Communications Dispatcher - LATERAL ONLY

Linn County Sheriff's Office; Albany (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

HRA/VEBA contributions

PERS employer contribution

Deferred compensation

Job summary

Linn County Sheriff's Office in Oregon is seeking experienced dispatchers to perform fast and accurate receiving and dispatching of calls for public safety units.

You will operate radio and telephone consoles and use computer terminals to dispatch emergencies and maintain unit status.

Qualifications

• Must be able to be certified as a Telecommunications Dispatcher by DPSST.
• Must be in good standing with current or most recent employer as a certified Telecommunications Dispatcher.
• Lateral applicants must attend Basic Telecommunications academy if certified out of state.

Responsibilities

• Operate radio and telephone control consoles to dispatch emergency public safety units.
• Enter information into computer terminals and maintain unit status.
• Coordinate with other agencies and ensure accurate dispatch records.

Skills

Public safety dispatch

Emergency communications

Decision making

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Radio & telephone consoles

Computer terminals

Public safety systems

Job description

Keeping the peace with dignity, honesty and compassion.

Linn County, located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, is surrounded by beautiful landscape year round and is just a short drive away from the mountains, beaches and waters of Oregon. If you enjoy the great outdoors and four seasons of change, this is the place for you! The Linn County Sheriff's Office offers meaningful work, unique professional challenges, endless learning opportunities, and excellent benefits! Join our team of professionals that make a difference in the lives of others.

Are you an experienced dispatcher who enjoys serving others?

Do you seek a challenging and rewarding position while fulfilling your passion for helping others?

Come join the Linn County Sheriff’s Office today! We are seeking experienced dispatchers who are in good standing with their current or most recent employer as a certified Telecommunications Dispatcher, 911 Call Taker/Dispatcher, or Public Safety Dispatcher for a recognized state, county, city, or municipal entity. To be considered as a lateral applicant, candidates must be currently certified or eligible to be certified as a Telecommunications Dispatcher in the State of Oregon with or without the need to attend the Basic Telecommunications Academy. Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) maintains authority to determine acceptable lateral transfer of out of state certification to Oregon. All out of state laterals hired into this position will be required to attend the three-week Basic Telecommunications academy at DPSST in Salem, OR. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office offers negotiable starting salary (based on step) depending on experience and years of current certified dispatching work. We offer a full benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision. In addition, Linn County contributes 2% (of base wages) into a HRA/VEBA account each month, and the county picks up the employee PERS contribution, and an additional county contribution of 3% into a Deferred Compensation plan of the employees choosing. We also offer certification and education pay incentives. Laterals are also offered a condensed Field Training Program (FTEP). THIS POSTING IS FOR LATERAL APPLICANTS ONLY - PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS ABOVE BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION. The Sheriff's Office may close this recruitment at any time, without further notice.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES/JOB OBJECTIVES

Successful applicants hired under this recruitment will be responsible for performing fast, efficient and accurate receiving and dispatching of calls and messages from and to public safety units and personnel in the field. Duties involve the operation of complex communications equipment including microprocessor controlled radio and telephone control consoles and computer terminals to dispatch emergency public safety units as requested or necessary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Operate radio and telephone control consoles in dispatching public safety resources and routing of other emergency calls to the appropriate agencies.
   • Receive emergency call information; dispatch call to appropriate units or departments; maintain information on units activities; access computer terminals to obtain, transmit and record information such as vehicle license numbers, drivers information, warrants and stolen vehicle information; enter record information via computer terminal; maintain status of equipment to maintain control and record the activity of the dispatched units.
   • Relay and receive information from other public safety organizations; notify other service agencies such as road maintenance, public works, signal and light maintenance and animal control.
   • Facilitate coordination of Communications Center services; provide and receive information on emergencies dispatched to and from co-workers.
2. Maintain accurate record of information and calls received or dispatched. Enter information into computer terminal as required.
3. Report to Communications Supervisor or Communications Manager the need for radio, telephone or equipment repairs.
4. Study and maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, industrial plants, public buildings and the general geographic locations of cities, towns and landmarks of Linn County.
5. Maintain record of time and nature of unusual or significant events, and other pertinent information facilitating efficient communication dispatching.
6. Develop and maintain effective, harmonious and reasonable work relationships with others.
7. Maintain regular and predictable work attendance.
8. Other duties as assigned.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

The classification covers the most significant essential functions performed by an employee in this position but it does not include other occasional work which may be similar to, related to or a logical assignment of this position. Any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of the duties listed under essential functions or that arise as other functions. The balance of the various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may change from time to time based upon management’s decisions on how to best allocate resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing does not constitute a change in the essential functions of the job classification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of techniques, procedures and methods used in the operation of a Public Safety Communications Center and the dispatching process, including two-way radio, computer terminal and multi-line telecommunications equipment commonly used in public safety dispatching. Knowledge of the terminology and procedures used by police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services in communications dispatching. Knowledge of the function of other public service agencies and community agencies available in the area of emergency services.

Ability to make prompt and appropriate decisions based on available information. Ability to dispatch public safety equipment in a quick and efficient manner. Ability to relay information exactly as received. Ability to react quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation and to adopt an effective course of action. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly in a well modulated and pleasant voice. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instruction. Ability to deal tactfully with the general public, co-workers and others with whom they come into contact in the performance of duties.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION and TRAINING

Graduation from a senior high school or possession of the equivalent GED Certificate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is generally performed indoors in an office and is essentially sedentary in nature. Work requirements include the ability to see, talk and hear; sit for long periods of time, use hands to finger, handle or operate objects or controls, reach with hands and arms and lift or move thirty (30) pounds.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Be a citizen of the United States. Be 18 years of age or older. Be of good moral fitness, as determined by a thorough background investigation. Be free of any conviction for any felony; any misdemeanor involving violent behavior; or unlawful use, possession, delivery, or manufacture of a controlled substance, narcotic or dangerous drug. Pass a written and oral interview as prescribed by the Sheriff’s Office. Be willing to work weekends, holidays, varying shifts and extra hours.

Tentative Hiring Process

1. Review of NEOGOV Application
2. Informal 10-15 minute face-to-face interview for eligible and invited applicants (followed by a short job tour).
3. Formal oral board face-to-face interview for eligible and invited applicants.
4. Pre-employment background investigation selected top candidates
5. Conditional offer of employment extended to selected top candidates only. Hire contingent upon the successful completion of the following screening processes:

• Pre-employment psychological evaluation
• Pre-employment medical evaluation
• Pre-employment drug screening

Bilingual Pay

Employees who are fluent in Spanish (and possibly Russian and/or American Sign Language) and use these skills while on duty will receive an additional 5% per month after passing a Standardized Language Fluency test administered by Linn County. Bilingual Pay is awarded at the discretion of the Sheriff.

Job Requirements

Age: 18

US Citizen: Lawfully work within the US

High School Grad/GED: Yes

Valid OREGON State Driver's License: Yes

Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes

Vision: Department of Public Safety Standards and Training requirement of 20/30 corrected

Necessary Certifications: Be able to be certified as a Telecommunications Dispatcher by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training - DPSST Minimum Standards of Employment for this position are located at www.oregon.gov/DPSST (Administrative Rule 259-008-0010).

Minimum requirements for both Entry Level and Lateral Candidates: Must meet the following State Department of Public Safety Standards and Training requirements:

• United States Citizen within one year of employment
• At least 18 years of age at the time of employment
• Declared by a physician as able to perform the physical duties required by the occupation
• Of good moral fitness, without legal conduct involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, and conviction of drug and/or sex crimes.
• Must successfully complete all required training standards established by the Linn County Sheriff's Office and/or DPSST within one year of thedate of hire.

Must meet the following Linn County Requirements:

• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Linn County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services.
• Possess knowledge of and experience in using a keyboard, mouse and computer (PC) equipment.
• Positions in this class are required to work rotating shifts, split shifts or other alternative work schedules and may be subject to call back.
• Finalists must pass psychological and medical/drug evaluations by a county appointed physician.

Background Check:

Finalists for this position will be subject to an extensive background investigation. Some issues that might cause an applicant to be withheld from further consideration include, but are not limited to the following:

• Felony convictions
• Misdemeanor convictions for:
• Domestic violence (DV);
• Currently named as the Respondent in a Restraining Order;
• Crime of dishonesty; and/or,
• Crime that resulted in serious physical injury to another.
• Illegal manufacture, transport, or sale of a controlled substance.
• Any repeated convictions of an offense, which indicate disrespect for the law, a lack of good moral character or disposition towards violence and disorder.
• Discharge from employment, where such discharge indicates poor behavior and/or an inability adjusting to discipline.
• Any military discharge with a characterization other than honorable may require additional documentation. Linn County may request written authorization to request official military records from the appropriate branch of service to make a determination regarding fitness for employment.
• Persons convicted of a petty larceny.

Driving Disqualifiers:

Must be a competent and licensed operator of vehicles in the State of Oregon.

Drug Use Disqualifiers:

No arrests or convictions for any felony or any misdemeanor crimes involving the unlawful use, possession, delivery, or manufacturing of a controlled substance, narcotic or dangerous drug. A history of drug use, excessive use of illegal drugs, or other offenses, could disqualify an applicant.

Additional Disqualifiers:

Must pass a thorough background investigation, psychological exam, medical exam including drug screen, and integrity interview that establishes strong moral character. Any conduct that could compromise the integrity of the employee, other employees, the Sheriff's Office or the County will be closely evaluated. Failure to read and follow directions may also disqualify candidates.

The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

Full Job Description & Details

Please refer to the official Linn County job description for this position located here: http://www.co.linn.or.us/Pay Tables/Job Descriptions/679.pdf