Police Dispatcher-Trainee

WCCCA-Washington County 911•Or 97124, OR

23d

About The Position

WCCCA is hiring an entry-level Police Dispatcher Trainee to provide emergency and non-emergency communications for police and fire agencies serving Washington County and surrounding counties. The position operates complex communications equipment, including radio systems, multi-line telephones, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD), to receive and process calls for service and dispatch police or fire units. The role includes call-taking functions and serving as a Police Dispatcher. Paid, on-the-job training is provided, and employees may have opportunities for career advancement. This is an essential-personnel position in a 24/7/365 facility. Employees work varied shifts across a 24-hour period, including weekends and holidays, and may be required to work unscheduled or mandatory overtime. The position is non-exempt and represented by a Collective Bargaining Association. It receives direction and supervision from the Operations Supervisor and does not supervise others. Required certifications must be obtained within 18 months of hire and maintained.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Typing ability with speed and accuracy.
At least 1 year of customer service experience.
At least 1 year of computer data entry and information retrieval experience.
No disqualifying criminal history.
Obtain and maintain DPSST Basic Telecommunicator Certification within 18 months of hire.
Obtain and maintain EMD Certification within 18 months of hire.
Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid/AED Certification within 18 months of hire.
Obtain and maintain LEDS certification within 18 months of hire.
Communicate clearly and concisely in English by telephone with people from varied educational, ethnic, and social or cultural backgrounds.
Prioritize complex incidents using situational variables and established policy, and quickly determine appropriate actions.
Write clearly, accurately, concisely, and legibly.
Type complex alphanumeric information into computer systems accurately and quickly; multitask and retain information over time.
Learn and use CAD functions and commands, communication radio systems, LEDS formats, common police, fire, and medical terminology, and basic office machinery.
Read, interpret, and apply agency guidelines, directives, and user-agency protocols, including materials that may change frequently.
Read and understand complex written material containing technical, legal, and medical terminology.
Adjust to frequently changing workloads and participate in mandatory training.
Meet ethical and legal standards required for Oregon Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification; exercise good judgment, initiative, discretion, and emotional intelligence; maintain confidentiality and work under stressful and emotional conditions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.
Meet the State of Oregon physical standards for visual acuity, hearing, speaking, and basic physical health needed to perform dispatcher duties for extended periods.
Pass required selection steps and, if given a conditional offer, a background investigation, medical examination, drug screen, and psychological evaluation.

Responsibilities

Receive calls using complex telephone equipment, determine the nature of each call, and prioritize information according to established procedures.
Listen to and comprehend caller information and public-safety radio transmissions, evaluate the information, and determine timely and appropriate actions.
Maintain accurate event records, written logs, and reports that may be used in legal proceedings.
Use references and resources to resolve questions, determine appropriate actions, and provide suitable service to the public.
Screen and forward calls to other County divisions and agencies when appropriate.
Use telephones and computers simultaneously and monitor multiple computer screens.
Identify non-English speakers and use approved interpreters or equipment to communicate effectively.
Provide positive customer service to community members, user agencies, coworkers, and management, including under pressure and time constraints.
Work varied shifts in a 24/7/365 facility, including weekends and holidays, and work unscheduled or mandatory overtime as required.
Attend mandatory training and complete required certifications, including DPSST Basic Telecommunicator, EMD, CPR/First Aid/AED, and LEDS certifications.
Maintain reliability and report to work consistently, including during extreme weather as essential personnel.
Perform other duties as assigned.