Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral

City of Covina; Covina (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher to join their team in Covina. This entry-level position is perfect for those looking to start a career in public safety communications. You will be responsible for receiving and processing emergency calls, dispatching units, and providing critical support to public safety operations. The role offers a chance to develop essential skills in a fast-paced environment while ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. With a supportive team and opportunities for growth, this position is an excellent stepping stone for anyone passionate about serving the public and making a difference.

Benefits

Hiring Incentive Payments

Field Training Program

Probationary Period Completion Bonus

Qualifications

• Requires two years of public contact experience and a high school diploma.
• Ability to type at least 45 words per minute is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes emergency calls; dispatches public safety units.
• Maintains records of calls and coordinates responses with other agencies.
• Assists in training less experienced personnel.

Skills

Emergency Dispatching

Public Communication

Record Keeping

Calm Under Pressure

Mathematical Calculations

Team Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Experience in Public Contact

Tools

Computer Systems

Automated Information Systems

Communication Equipment

Job description

Hiring Incentive - 3 Installment Payments

$4,000 paid upon completion of the fifth full pay period

$4,000 paid upon successful completion of field training program

$4,000 paid upon successful completion of probationary period

Description:

Under general supervision, the incumbent receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel; learns applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

The Public Safety Dispatcher is the entry-level position that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision incumbents learn and perform a variety of technical law enforcement office support duties related to communications, record keeping and public contact.

(include but are not limited to the following)

• Receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel.
• Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Receives and enters calls for service in CAD; dispatches and monitors the status of field units; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; retrieves information for officers from CLETS, including information on outstanding warrants; coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; transfers calls to appropriate agencies if warranted.
• Informs the Watch Commander of calls in progress; maintains records of all pending and dispatched calls for service; receives information and calls for service from other law enforcement agencies; provides information to other agencies by telephone and teletype.
• Monitors station security after hours; monitors the City's alarm system and determines the appropriate response; assists in the care of juveniles; provides matron services when required.
• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff and other agencies; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
Education and/or Experience:
**To qualify as a Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher you must be currently employed as a Dispatcher with a law enforcement agency.**

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Public Safety Dispatcher. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess two years of work experience involving public contact and record keeping, and a high school diploma or equivalent.

License/Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license. Must obtain a Dispatch Certificate from P.O.S.T. within one year of appointment.
Ability to type at least 45 words per minute is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:

Modern office administrative practices and procedures; location of major streets, public places and landmarks in the City of Covina; public and agency desk procedures; methods of providing services and information; ability to learn alphanumeric code systems; Federal Communications Commission regulations governing voice radio and telephone communications; proper operation and care of voice radio and telephone equipment; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to:
Perform a variety of complex work with speed and accuracy; remain calm under emergency situations; learn to operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems; work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overtime and rotating shifts; wear a department uniform; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Skill to:
Effectively operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

APPLY IMMEDIATELY! This recruitment is Continuous/Open Until Filled.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

The selection process may include, but not limited to, skills assessment, written examination and oral interview (100% weighted).

Applicants must attach a copy of their POST Dispatch Certificate to the employment application and must be presently employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitution for a complete application.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (to include a conviction record and LIVE SCAN) and pass a post-offer preemployment psychological and medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).

The City of Covina utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.

Communications regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communication by any other method.

The City of Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Covina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Covina complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Covina expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Covina's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

THE CITY OF COVINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR REVOKE, WITHOUT NOTICE, ANY OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN PRIOR TO THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, AND TO WAIVE ANY NON SUBSTANTIVE JOB REQUIREMENT AND MAKE SUBJECTIVE DECISIONS INTERPRETING AND ASSESSING THE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY CANDIDATE, INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION THAT NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, EVEN THOSE WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION.