Public Safety Dispatcher (Entry-Level)

Public Safety Dispatcher

The City of Campbell's Police Department is seeking qualified candidates for Public Safety Dispatcher! Under general supervision, to receive and transmit routine and emergency telephone, radio and computer messages; to keep a variety of police records; and to do related work as required. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

Example of Duties

Typical duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Answers all telephone calls promptly and courteously; makes rapid and accurate determination of the nature of each call and the degree, severity, and location of any emergency;
• Refers non-emergency callers to the appropriate agency or other resource;
• Questions emergency callers to elicit complete and accurate information necessary for emergency response and enters information in the computer-aided dispatch system;
• Gather information using multiple audio and visual resources;
• Selects emergency response units in exact accordance with established user agency policies and procedures;
• Promptly and properly alerts response units in exact accordance with user agency policies and procedures;
• Maintains current status on all field units;
• Closely monitors any situation presenting a potential danger to the life or safety of field personnel and takes immediate action to dispatch assistance as required;
• Maintains radio contact with field units and enforces proper channel control, discipline, and courtesy;
• Maintains records and logs reflecting the outcome and details of emergency incidents;
• Participates in training and evaluation activities to establish and maintain a high level of proficiency;
• Accesses automated law enforcement systems, inputs data and information, and makes accurate entries into automated record files in accordance with applicable laws, statutes and Department of Justice requirements;
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED may be substituted for a high school diploma); plus
• One year of successful full-time responsible experience performing work where the essential functions of the job involved public contact, computer usage or heavy telephone traffic.

Required Documents for Application: Applicants must submit proof of successful completion of the following:

1. Typing Certificate certifying a minimum of 40 wpm dated within one year of the application date; AND
2. CritiCall Dispatcher test with a passing score dated within one year of the application date; OR
3. P.O.S.T. Entry-level Dispatcher Test with a T-score of 50 or above.

Knowledge of:

• Standard communications principles and methods for public service dispatch activities;
• Standard office procedures and methods, including filing and the operation of common office equipment;
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely with persons under extreme emotional stress;
• Operate a computer aided-dispatch system;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in their course of work including the general public;
• Type into a computer terminal at a net rate of 40 words per minute;
• Quickly learn the policies, procedures and performance standards pertaining to the work;
• Hear accurately and distinctly; speak clearly and precisely;
• Write legibly; work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals;
• Work in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work area;
• Work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record;
• View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditions;
• Distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals;
• Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources;
• Work continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of time;
• Perform a high standard of customer service, professional conduct and civic responsibility.

Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:

• General office environment; sit and/or stand for long periods of time;
• Repetitive keyboarding; reach, squat, lift, and carry up to 25 pounds;
• Able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Campbell.

Hours of Work Public Safety Dispatchers typically work 12 hours shifts, with 4 work days one week and 3 work days the following week. Shifts available are a day and night shift, or variation, that can rotate every six months. Dispatchers may have to work weekends, holidays and overtime.

Special Conditions Incumbents must have the ability to work, as assigned, on schedules that may include Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and non-traditional work hours; and a willingness to work overtime as required. Other Requirements Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment. All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and may include polygraph and/or psychological testing.

Applications are only accepted online. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. Resumes should be attached separately. Please do not substitute "see resume" on the employment history section of the applications. Your application is incomplete, you do not answer the supplemental questions, or if the required documents are not included in your application packet. Following initial screening of applications and supplemental questions, those applicants with the most appropriate qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process.

Online typing certificates will be accepted. If you do not have a typing certificate and would like to take the test in person, please schedule an appointment at a vocational school or a staffing agency. Express Employment in San Jose offers typing certification tests. To schedule, please call (408) 378-2700. The P.O.S.T Entry-level Dispatcher Test and the CritiCall Dispatcher will be held at the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training at Coyote Valley. Applicants are responsible for calling each location to check dates and make an appointment. Lateral applicants that are currently employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher (non-probationary) do not need to submit proof of test scores, however a California POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate is required.

Prior to hiring, applicants must pass a background investigation, a polygraph examination, a psychological exam, and a medical examination. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City of Campbell will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Human Resources Division. The City of Campbell is an Equal Opportunity Employer.