhambra a $20,000 bonus. Candidates applying as a lateral must be actively employed by another POST-certified agency. A valid typing certificate is required with the application. The position is supervised by the Assistant Chief Police of the Support Services Division or designee. The employee generally works indoors in a clean environment with limited exposure to dust, fumes, or odors. Noise is usually moderate, with occasional loud talking and interruptions from telephones or members of the public. Shift work is required, including various shifts, weekends, holidays, and night shifts. The employee is a mandated reporter under California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be actively employed by another POST-certified agency to be considered as a Dispatcher Lateral.
Submit a valid typing certificate verifying a speed of 35 net WPM with the application. The certificate must be issued and dated within six months of application submission and obtained from a government agency, temporary employment agency, business college, or public school system; internet or electronic certificates are not accepted.
Must have completed or be able to attend and successfully complete the P.O.S.T. Dispatch Course.
Must obtain a P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate within twelve months of appointment.
Candidates without a POST Dispatcher Certificate must pass a written test related to essential dispatching skills within twelve months of appointment.
Ability to work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergencies.
Ability to learn Computer Aided Dispatch and 9-1-1 systems, emergency-call procedures, radio rules and dispatch procedures, the geography and streets of the service area, records-security procedures, and general law-enforcement codes and practices.
Ability to communicate effectively with upset or irate members of the public and elicit information from them.
Ability to type accurately and operate a computer terminal, teletype, and other office equipment.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely; and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Ability to work various assigned shifts, including weekends, holidays, and night shifts.
If driving a City vehicle, possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class C California driver's license.
Must pass the selection process, including the qualifying written examination and oral interview, and the City's pre-employment physical, background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and medical examination.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating radio, teletypewriter, or other communication equipment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Receive emergency service calls and determine the nature and location of emergencies, their priority, and the resources to dispatch.
Maintain contact with assigned units and monitor the status and location of law-enforcement personnel.
Maintain daily logs of field calls and dispatched units.
Use computer terminals to enter and retrieve public-safety information.
Enter, update, and retrieve information through teletype networks concerning wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, and other matters.
Use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law-enforcement agencies.
Receive, respond to, and document requests for warrants and Department of Motor Vehicles printouts; verify, type, and file warrants.
Document vehicle impound information.
Maintain automated and manual logs, records, and files related to dispatching and public-safety activities.
Perform record keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work.
Test and inspect equipment as required and arrange for needed repairs.
Maintain regular attendance and perform related duties and responsibilities as required.