Public Safety Dispatcher Per Diem

Dispatcher

Under general supervision of the Chief of Police, maintains communications between the Police Department and Police, Fire, Public Works, Animal Control, the public, and other law enforcement and fire agencies. Coordinates emergency and non-emergency response of police, fire and medical services to the community; receives and reports information by radio, computer, and telephone; logs and maintains all activity from field units in the computer aided dispatch system; screens calls to determine priority and dispatches the appropriate equipment based on policy and procedures. Makes entries and inquiries into the nationwide computer; performs clerical duties related to documenting, maintaining and controlling police records, case files, statistics, etc.; and performs other duties as assigned.

Examples of duties include :

• Receives and responds to routine and emergency calls and dispatches communications by means of telecommunication, computer, and radio equipment; logs all departmental activities.
• Obtains, interprets, classifies, and prioritizes pertinent information regarding complaints, reports, and inquiries from the public by telephone and / or in the Police Department lobby.
• Inputs calls-for-service into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System; updates the system with status of Police or Fire units and records activities during calls; issues report / incident numbers to requesting field units.
• During emergency calls, secures and records information as to exact location; uses voice radio to dispatch necessary police, fire or ambulance units; monitors status of units and vehicles using multiple radio channels, video terminals, and telephone equipment; keeps officers on duty informed of the situation and dispatches additional units when so advised.
• Expeditiously provides information to Police and Fire personnel; interprets and / or clarifies coded responses from various systems; and contacts other agencies to coordinate public safety and / or mutual aid operations.
• Uses established Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) to provide pre-arrival instructions to citizens reporting medical emergencies.
• Inputs information into and researches systems, manuals, maps and other source documents, such as the Records Management System (RMS), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC); provides information to employees and the public in accordance with prescribed policies and regulations.
• Compiles, codes, records and summarizes a variety of police record data and documents; updates information sources; distributes data and documents to appropriate personnel.
• Operates computer terminals and printers to type, enter, modify and retrieve a wide variety of police reports and records, letters and other material.
• Answers non-emergency telephone calls and greets the public at the counter. Provides general information; refers callers to appropriate agencies, receives messages for department staff and relays to proper person; receives complaints; receives calls for service and dispatches Public Works personnel during non-business hours; takes fingerprints; and may assist in processing prisoners, and / or receiving bail money.
• Operates and maintains a variety of communications equipment including radio consoles, data communication terminals, telephones and telephone switchboards including 911-Emergency and Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) systems; maintains workstation area and Communications Center; reports equipment malfunctions as needed.
• Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies. Attends seminars and training; may perform special projects and assignments; and / or may act as liaison with courts, criminal justice, community, business, and educational agencies.
• Performs a variety of clerical work, which may include typing of officer reports, traffic accident reports, filing, preparing file cards, etc.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Typical qualifications include :

Note : The specifications listed below outline the desired qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

Education : Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience : Must possess a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certification Three years of experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher / Clerk or equivalent Experience with Mark43 preferred.

Licenses : Valid California State Drivers License, Class C; must be insurable under the City's insurance policy without the City incurring any additional premiums or costs.

Other : Must be 18-years of age or older; a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship; pass a thorough background investigation with no disqualifying criminal history; a physical examination with drug test; and a psychological evaluation. Note : It is the employee's responsibility to renew all applicable license(s) / certification(s). The City will reimburse the employee for any required training expenses.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities : The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential tasks of the position. Knowledge of : Modern office practices and procedures; proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; alphabetical, chronological, and numerical filing systems, effective communication techniques; community resources; map reading; and personal computer operating systems and software applications. Skill and Ability to : Read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances; work with minimal supervision; and multi-task with speed and accuracy. Operate radio, telephone and teletype equipment; perform clerical work of moderate difficulty; keep detailed records; prepare reports / correspondence. Analyze situations accurately and make quick decisions during emergencies; manage conflicting priorities; work under stress, remember details, and think clearly. Work rotating shifts (including days, swings, cover, and nights), weekends, holidays, callback and overtime; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; speak and enunciate clearly; read computer monitors and fine print; and hear and understand radio transmissions.

Attitude : Characterized by initiative, commitment to teamwork and quality performance, and a customer service orientation; must interact in a positive manner with City employees and the public.

Physical and psychological requirements : The physical and psychological demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job, on a case-by-case basis. Work is in an indoor office environment; sit and wear headset for extended periods; have hand / finger dexterity sufficient to handle, feel or operate office equipment, touch screens, telephones, computer keyboards; bend and reach to place or retrieve files, office supplies, binders and other reference materials. Communicate clearly and concisely when transmitting information over telephones and radios; hearing within normal range to exchange information and assist during emergency situations; vision sufficient to look up codes in required manuals, read written materials, including small print, maps, documents and computer monitors. Must have the mental capability to interpret people and situations, perform multiple concurrent tasks, respond to emergencies; work under pressure and in potentially stressful conditions; superb interpersonal skills; and maintain unquestionable integrity, excellent attendance and be punctual.

Supplemental information : Minimum qualifications and required material must be met / received by the last day of the filing period. It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure that all required material has been received. Faxed applications will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes submitted in lieu of a completed City of Coalinga Employment Application will not be accepted. All communication and correspondence from the City of Coalinga will be sent to the applicant via electronic communication to the email address provided by the applicant on the submitted employment application. The City of Coalinga is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, or covered veteran's status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.