Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Santa Monica • Santa Monica, CA

23h • Onsite

About The Position

Public Safety Dispatchers are the lifeline between the community and emergency responders. In this role, you will receive 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, gather critical information, and dispatch public safety personnel to ensure timely and effective response. We are seeking dependable individuals who can remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and work in a fast-paced environment. If you are committed to public service and want to make a positive impact, we invite you to apply. Job Summary: Receives community 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency phone calls and analyzes, processes, and disseminates emergency and non-emergency information via telephone, radio, computer, and in-person; dispatches public safety personnel in response to service requests and prioritizes and assigns appropriate resources. Works under the general supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor and/or designee, who outlines detailed work assignments, frequently reviews work in progress, carefully reviews completed work, and performs quality assurance oversight.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of public relations
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures
• Knowledge of emergency dispatching procedures and techniques
• Knowledge of Computer Aided Dispatch software and desktop computer operations
• Knowledge of public safety radio operations and procedures, local streets, classification of crimes and recognition of common public safety codes
• Knowledge of effective customer service techniques
• Ability to operate a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) computer system, video display terminals, multiple radio frequencies and associated equipment
• Ability to perform public safety dispatching methods using various communications equipment including Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) equipment or similar equipment
• Ability to operate various telephone, radio communication and Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) equipment simultaneously under stress
• Ability to learn to use law enforcement and telecommunications databases and other applications in an appropriate manner
• Ability to learn fire equipment and resource capabilities and develop strategy for various types of fire and rescue emergencies
• Ability to keep accurate records
• Ability to memorize numerous codes, streets, addresses, and computer functions
• Ability to provide high quality, efficient and professional customer service while working in normal conditions and in emergency situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, employees of other agencies and the general public
• Ability to speak clearly in a well-modulated voice using proper diction
• Ability to maintain emotional stability and patience while working in a fast-paced and stressful environment
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• Ability to provide training to new public safety dispatchers and other personnel in dispatch procedures, as required
• Ability to remain calm, think quickly, logically and clearly while being able to react appropriately and quickly in crisis and routine situations
• Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment, discretion, maturity and confidence
• Ability to work within an established chain of command organizational structure, accept constructive criticism and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to provide effective customer service
• Skill in speaking clearly, distinctly, calmly, and correctly with even modulation
• Skill in typing at a corrected speed of 35 words per minute
• Skill in multi-tasking by simultaneously talking on the telephone/public safety radio and typing into a computer
• Skill in using a personal computer and applicable software applications
• Skill in memorizing, retaining, and recalling information in a fast-paced environment
• Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
• One year of recent, paid work experience involving heavy public contact. Public contact must include assisting the public by telephone.
• Must obtain and thereafter maintain a POST basic dispatcher certification within one year from date of hire.
• Must obtain an Emergency Medical Dispatch certificate and accredited certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation within six months from date of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Recent, paid work experience performing radio dispatching and call center duties is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Receives and records emergency and routine business calls by actively listening, appropriately controlling conversations, and expeditiously gathering pertinent and relevant information.
• Inquires, interprets, verifies, receives, and disseminates information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration or other required information.
• Dispatches City public safety and/or contacts other resource agencies, in accordance with prescribed procedures.
• Prioritizes and assigns appropriate resources for emergency and non-emergency service calls.
• Monitors alarm systems and initiates appropriate action upon activations.
• Provides the public with basic instructions to safeguard persons in hazardous conditions, including first aid and medical emergencies prior to arrival of trained emergency response personnel.
• Investigates complaints from the public.
• Maintains logs and records to police officers, fire units, the general public, and other public safety agencies as required.
• Provides training to new Public Safety Dispatchers and other personnel in dispatch procedures, as assigned by leadership.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED