Communications Dispatcher Trainee

Salary : $32,796.00 – $39,864.00 Annually

Location : Police Department – 604 C Street Eureka CA 95501, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 23/24.20

Department: Police

Division: Communications

Opening Date: 10/23/2023

Closing Date: 11/14/2023 5:00 PM Pacific

Description Summary
*Base salary for this position will increase by 5% in 2024.

DEFINITION
Under direct supervision receives exposure to the operations of an Emergency Dispatch Center and general training in emergency communications and law enforcement concepts. Must successfully pass the CA Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry Level Dispatcher Examination.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from assigned lead trainer, supervisor or management personnel.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Communications Dispatcher Trainee is a pre-entry-level class in the Communications Dispatch series, in which incumbents learn to the operations of an Emergency Call Center and shadow experienced 911 call takers, while attempting to pass the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Entry Level Dispatcher Examination. Trainees work under close supervision while receiving on-the-job training in the techniques and procedures of radio and telephone dispatching and in the operation of communications equipment, and are expected to take the POST Dispatcher Exam whenever eligible until receiving a passing score. The Communications Dispatcher Trainee is distinguished from the Communications Dispatcher due to the latter’s responsibility for independently performing the functions of a law radio position or fire/medical radio position.
Expectation of Job Duties
The below duties are examples of that which is required of a Communication Dispatcher. For the purpose of the Dispatcher Trainee, the duties are reflecting what the Trainee will be observing and learning- but not performing independently.

• Receives and evaluates 911 police, fire and medical emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel.
• Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and sending appropriate response unit, including police, fire, emergency medical personnel, towing services, utilities.
• Provides emergency medical instructions to callers, including CPR, childbirth and other medical instructions according to standardized Emergency Medical Dispatch Pre-Arrival Instruction established through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.
• Maintains contact with all field units, including accounting for location and status of all units and maintaining records of all field calls. Operates a computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities.
• Enters into, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from CLETS database, including stolen vehicles and other property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons.
• Runs warrant checks on subjects, registration, checks on vehicles and property, and relays information and instructions to personnel in the field.
• Contacts public and private agencies and requests mutual assistance, including other law enforcement agencies, area fire departments, hospitals, towing services, and utilities.
• Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support or information.
• Accesses Federal, State and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information and vehicle data, relays such information to sworn staff.
• Acts as a liaison with the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or for fire or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies and procedures, which requires a knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures and the use of tact and discretion, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.
• Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.
• Attends necessary fire and police training, shift briefing sessions, participates in drills and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies, and rides along with police officers and fire personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
QUALIFICATIONS
Many of the below knowledge, skills and abilities will be acquired while in the Dispatcher Trainee program however, it will benefit the candidate if some of the more general knowledge, skills and abilities are already held.

Knowledge of:

• Basic functions, principles and practices of law enforcement agencies.
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
• Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
• Applicable codes, regulations, policies, technical processes and procedures, including penal, vehicle, and health and safety codes and regulations.
• City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
• Basic principles of record keeping.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
• Memorize codes, names, street locations and other information.
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Interpret, apply and explain policies, procedures and regulations.
• Attend to multiple activities simultaneously.
• Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear and concise reports.
• Perform technical, detailed and responsible office support work.
• Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Requirements
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 the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year experience in operating radio, teletypewriter, or other communication equipment. Experience in dealing with the public is highly desirable.

License:

• Valid California class C driver’s license with satisfactory driving record may be required.
• A valid typing certificate, issued within the previous (12) months will be required after passing the POST Entry-level Dispatcher examination.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use 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. This is primarily a sedentary office classification that requires extended periods of time of sitting; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may also be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter 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 necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an 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.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

All applications received are screened to determine which applicants most closely match the desired education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the position. Applicants will receive email notification of the results of the screening process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not necessarily guaranteed advancement to the examination process, as only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate. The most qualified applicants will be invited to an in person written examination tentatively to be held in late November. The Department Head (and/or designee(s)) will interview the top six (6) candidates from the examination process. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, and grant positions. The City reserves the right to extend the final filing date as necessary.

No other information will be accepted and resumes, cover letters or additional materials WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

EXTENDED TESTING PROCESS FOR COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER

COMPLETE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants will undergo a thorough investigation of their personal history, including drug and alcohol use, thefts, etc. All applicants must meet background investigation standards. Examples of disqualifying items include use or sale of illegal drugs/narcotics within the past 1 to 3 years, depending on substance type. If you would like to discuss a particular personal issue prior to testing, please contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4095, and they will provide you with general department parameters.

POLYGRAPH TEST: This is a “lie detector” test. By monitoring your physiological response to questions give, the polygraph test determines the truthfulness of your responses.
DEPARTMENT INTERVIEW: In this phase of the testing process, you will be interviewed by the Chief of Police.

AFTER AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS MADE:

WORK STYLE EVALUATION: This test is performed by a Psychologist in which you complete a variety of test components, and your responses are compared to an established scale. You are then given a numerical score which determines your suitability for the Communications Dispatcher position.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION/DRUG SCREENING: You will undergo a pre-employment physical examination and a drug screening test. Actual employment is contingent upon the results of these examinations.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked. The City of Eureka is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of handicap status in the admission, access to, treatment, or employment for its programs, or activities, whether funded by the City or by grants. Women, persons with disabilities, and minorities are encouraged to apply.

In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If you have special needs, please call (707) 441-4124 prior to the examination date. When indicating you have a special need, one of the following definitions will apply to you. A disabled person is anyone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities: i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working or learning; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

Note: Although benefits have been reported as accurately as possible, there has been no warranty of complete benefit summary intended. All information provided is subject to the actual terms of the legal documents that control benefit programs.

CalPERS Retirement – The Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) also known as Assembly Bill (AB) 340 was passed and went into effect on 01/01/2013.

• CLASSIC MEMBERS (2.7 @ 55)
  Employees hired before 01/01/2013 by a CalPERS agency and who have less than a 6 month break in service, are considered “classic members” with all classic member benefits and restrictions.
  Employee portion: 8% plus an addition 3% of the employer’s portion per MOU agreement.
  
• PEPRA MEMBERS (2% at 62)
  Employees hired by a CalPERS agency after 01/01/2013, are considered PEPRA members with the new AB 340 benefit formulas, final compensation and contribution requirements.
  Employee portion: 6.25% plus an additional 3% of the employer’s contribution per MOU agreement.

SOCIAL SECURITY
The employee contribution is included in salary and paid by the employee. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the 1.45% required Medicare contribution; therefore, earnings from this job are not covered under Social Security. When you retire you may receive a pension based on earnings from this job. If you do, your pension may affect the amount of Social Security benefits you may receive. For more information go to

MEDICAL
Medical coverage for employees and eligible dependents is provided through a self-funded Anthem Blue Cross plan administered through HealthComp. The City offers two (2) low deductible plans and one (1) high deductible plan to choose from. The high deductible plan includes a Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) which the City will contribute the applicable deductible as negotiated through the MOU. The City will contribute 80% of the health insurance premium; the remaining 20% is paid by the employee. Dental and Vision coverage is paid by the City. Note: There are specific requirements for continuing health insurance as a retiree.

VACATION
Vacation is accumulated at 1 day per month upon employment and increases with time in service. The maximum accrual is 35 days. Vacation buyback is available in increments of 40 hours at a time.

SICK LEAVE
Sick Leave is accrued at 1 day per month with no limit. Six days of Family Sick Leave are allowed per year and three of these days are deducted from the employee’s accrued Sick Leave bank. An employee may be allowed Family Death Leave up to 5 days per incident. This is not accruable.

HOLIDAYS
The City pays for 12 fixed holidays per year, in addition to 3 floating holidays.

LONGEVITY PAY (Effective 05/01/2018)
Five (5) years = 1%, Ten (10) years = 2%, Fifteen (15) years = 3%, of base salary.

LIFE INSURANCE
The City pays the premium on a $20,000 life insurance policy for the employee, including eligible dependent coverage at $1,000 each.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Other benefits include optional participation in deferred compensation plans, City-paid membership in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the employee and eligible dependents, free membership at the Adorni Recreation Center for employee, spouse and dependent children, an educational reimbursement program, free enrollment at Little Saplings Preschool for children of City employees, 50% off fees for after school programs for children of City employees and free Sequoia Park Zoo membership for the entire family.

Note: Although benefits have been reported as accurately as possible, there has been no warranty of complete benefit summary intended. All information provided is subject to the actual terms of the legal documents that control benefit programs.

01

Applicants will undergo a thorough investigation of their personal history, including drug and alcohol use, thefts, felony convictions, etc. All applicants must meet background investigation standards. Examples of disqualifying items include use or sale of illegal drugs/narcotics within the past 6 months to 3 years, depending on substance type. Are you willing to submit to a background investigation?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you, within the last 3 months, used marijuana or a derivative of cannabis in any fashion?

• Yes
• No

04

Describe your experience working with the public. Include in your response any experience working with a diverse population and individuals who are in crisis situations or in need of immediate assistance.

05

Describe your experience resolving conflict and your personal approach to handling conflict.

06

Why are you interested in becoming a Communications Dispatcher? (Please be specific.)

07

Why are you interested in working for the City of Eureka Police Department? (Please be specific.)

Required Question