Communications Officer 1 / Dispatcher Series (**Applicant Pool January 2022**)

CURRENTLY HIRING FOR:

• Tacoma, Bellevue, Yakima, Spokane, Vancouver, Marysville, &

Bremerton CENTERS *

An additional 5% Geographic Pay is authorized for the Bellevue Communications Center

only.

About the Agency:

The Washington State Patrol is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency made up of

dedicated professionals who work hard to improve the quality of life of our citizens and prevent the unnecessary loss of life on a daily basis.

Apply today and join us in providing "Service with Humility"!

About the Division:

The Communications Division employees are true first responders and are the lifeline for our Troopers and many contracted agencies. Located in eight communications centers throughout Washington State, Communications Officers provide around-the-clock professional emergency support to the WSP, federal, state, local and tribal agencies. Communications Officers answer 911 calls and initiate emergency services to meet the needs of the public and officers in the field.

Communications Officer 1 [Entry Level & Lateral Entry] - (Available Statewide)

Salary: $4,179 to $5,467 (monthly)

A Communications Officer 1 will receive training in law enforcement and emergency communications operations and procedures, transmitting, receiving, and relaying information concerning public safety and law enforcement activities to, from, and between State Patrol mobile units and stations, other State, county, and Federal law enforcement agencies, and the public by means of radio, multi-line telephone systems, computer terminals, private line intercom systems, and other telecommunications devices.

In a Communications Center, a Communications Officer 1's primary responsibility is to to efficiently multi-task technologies answering emergency 911 and business phone calls, entering and updating calls for service and self-initiated activity into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Computer system and transmitting and receiving radio communications from field personnel.

These critical responsibilities are the lifeline for officers in the field and the first contact with the public who report emergency situations requiring police, fire or medical response.

Communications Officer Assistant [Call Taker] - (Available in Bellevue only)

Salary: $3,321 to $4,324 (monthly)

A Communications Officer Assistant's primary responsibility is to efficiently answer emergency 911 and business phone calls and enter/update calls for service into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

Successful Communications Officers come from many backgrounds. We emphasize strong communication skills, the ability to build effective working relationships, and a strong desire for professional development.

Required Experience & Education:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.

• Typing speed of 40 wpm

Performance Standards:

• Work weekends, days off, holidays, and rotating shifts; e.g., continuous five-work-days-per-week shifts that rotate each 28 days to a different schedule of regular days and hours per week.

• Have dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment, including a computer keyboard.

• Ability to respond to visual and sound stimuli with a high degree of accuracy in a timely manner.

• Ability to distinguish colors.

• Have adequate hearing and visual acuity to successfully perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to effectively communicate orally (using radio equipment) and in writing.

• Ability to effectively communicate with and assist upset, confused, or otherwise distressed customers due to heightened emotions.

• Comply with departmental grooming standards; e.g. short hair (off uniform collar), short and clean fingernails, etc.

• Willing to work long, extended or adjusted hours and respond on short notice to work.

• Accept counseling and guidance from supervisors.

• Accept responsibility for issued equipment.

• Refrain from lying, cheating, or stealing.

Drug Standards:

Drug possession/usage beyond these standards disqualifies you for employment with the WSP.

"Possession" is defined as having actual physical control of any illegal (non-prescribed) drug for personal use with the intent to commit a crime.

"Use" is defined as trying, testing, or experimenting, which includes, but is not limited to, tasting, smoking, injecting, absorbing, sniffing, or inhaling.

• No use or possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (except for Marijuana/Hashish) over five (5) times combined within the last 10 years. This standard applies to synthetic versions of Schedule 1-5 drugs

• No use or possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (except for Marijuana/Hashish) in the last three (3) years. This standard applies to synthetic versions of Schedule 1-5 drugs

• No use or possession of Marijuana/Hashish within the last one (1) year, regardless of age

• No use or possession of Heroin or its derivatives, regardless of time frame

• No injection of any non-prescribed illegal drugs, regardless of time frame

• Use of non-prescribed medication for medical-related purposes may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Human Resource Division (HRD) Commander

• No knowingly trafficking, selling, offering to sell, or transporting for sale of any illegal drug after age 13, regardless of time frame

• No drug use or possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (except for Marijuana/Hashish) after submitting any law enforcement application

• No drug use or illegal possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs while employed by a law enforcement agency (including military law enforcement)

• No intentional inhalation (huffed) of any aerosol or substance (nitrous oxide, whippets, paint, glue, DXM, etc.) in the last three (3) years

Examples of Schedule I-V Drugs include, but are not limited to:

• Schedule I (RCW 69.50.204) - Examples could include: Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Ecstasy, LSD, Peyote, GHB, Methaqualone, Marijuana/Cannabis, etc.

• Schedule II (RCW 69.50.206) - Examples could include: Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinogenic substances, etc.

• Schedule III (RCW 69.50.208) - Examples could include: Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Hallucinogenic substances, etc.

• Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.210) - Examples could include: Barbital, Diazepam, Fludiazepam, Halazepam, Lorazepam, Phenobarbital, etc.

• Schedule V (RCW 69.50.212)

Conviction Standards:

Any conduct deemed to impede the ability of the WSP to effectively fulfill its responsibilities; causes a lessening of public confidence in the ability of the WSP to perform its mission; or does not equate with the high ethical standards expected by the public of law enforcement agencies will result in disqualification.

• Have no felony convictions

• Have no misdemeanor convictions involving use or possession of firearms in the commission of a crime, crimes of violence (i.e., domestic violence, assault, sex crimes, etc.), or controlled substances.

• No conviction of DUI within the last 10 years. No more than 1 total conviction for DUI regardless of time frame. This includes reduced charges related to DUI convictions.

• Other than those identified above, misdemeanor convictions over the age of 21 may be considered on a case-by-case basis, provided they did not occur within the last three (3) years. Final approval will be determined by the HRD Commander

• Misdemeanor convictions under the age of 21 may be considered on a case-by-case basis provided they did not occur within the last three (3) years. Final approval will be determined by the HRD Commander

• No more than two (2) convictions of major moving violations (Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving 2nd Degree, etc.), within the last ten years

For this purpose, the term "conviction" shall include any disposition adverse to the subject, except a decision not to prosecute, a dismissal, or acquittal; provided, however, that a dismissal entered after a period of probation, suspension, or deferral of prosecution or sentence shall be considered a disposition adverse to the subject.

Any applicant with a history or conviction of domestic violence shall be eliminated as an employee candidate.

Why work for the Washington State Patrol?

• An opportunity to be part of a team of dedicated professionals responsible for providing safety and security to the citizens of the State of Washington

• Career growth opportunities

• A culture of respect, commitment and trust

• Opportunities to impact your community

• Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per

Governor Executive Order 19-01

• Work/Life balance opportunities which may include alternate work schedules

• Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Apply today and join us in providing "Service with Humility"!

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The agency will verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers will be cause for rejection of potential employment.

How to Apply:

To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire application to be considered.

Condition of Employment

On August 9, 2021 Gov. Jay Inslee issued Proclamation 21-14, that requires all employees of executive cabinet agencies to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine, by October 18, 2021, as a condition of employment. Pursuant to this mandate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination as a part of the hiring process. Your vaccination status will be verified on your first day of employment. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.

DO NOTUPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR VACCINATION CARD TO YOUR APPLICATION.

Veterans' Preference:

Applicants wishing to claim veterans' preference MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. Veterans' preference will not be applied unless the required documentation is attached to your application.

For additional information on veterans' preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

We thank you and are grateful for your service.

Application Process:

For any email communications regarding this recruitment, please be sure to check your "spam" folders!

Due to the unique hiring process for our applicant pools, it is not unusual toexperience lengthy delays in communicationor notification of your application status. We appreciate your patience and look forward to considering you for a position with the WSP.

Screening:

The hiring authority reserves the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time. Candidate evaluation will be ongoing. It will be to the applicant's advantage to submit application materials as soon as possible.

The candidate evaluation and selection process will include a preliminary screening of application materials for qualifications, clarity and completeness. The applicants who meet or exceed the required qualifications and possess the most competitive background in directly related experience, knowledge, and training may be invited for interviews and testing by one or more panels.

Communications Officer 1 - Only

G.I. Bill Education Benefits:

Candidates entitled to G.I. Bill education benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for a supplemental monthly check while participating in an on-the-job training program. The Communications Officer 1 positions with the Washington State Patrol are positions that require on-the-job training. To learn if you are eligible for these benefits please call the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at (888) 442-4551.

If you have questions regarding this announcement, please contact Melodie Wulfekuhle at (360) 704-2307 or melodie.wulfekuhle@wsp.wa.gov.

Testing & Hiring Process:

• Complete on-line applicationthrough www.careers.wa.gov

• Successfully pass the

CritiCall hands-on skills test. These tests are conducted remotely or at each Communications Center across the state as COVID restrictions allow. This includes, but is not limited to tests related to typing speed and accuracy, reading comprehension, data entry and accuracy, call summarization, memory recall, prioritization and map reading.

• Successfully pass an oral interview. This is based on current employment needs at selected Centers

• Successfully pass a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation

• A conditional offer of employmentmay be made to successful applicants - pending current employment needs at selected Centers

• Successfully pass a psychological examination and interview

• Successfully pass a hearing and vision examination

Polygraph & Background Investigation:

Prior to a hire, a polygraph examination and background investigation including criminal record history will be conducted.

Applicants are required to sign release of information forms and will not have access to any investigative materials, files, or results. The Washington State Patrol has strict guidelines relating, but not limited to, personal and employment characteristics, arrests, convictions, and illegal drug usage, etc.

During the polygraph examination, candidates are required to sign an assessment sheet and participate in an oral interview process to verify responses to the Personal Background Evaluation, the Personal History and Background Questionnaire, and a Pre-Employment Interview. Untruthful or misleading answers or omissions will be treated as a falsification which will be cause for rejection of potential employment.

Transcripts:

Education verification is part of the selection process.If selected as a top candidate,position required and/or applicant specifiededucationwill be verified.Please do not send these transcripts at the time of application.If you are selected as a top candidate you will be contacted by the Human Resource Division and asked to provide transcripts at the appropriate time.

Other Information:

Persons with a disability, who need assistance in the application or assessment process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 704-2317.Applicants that are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

The Washington State Patrol actively supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in the workplace, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The WSP strives to create and foster an inclusive culture inspiring everyone to be their authentic selves, speak openly, and be courageous. The WSP continues to focus on equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices and policies through innovative recruitment and retention solutions. Partnering with our communities helps the WSP provide the best in public safety services now and into the future.

Questions:

Please contact Melodie Wulfekuhle at (360) 704-2307 or melodie.wulfekuhle@wsp.wa.gov.

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