Bilingual Communication Specialist Examination

Cleveland Division of Police; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 523 000 - 894 000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal public safety department is seeking a Bilingual Communication Specialist to handle emergency and non-emergency calls. The role requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to multi-task under pressure, and familiarity with emergency protocols. Candidates should have a high school diploma and must be able to type at least 30 words per minute. The position operates 24/7, requiring flexibility in scheduling. The salary range is $31,200.10 to $53,291.20 per year.

Qualifications

• Must type at least 30 words per minute.
• Must pass a background check, drug test, and physical.
• Relate vital information quickly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency/non-emergency calls and analyze situations.
• Act as an interpreter for callers with limited English proficiency.
• Operate emergency 9-1-1 telephone equipment.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Ability to multi-task and remain calm under pressure

Familiarity with emergency calls and public safety protocols

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Bilingual Communication Specialist (Open)

The filing of application for the Bilingual Communication Specialist position is open. Applications must be submitted electronically through the City of Cleveland’s website: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cleveland. The electronic application period is from 12:01 AM on Friday, December 12, 2025 until 11:59 PM on Thursday, December 25, 2025. Applications will not be accepted after 11:59 PM on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

Salary

The prevailing salary for this position as established by Ordinance of the Council of the City of Cleveland is $31,200.10—$53,291.20 per year.

Examination Information

Typing Test: A typing speed of 30 WPM or better is expected. (Pass/Fail)

Written Examination: Applicants will answer multiple choice or short‑answer questions regarding customer service/call center, reading comprehension, and problem‑solving concepts. This component accounts for 60% of the final grade.

Performance Examination: Applicants must be able to translate information into English from a Spanish or Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) audio recording. This component accounts for 40% of the final grade.

Examples of Duties

Answer emergency and non‑emergency telephone calls from citizens, elicit pertinent information, and analyze situations to determine problems and make sound decisions on the appropriate level of response. Display compassion and empathy toward callers at all times and use techniques to calm callers when needed.

Be familiar with the procedures for handling various call types. When required, act as an interpreter on calls received from individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Maintain familiarity with the streets and geography of the city and the agencies available to help those in need.

Generate incidents using the computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) system, follow proper procedures, and assign each incident an appropriate prioritization level. Contact other public safety entities, city departments, and external agencies as needed. Operate the emergency 9‑1‑1 telephone equipment and the associated software used by the Department of Public Safety.

Be familiar with applicable state and municipal ordinances. Handle any other duties as directed by proper authority.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Runner must type at least 30 words per minute.
• Must pass a detailed criminal background check, drug test, and physical.
• Public Safety Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Work various schedules including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Employees are restricted to working 16 hours in a 24‑hour block of time.
• Shift options: 12‑hour shifts, 0630‑1830 / 1830‑0630; 2 on, 2 off; and every other Saturday, Sunday, Monday off.
• Placement on any shift is based on operational needs and seniority.
• Must pass any certification testing required to perform the duties of the position and maintain said certifications as required.
• Certifications include those required to access national, state, and local criminal databases (LEADS/NCIC, LERMS) as well as a 40‑hour public safety telecommunicator course. Instruction will be provided as part of training.
• Must be organized, able to multi‑task, remain calm under high stress and pressure, and assess situations quickly and use good judgment.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication and people skills to relay vital information quickly and effectively.
• Valid State of Ohio driver’s license or State ID.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: Minimum qualifications must be met as of the last day of the filing period unless otherwise stated.

Residency Credit

In accordance with the Ordinances of the City of Cleveland: A person who has had as his/her primary residence in the City of Cleveland for at least one year at the time of filing a Civil Service application, and desires to take an entry‑level Civil Service examination, shall, if a passing grade on the written examination is attained, have ten (10) points added to his/her passing score. (NOTE: Not all Examinations consider residency credit in the scoring process.) To substantiate a claim for residency points, applicants must upload legible copies of a signed and notarized Residency Affidavit available on the City’s website: Affidavit of Residency.

Veterans’ Preference

Veterans’ preference will be awarded, when applicable, to eligible veterans in accordance with Civil Service Rules 4.40E, 4.40F, and 4.40G. Proof of active service or a DD Form 214 must be presented to the Commission at the time of filing the application for the examination in which credit is sought. If the applicant has received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions, that applicant shall receive an additional five (5) points added to their raw score on the examination; if applicant’s supporting documentation indicates more than fifteen percent (15%) service‑connected disability, ten (10) points may be added.

Only DD Form 214 (long form) or an official armed service document indicating type of discharge or separation and the dates of active service will be accepted as proof of active service.

The City’s guiding principles are placing Clevelanders at the center, empowering employees to do purposeful work, defining clear and pragmatic objectives, leading with trust and transparency, striving for equity in all we do, and embracing change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin/ancestry, military status, disability, age, and religion.