Public Safety Communications Dispatcher - ENTRY LEVEL

City of Placentia; Texas; On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher to join their dynamic communications team. This critical role involves managing emergency and non-emergency calls, providing crucial support to police and fire services, and ensuring efficient dispatching of resources. Candidates must thrive in high-pressure situations, demonstrate strong communication skills, and possess the ability to multi-task effectively. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on community safety while working in a fast-paced environment. If you are passionate about public service and ready to take on this vital role, we encourage you to apply!

Qualifications

• Must manage emergency calls and dispatch services efficiently.
• Ability to work under pressure and assess emergency situations.
• Typing speed of at least 45 words per minute is required.

Responsibilities

• Receive and assess 911 calls for police and emergency services.
• Dispatch necessary units and provide vital information.
• Document calls accurately and assist public inquiries.

Skills

Emergency Call Handling

Communication Skills

Multi-tasking

Logical Reasoning

Typing Skills

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Telecommunications Experience

Dispatching Certifications

Tools

Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Teletypewriter (TTY)

Job description

JOIN THE CITY OF PLACENTIA PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS TEAM!
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

THE POSITION Under general supervision, receives incoming calls for police assistance and dispatches necessary units; performs a variety of general support duties related to communication activities, including record keeping, typing, and filing; monitors alarm systems and teletype communications; performs a wide variety of general clerical and data entry duties required to process and maintain police department records; receives incoming telephone calls; assists the public and police personnel by providing accurate factual information; handles public counter work including vehicle and records releases and completion of some police reports; performs other related duties as assigned.

Trained to perform a variety of complex duties involved in the receipt and dispatching of incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and requests for police, fire, medical, and other emergency services. This critical role must be able to work independently in a high-stress environment to serve as a vital communications link between the public in need of responsive emergency services.

Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to thrive under pressure, efficiently manage multiple tasks, and exhibit sound judgment when assessing calls using logical reasoning. Moreover, candidates must possess the capability to familiarize themselves with the geography, streets, landmarks, as well as public and private facilities within the vicinity of Placentia.

Furthermore, adaptability, punctuality, and consistent attendance are essential for the seamless functioning of the department on a day-to-day basis.

DUTIES

• Use training and operational protocols to efficiently take appropriate action dispatching emergency services, convey crucial information, prioritizing calls, and referring callers to other agencies with limited supervision.
• Receive 911 emergency calls from the public for police, fire, and other emergency services, assessing and evaluating information to pinpoint the emergency location and the necessary personnel and resources required for response.
• Validate incident details by confirming caller information and location, ascertaining the incident's nature, and accessing all available intelligence sources, including automated data, social media, text messages, images, or videos; disseminate information to emergency services via verbal or digital means.
• Operate Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) software, geographical information systems (GIS), state and federal databases, teletypewriter (TTY), and text-to911 sessions, along with communication systems like radio dispatch consoles and recording systems; manage multiple systems and conversations; operate multiple systems simultaneously with precision.
• Document incident calls promptly, thoroughly, and accurately to categorize urgency of incident; address inquiries, complaints, and requests from the public in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Aid sworn field personnel by conducting record searches and soliciting information from other law enforcement agencies to support ongoing field investigations.
• Perform other duties as required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent
• One year experience utilizing telecommunications and/or public contact IS REQUIRED.
• Specialized training and/or certifications in the dispatching fieldIS DESIREABLE.
• One year of public safety dispatch experience IS PREFERRED.
• Previous experience dispatching with a professional fire agency is HIGHLY DESIREABLE.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATIONS

• Must be able to obtain the following certifications and trainings within a specific time, typically within 6-12 months of appointment
  • Basic Telecommunications Course
  • Communications Center Training Program
  • Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Training
  • Emergency Medical and Emergency Fire Dispatch Certification
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Complete required annual P.O.S.T. training and continued education courses

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must be able to support a 24/7 operation, adhere to a rotating training schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays; and be prepared for potential callbacks and last-minute shifts.
• Must be able to type at the net rate of 45 words per minute.

EXAM REQUIREMENT

The City of Placentia offers full testing services for the position of Public Safety Communications Dispatcher through National Testing Network (NTN). To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select 'Find Jobs', then select EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS Jobs and sign up for City of Placentia.

When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:

• Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.
  • Review all information related to the City of Placentia Public Safety Communications Dispatcher (Entry Level), including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.
• Review detailed information about the testing process.
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired).

Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Placentia. Candidates who attain a passing score on the entry level exam will be placed on a test pass list. The City of Placentia will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process.

National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry level testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the City of Placentia's responsibility and decision making in the testing process. All candidate results are provided to the City of Placentia where the final decisions are made.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to frequently sit, stand, reach, lean, twist, turn, grasp, feel, lift, push, pull, bend, kneel and sit for prolonged periods of time. Manipulate feet to operate radio microphone or console equipment. Input information into computer for prolonged periods of time. Hear and talk with the general public, law enforcement personnel, and City staff on the telephone, radio communications equipment, and in person. Hear and detect radio traffic, ringing telephones, and alarm tones while speaking on radio communications equipment or on the telephone. Read computer display monitors and distinguish colors on computer display monitors. Read and understand technical manuals related to communications equipment, as well as reports, contracts, correspondence, memos, and other written materials. The employee is exposed to continual background noise, static and noise from radio communications equipment, telecommunications equipment, and other office equipment. The position requires close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

MENTAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this class, the employee must be able to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; interpret policies and procedures; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact with upset callers, including victims and witnesses in emergency situation, reporting potential crimes and requesting emergency care, as well as City staff, law enforcement and fire personnel and the general public in handling non-emergency calls.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job is in an emergency communication center. Although employees regularly work in an office environment, activity can become fast paced and high stressed; the noise level is moderately quiet although loud at times given the need to monitor multiple radio frequencies and communications equipment, telephone, and console, alarms, and security cameras on a continuing basis.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Applicants must file a concise and complete City application regarding their qualifications for the position online through the Human Resources Department webpage at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Placentia as soon as possible. Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position, however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City employment application.

All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of education, training, and experience, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to oral interviews and/or written exams and oral presentations. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment-eligible list from which hires may be made. The list is valid for up to one year, or until an insufficient number of candidates remain unless exhausted sooner.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Placentia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, other non-job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or other functional limitation in employment or the provision of service. The City is committed to making its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with qualified disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete the employment application and/or participate in the testing process, please contact the Human Resources Office at [phone] prior to the filing deadline. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Placentia's Drug-Free Workplace Policy requires that all applicants undergo substance abuse testing prior to employment.

The City of Placentia will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City is concerned regarding a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.

In accordance with California Government Code Section 3100, City of Placentia employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to protect the health, safety, lives, and property of the people of the State.