Public Safety Dispatcher

Corona, CA
City of Corona

Salary
$57,972.00 – $77,460.00 Annually

DESCRIPTION
The City of Corona Police Department is searching for individuals who will represent and serve our community by providing excellence in policing through their ability to use strong judgment, decision-making, and exceptional customer service.  The Corona Police Department is committed to investing in our employees to grow professionally and accomplish our mission!!

 

Public Safety Dispatcher I: $4,596 – $5,586 monthly ($55,152 – $67,032 annually)

Public Safety Dispatcher II: $5,103 – $6,203 monthly ($61,236 – $74,436 annually) 

 

Part-time capacity = 24 hours weekly / Full-time capacity = 40 hours weekly, plus overtime

**Entry Level Candidates will be placed into the Public Safety Dispatcher I position.  Upon successful completion of Public Safety Dispatcher I position candidates may flex to a Public Safety Dispatcher II position.**

**A POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Test will be administered to those candidates who apply for this position.  If you have taken the POST exam within the last 12 months and have a passing score of 42 or higher OR if you have a POST Dispatch Certificate please attach to your application. **

 

To be considered for this position you MUST:

~ Attach a valid typing certificate of at least 40 wpm or more (test must be taken within 1 year from application date) – online testing agencies accepted.

Under immediate (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision, receives, assesses, prioritizes, and transmits emergency and non-emergency incoming telephone and radio calls for the City’s Police and Fire Departments; coordinates various requests for service for citizens and City employees; processes and maintains a variety of departmental reports, records, and files; and performs related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Public Safety Dispatcher I) to general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision from assigned supervisory and management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Public Safety Dispatcher I: This is the entry-level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine dispatching duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Public Safety Dispatcher II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level 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. This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series and provides technical and functional direction over lower level staff.

Positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher II level are normally filled by advancement from the Public Safety Dispatcher I level; progression to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

  • Receives calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public for police, fire, medical, or other emergency services over the phone; answers 911 calls; screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required in accordance with established procedures.
  • Dispatches public safety emergency units using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency, and contacting and sending appropriate response units.
  • Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units.
  • Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities.
  • Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from computer databases, including stolen vehicles, vehicle registration information, and warranted or missing persons.
  • Accesses federal, state, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, stolen vehicles and property, records information, and vehicle registration data; relays such information to sworn staff.
  • Accesses information databases to enter, modify, and cancel orders of protection issued by the courts; assigns case numbers; documents all actions.
  • Provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures; directs the caller to the proper individual or agency; coordinates emergency calls with outside agencies for aid and assistance.
  • Processes new and recalled warrants; verifies warrant information is accurate; confirms warrants are valid; maintains existing warrant files.
  • Provides pre-arrival medical instructions to callers to accurately determine a call type/medical issue and code a response for fire and EMS personnel to assess the situation while responding.
  • Provides instructions for CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and childbirth, as well as administration instructions for aspirin, Narcan, or EpiPen injections.
  • Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files; performs a variety of filing, indexing, and other general clerical work.
  • Dispatches other emergency on-call City personnel, as necessary.
  • Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

  • Operations and services of a comprehensive municipal law enforcement agency and the dispatch function.
  • Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
  • Techniques for eliciting and providing accurate and timely information in emergency situations.
  • Methods and techniques of conflict resolution.
  • Principles, practices, methods, techniques, and terminology used in public safety dispatching, including computer aided dispatch and related emergency systems.
  • Operational characteristics of computer-aided communication systems and devices.
  • City and County geography, maps, streets, and landmarks.
  • Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
  • Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
  • Pertinent federal, state, and local laws and ordinances including City ordinances, California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code, federal criminal codes, and City and departmental policies and procedures.
  • City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City 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:

  • Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
  • Dispatch appropriate response units for a diverse range of emergency situations.
  • Quickly and accurately disseminate information.
  • Effectively communicate with upset and irate callers; obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
  • Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
  • Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
  • Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
  • Perform technical, detailed, and responsible office support work.
  • Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
  • Multi-task by listening, speaking, and performing computer functions simultaneously.
  • Maintain composure, alertness, and concentration while working for extended periods of time.
  • Within established parameters, make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property.
  • Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
  • Learn and effectively utilize various law enforcement software programs to retrieve or record information quickly and accurately.
  • Learn and apply a wide variety of classification codes and computer commands and standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Operate a computerized dispatch system, and radio and telecommunications systems quickly and accurately.
  • Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  • Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
  • 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:

Education:

  • Public Safety Dispatcher I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience:

  • Public Safety Dispatcher I: One (1) year of responsible work experience involving considerable contact with the public.
  • Public Safety Dispatcher II: One (1) years of increasingly responsible public safety dispatch experience in a capacity comparable to Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Corona.

Licenses and Certifications:

Public Safety Dispatcher I:

  • Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months of employment, a valid P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months of employment, a valid Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification, to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Possession of a valid CA Drivers License.

Public Safety Dispatcher II:

  • Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Possession of a valid Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Possession of a valid CA Drivers License.

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a centralized communication operations environment, using public safety emergency services equipment including computer-aided dispatch systems, telephones, radios and other communication devices, as well as standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and radio. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Performance of the work frequently requires positions to remain at a workstation for extended periods of time. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in a centralized communication operations 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.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

At the conclusion of the testing process, the top scoring candidates will be placed on an eligibility list. Candidates may be invited to begin the background process after the list is approved.  Candidates who are selected will undergo an extensive background process which may include but is not limited to a polygraph, criminal history, credit history, driving record, military history, civil records check, past & current employers, drug & alcohol abuse, education, and reference contacts. Candidates who successfully pass the background investigation may be selected for a position and receive a conditional offer of employment contingent upon psychological, and medical examinations by City selected medical professionals.