Police Dispatcher-Lateral

WCCCA-Washington County 911; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

WCCCA - Washington County 911 in Hillsboro, OR is seeking a Lateral Police Dispatcher to join our central communications team. You will operate CAD systems, radio infrastructure, and multi-line telephone networks to process emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatch police or fire units.

Applicants must have at least 3 years of PSAP experience, a DPSST Basic Telecommunicator certification, and the ability to work 24/7 shifts (days, swing, graveyard).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 3 years of continuous PSAP experience within the last 3 years.
• DPSST Basic Telecommunicator certification or equivalent.
• No disqualifying criminal history.

Responsibilities

• Receive and triage emergency and non-emergency calls using CAD and radio systems.
• Prioritize calls and coordinate multiple units in a dynamic environment.
• Maintain accurate logs and records for potential legal use.
• Work 24-hour shifts, including weekends/holidays; report reliably.
• Complete required certifications within specified timelines.

Skills

3+ years PSAP experience

CAD familiarity

Multitasking under pressure

English communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

DPSST Basic Telecommunicator certification

Tools

CAD software

Radio systems

LEDS knowledge

Job description

Answer the Call!

Join WCCCA - the second largest primary 9-1-1 Center in Oregon. We provide 9-1-1 emergency communications for over 15 police and fire agencies that serve Washington County and also provide fire service into Clackamas, Yamhill and Multnomah Counties.

Being a first responder is a mindset, and for many, a calling. A first responder's core values are deeply rooted in dedication, excellence, commitment, respect, partnership-building, creativity, resourcefulness, and compassion.

A Police or Fire Dispatcher operates complex communications equipment including the radio, multi-line telephone systems, and computer aided dispatch (CAD) to access, input and process emergency and non-emergency calls for service and to dispatch police or fire units. A Police or Fire Dispatcher will perform call taking functions and serve as a Police or Fire Dispatcher.

We are proud to serve our diverse and growing community. If this sounds exciting to you,

ARE YOU A POLICE DISPATCHER- LATERAL?

To be considered a Lateral Police Dispatcher, applicants must meet these qualifications:

• Have at least 3 years of continuous experience as an emergency communications dispatcher with a primary Public Safety Answering points (PSAP) within the last 3 years at the time of application.
• Possess a DPSST Basic Telecommunicator certification through the State of Oregon or equivalent from another State.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Receive and rapidly triage emergency and non-emergency telephone calls utilizing complex telephone, mapping and computer aided dispatch (CAD) equipment
2. Ability to prioritize simultaneous phone calls, radio transmissions and other associated operational work in a dynamic environment.
3. Listen and comprehend phone calls and public safety field unit radio transmissions and accurately evaluate information to determine appropriate action(s) to be taken in a timely fashion.
4. Maintain highly accurate records of events, written logs and reports of actions taken that may be used in legal proceedings.
5. Ability to use a phone, computer and a radio simultaneously. Ability to effectively use and monitor multiple computer screens.
6. Rapidly enter, read, write and interpret information obtained via computer systems and verbal conversations.
7. Maintain and monitor status of public safety field units and assign requests for emergency and non-emergency services to the appropriate unit(s) utilizing a computer- aided dispatch terminal and complex radio system.
8. Maintain a positive customer service attitude with citizens, users, co-workers and management, often under pressure and time constraints.
9. Ability to work shifts that span a 24-hour period (i.e. day, swing and graveyard shifts) including weekends and holidays; must be able to work unscheduled and/or mandatory overtime, as required.
10. Must be reliable and dependable and report for work on a consistent and predicable basis.
11. Successfully complete a variety of required certifications, such as Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS), emergency medical dispatching, Oregon Basic Telecommunicator, etc.
12. This position is designated as Essential Personnel. Essential Personnel are expected to report to work on time during extreme weather conditions.

• High school diploma or GED
• Type 45 WPM, NET
• Have at least 3 years of continuous experience as an emergency communications dispatcher with a primary Public Safety Answering points (PSAP) within the last 3 years at the time of application.
• Possess a DPSST Basic Telecommunicator certification through the State of Oregon or equivalent from another State.
• Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.
• No disqualifying criminal history

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

• Must obtain within 18 months of hire and maintain:
  1. DPSST Basic Telecommunicator Certification.
  2. EMD Certification.
  3. CPR/First Aid/AED Certification.
  4. LEDS certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Skill in effectively communicating in English over the telephone with a variety of people of various educational, ethnic and social/cultural backgrounds; prioritize complex incidents based on a number of situational variables following established policy; quickly deciding on an appropriate course of action; write clearly, accurately, concisely and legibly; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, representatives of other agencies, and the public.
• Knowledgeable of or the ability to learn CAD functions and commands, communication radio systems, telephone operation, LEDS formats, common police fire and medical terms and operation of basic office machinery.
• Skill in typing complex alphanumeric data into a computer system with speed of at least 45 wpm and high accuracy; understanding radio transmissions; multitasking and retaining information over long periods of time.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply agency standard operating guidelines, administrative directives, and user agency protocols, some of which may change frequently; read and comprehend complex written material containing technical, legal and medical terminology; adjust to frequently changing workloads; adhere to the ethical and legal standards required to achieve and maintain Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification through the State of Oregon; participate in mandatory training.

The Selection process will consist of:

• Aptitude and Suitability assessments
• Phone and in person interviews
• Sit along with a dispatcher

Candidates receiving a conditional offer must pass:

• Thorough background investigation
• Medical examination and drug screen
• Pyschological evaluation

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take several months to complete.

This position is non-exempt and represented by a Collective Bargaining Association (CBA).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sit at a desk or console for extended periods of time; occasionally walk, stand, or stoop; occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 10 pounds; use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity; work for sustained periods of time maintaining concentrated attention to detail; take information from callers who may be excited, abusive, use profanity, are incoherent, drunk or hysterical; must meet all physical standards as set forth by the State of Oregon to include visual acuity, hearing, speaking and basic physical health that provides the stamina to perform the duties of a Police or Fire Dispatcher for long periods of time. Accommodations may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Supervision Received/Exercised

This position receives direction and supervision from the Operations Supervisor. This position does not supervise others.