Public Safety Dispatcher (Lateral)

The City of San Luis Obispo has an exciting opportunity for Lateral Dispatchers!(Note: A lateral candidate is someone who has a minimum of one year of experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency and meets the minimum requirements of the position.)

Applications will be received by Human Resources on a continuous basis. When a vacancy is anticipated, the most qualified candidates will be invited to complete a virtual written exam (CritiCall). Upon completing the CritiCall exam, top scoring candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.

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Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher Lump Sum Hiring Incentive
Lateral dispatchers may be eligible to receive a signing incentive of up to $10,000 payable as follows:

• Up to $5,000 upon hire.
• Up to $1,000 upon successful completion of the Field Training Program.
• Up to $2,000 upon successful completion of the 12-month probationary period.
• Up to $2,000 paid upon successful completion of the third-year anniversary.

In addition to the monetary hiring incentive, lateral candidates will be eligible for an additional 40 hours of vacation upon completion of the first 6-months of employment. The City is also honoring service credit towards vacation accrual for completed public sector years of service

JOB SUMMARY:
Operates radio systems to dispatch public safety emergency vehicles and personnel, answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls and provides pre-arrival medical emergency instructions. Performs a variety of clerical activities and related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Employees in this line-level classification perform the full range of assigned duties. They must be able to work in an independent manner, receiving only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Public Safety Dispatchers are fully competent and knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies within the City and the Police and Fire Departments. They are responsible for responding to a wide variety of calls and requests in an appropriate and timely manner. This requires a thorough knowledge of public safety dispatch procedures and standards as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Public Safety Dispatchers are expected to work shifts including weekends, nights, holidays, and irregular shifts, which may be on short notice. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of the Public Safety Dispatchers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Works under the general supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor and the Watch Commander. Employees in this classification participate in providing general instruction and training to new dispatchers or other staff.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Receives information and requests for services from the public via telephone and Text to 9-1-1.
• Receives information via radio over numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies.
• Uses various computer programs to provide resource information to field units, other agencies, and the public.
• Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems.
• Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure officer and citizen safety.
• Communicates in a calm, clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Dispatches emergency police, fire, and other City resources/vehicles to scenes of requests for service in accordance with established policies and procedures. Prioritizes and assigns appropriate resources for emergency and non-emergency service calls.
• Provides medical pre-arrival instructions using established emergency medical dispatch protocols.
• Maintains computerized and paper indexes of information in the communications center.
• Disseminates information on wanted persons, property, warrants, etc.
• Responsible for proper care of communications equipment. Maintains security for confidential or restricted information.
• Participates in training program and utilizes acquired knowledge to train other unit members.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Current computer and cellular telephone technology.
• California law and City of San Luis Obispo ordinances.

Ability to:

• Learn the standard broadcasting procedures of a law enforcement radio system.
• Learn and utilize established emergency medical dispatch protocols to provide pre-arrival instructions.
• Simultaneously use the computer keyboard effectively while speaking on the phone and radio.
• Communicate in a clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Apply acquired knowledge to new situations in order to make effective decisions.
• Demonstrate social intelligence combined with quick thinking and decisive action.
• Accurately type at a rate of net 40 words per minute.
• Conduct work in a manner that supports the overall team effort and maintain effective work relationships.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Entry Level
High School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.;
and
Two years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience with word processing speed of at least 40 w.p.m. net;
and
Successful completion of a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection exam before hire.
Experience operating radio and telephone equipment and data entry terminals is desirable.
Lateral
In addition to the above:
A minimum of one year experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency.
Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) experience is preferred.
Possession of a California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate within one year of appointment.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Polygraph
• Police Background Investigation
• Pre-employment Physical
• Credit Check
• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)