Police Radio Dispatcher Trainee / Police Communication Specialist

City of San Jose•San Jose, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of San José is seeking individuals for the entry-level training positions of Police Radio Dispatcher Trainee and Police Communication Specialist within the Communications Unit of the Police Department. These roles are crucial for public safety, involving the handling of emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching personnel and equipment, and utilizing various communication systems. The training program includes an eight-week Basic Dispatch Academy, followed by on-the-job training, and potentially a five-week Radio Academy. Successful completion of the training program is required to retain employment. The positions may require non-standard shifts, including Swing and Graveyard shifts, with differential pay. Mandatory overtime may be required during critical incidents. Uniforms are required, with partial reimbursement for expenses, and headsets are provided by the employer. Paid training begins on the first day of the academy.

Requirements

Completion of high school or equivalent (General Education Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate)
One (1) year of experience working in public contact employment defined as customer service, a call center, or a closely related field where substantial face-to-face or over-the-phone contact was made with the public (for Police Communication Specialist)
Successful completion of high school and one year of experience receiving, processing and/or dispatching calls in a radio dispatch or call center OR, successful completion of high school and one (1) year of experience working in public contact employment (for Police Radio Dispatcher Trainee)
Passing a San Jose Police Department background check (including polygraph examination, medical examination and psychological evaluation)

Nice To Haves

Excellent communication skills
Strong customer service skills
Ability to retain composure and work accurately under pressure in emergency situations
Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.
Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.
Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
Decision Making - Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions.
Multi-Tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current positions.
Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and effective manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
Initiative - Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education that promotes job performance.

Responsibilities

Receiving, answering, and processing 911 emergency and non-emergency calls
Using a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to create calls for service
Assigning priorities and type codes to incoming calls and dispatch of calls for service
Remaining calm in stressful situations and multitasking
Interpreting information from hysterical, incoherent, angry, and upset callers
Creating crime and informational reports
Learning to dispatch police personnel and equipment on both routine and emergency calls utilizing the computer aided dispatch system, video display terminals, radio dispatching consoles, and related equipment
Answering the telephone and receiving emergency, non-emergency, and 9-1-1 requests for assistance
Inquiring, interpreting, verifying, receiving, and disseminating information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, etc.
Participating in field training exercises as needed to fully develop dispatching skills
Performing all related learning and testing activities