Public Safety Dispatcher-In-Training

City of Sunnyvale•Sunnyvale, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Sunnyvale is accepting applications for a regular, full-time Public Safety Dispatcher-In-Training position to join the Department of Public Safety. This is the entry and trainee level in the public safety dispatcher series. Under close supervision, incumbents are trained in dispatching techniques, equipment and protocols. Work assignments change frequently in order to facilitate training. Employees are subject to daily and weekly observation reports until they demonstrate the ability to perform independently. This classification is distinguished from the higher level Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter is the fully trained, journey level classification in the series. This is an alternately staffed classification. Public Safety Dispatcher-In-Training incumbents are required to achieve the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to advance to the Public Safety Dispatcher level within the twelve month probationary period.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or tested equivalent.
One year of work experience providing customer service to the public.
A current (dated within one year and six months of application) passing CritiCall exam results.
A current (dated within one year of application) typing certificate verifying 35 or more net words per minute.
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record, or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
Ability to learn to operate a computer-aided dispatch system with sufficient speed and accuracy to document field activity and create calls for dispatch within response criteria guidelines.
Ability to obtain essential information from reporting parties about the nature of the emergency.
Ability to learn to analyze situations accurately and take effective action to assure officer and citizen safety.
Ability to learn to accurately enter information into the computer aided dispatch system while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio.
Ability to learn to extract information or data from multiple video terminal displays which dynamically update.
Ability to learn and apply Department of Public Safety telephone answering techniques, policies and procedures.
Ability to learn the primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings and public facilities within the city limits, and memorize names and locations.
Ability to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment, and work quickly and accurately under pressure in emergency situations.
Ability to communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipment.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to read and interpret policies, procedures, protocols and maps.
Ability to maintain accurate records and spell correctly.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to type at a rate of 35 net words per minute.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to deal tactfully with the public and with others and ensure that the City's philosophy of excellent customer service is understood and carried out in all forms of communication.
Ability to work in a highly structured environment where all communications or work are recorded or documented as public record.
Ability to observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Willingness to work any shift, on any day, including irregular hours on short notice.
Willingness to complete Emergency Medical Dispatch certification course, approved by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch, within one year of appointment or in accordance with an extended time-line as approved by management.
Willingness to wear a uniform.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Basic Dispatcher certification course approved by the California Peace Officers Standards and Training organization (POST) within one year of appointment.
Possession of a POST Public Safety Dispatcher certificate within 18 months of appointment.
Completion of Emergency Medical Dispatch certification course, approved by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch, within one year of appointment, and subsequent continued maintenance of Emergency Medical Dispatch certification.

Responsibilities

Processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Dispatches police, fire, medical, rescue, animal control or other emergency equipment, by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD).
Dispatches public safety personnel and equipment on both routine and emergency calls utilizing a computer aided dispatch system, multiple video display terminals, radio dispatching consoles and related equipment.
Answers the telephone and receives 9-1-1, emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance, evaluates the information provided and creates a CAD system event, relays information to other jurisdictions or provides information for the caller; processes and prioritizes incoming calls.
Monitors and maintains status of public safety personnel and equipment; analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help ensure officer safety; may initiate the reassignment of fire equipment to ensure adequate city-wide fire protection.
Inquires, interprets, verifies, receives, and disseminates information from law enforcement computer networks, such as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and all points bulletins.
Provides Emergency Medical Dispatch, including pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions.
Provides the public with basic instructions to safeguard persons in hazardous situations prior to the arrival of trained emergency personnel.
Maintains familiarity with major roads, streets, areas, and industrial and public facilities within the city limits.
Maintains records of all calls received and prepares reports of critical incidents; performs routine clerical work associated with the assignment.
Monitor text to 9-1-1.