Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral)

Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral)

The Palo Alto Police Department is committed to providing exceptional public safety services and taking a leadership role in building community partnerships. We subscribe to core values that include integrity, accountability, trust, teamwork, a positive attitude, and the professional, impartial treatment of all. Our key responsibilities include:

• To provide police response to emergency and non-emergency requests for service in a coordinated and timely manner.
• To apprehend and prosecute offenders and/or resolve investigations in a timely and thorough manner.
• To minimize injury and property damage by promoting a safe and orderly flow of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic.
• To provide coordinated, responsive and reliable 9-1-1 dispatch services.

The role involves handling the dispatch of emergency and non-emergency personnel and equipment for various user agencies. This includes responding to service calls covering police, fire, paramedics, ambulance, utilities, public works, and animal control services. Additionally, the role involves providing crucial information to both the public and user agencies. As the journey level in the Public Safety Dispatcher series, this role carries out a wide range of dispatch duties with a high level of autonomy. Duties include receiving assistance requests, assessing response urgency and type, dispatching personnel to handle reported incidents, and monitoring situations for changes and personnel safety during responses. The work often occurs under pressure.

Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to public safety and serve our community in a fast-paced and rewarding environment. The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

• Comprehensive Dispatch Experience: Proficient in emergency response procedures and protocols across multiple agencies.
• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making: Quickly assesses situations to determine appropriate responses and actions.
• Effective Communication Skills: Clear and concise communicator in high-pressure situations, both verbally and in writing.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using dispatch systems, databases, and communication equipment.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Maintains composure and efficiency in dynamic and challenging environments.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively with diverse teams and agencies to coordinate responses.
• Customer Service Orientation: Provides courteous and helpful assistance to callers and responders.
• Problem Solving Abilities: Identifies issues, gathers relevant information, and resolves incidents promptly.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accurate documentation and information dissemination.
• Commitment to Public Safety: Demonstrates dedication to maintaining community safety and well-being.

This position is represented by Service Employee International Union position (SEIU).

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives telephone complaints concerning crimes and police emergencies and dispatches appropriate police patrol units by radio to investigate. Relays instructions and questions for field units.
• Receives telephone information concerning fire and medical emergencies and dispatches appropriate fire and ambulance units by radio. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
• Receives telephone complaints concerning utilities and public works emergencies and dispatches appropriate service units to make repairs. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
• Receives telephone complaints concerning animals and dispatches appropriate animal control units to investigate. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
• Receive and transmit the above information by operating communication consoles, two-way radio, telephone, paging, various computers including both manual and computer-aided dispatch systems, voice intercom, fire alarm and intrusion alarm equipment and other public safety 911 equipment and applications.
• Maintain appropriate records, computer data base, maps, diagrams, and written procedures relating to such activities.
• Operate conventional/automated office machines and equipment.

Related functions include preparing special reports as may be required and assisting Lead Communications Public Safety Dispatchers and Supervisor, Police Services in projects.

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate the possession of the following knowledge skills and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• High school graduate or GED,
• One year of public safety dispatching experience comprised of law enforcement or fire service dispatch responsibilities.

Desired qualifications include possession of a California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate, experience with Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols, experience with CLETS/NCIC Databases, and possession of National Academy of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certificate.

Working conditions/physical requirements include work in an office environment; sustained posture and intense attentiveness for prolonged periods. The selection process includes completion of "CritiCall" Exam, completion of the P.O.S.T. Personal History Statement Public Safety Dispatcher, oral panel interview(s), comprehensive police background check, polygraph test, psychological test, and medical exam.

More than one position may be filled from this posting. The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.