Public Safety Dispatcher Lateral

Summary

This recruitment is for lateral applicants only.

Additional qualifications for lateral transfers: Must be currently working or employed within the last twelve months as a public safety dispatcher in a California Law Enforcement Agency or California Fire Department with a minimum of one (1) year experience as a public safety dispatcher with the same agency.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, receives 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches assignments according to established emergency and County procedures; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to the assigned functional area; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of public safety communications. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functionsmay include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Receives, analyzes, and evaluates 911, Sheriff's emergency and business calls, inquiries and complaints, roads, animal control, and maintenance; transfers calls to appropriate parties or creates a call for dispatch.

• Dispatches sheriff units or other staff and equipment to emergency or non-emergency locations; determines proper jurisdiction and staff to be dispatched.

• Monitors status of public safety units to ensure officer safety and availability for services.

• Operates multiple communications devices and computers concurrently to insure swift and appropriate response to calls; continuously updates suspect information and deputy locations.

• Maintains efficient records of radio calls and information logs; maintains and accesses business and premise history and index files for emergency and other necessary contacts.

• Accesses local, state, and federal criminal justice information systems; operates systems to transmit and receive information.

• Maintains radio contact with allied agencies, including mobile and portable units; recognizes units from other agencies and assists them with County units or provides requested information.

• Monitors alarms and security systems for businesses, relevant histories, and files for emergency contacts.

• Responds to Deputy radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information from roll call boards, prior calls, and bulletins; responds to in-house, radio paging, and after-hours phone lines.

• Performs basic equipment adjustments and maintenance; may perform associated office support duties.

• Assist the Coroner's Officedaily by using investigativetools to locate family members of decedentsto makerequired notifications.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement ?and related emergency radio and telephone communications.

• Basic functions of law enforcement agencies.

• The topography and communities of Butte County.

• Proper and effective methods of deploying law enforcement personnel.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.

• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.

• Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic level under hostile and emergency situations.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.

• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents.

• Memorize codes, names, locations, and other detailed information.

• Work under stressful conditions to assess difficult or emergency circumstances.

• Independently make quick, sound decisions based on facts and implement appropriate response strategies.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, legal, and procedural guidelines.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

One (1) year of general office and computer experience.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Possess and maintain a valid C.L.E.T.S. Operator certificate by the end of the probationary period.

• Possess and maintain a Basic Dispatcher Course certificateissued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T).by the end of the probationary period.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.

• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Must pass a thorough background investigation.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.