Public Safety Communications Dispatcher at City of Placentia – Placentia, California

Under the direction of the Public Safety Communications Manager, the Public Safety Communications Dispatcher receives and processes all incoming emergency and non-emergency requests for police, fire, and medical help before dispatching the appropriate units.

The following list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Receives 911 emergency calls from the public for police and fire emergency services; evaluates information to determine the location of the emergency and the appropriate personnel and equipment needed to respond; gathers all pertinent information for responding units.
• Dispatches emergency units on the computer-aided dispatch system (CAD)
• Maintains contact with all units on assignment to determine status and location.
• Contacts county and emergency management network agencies to provide information and coordinate call responses.
• Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities.
• Answer non-emergency calls for assistance, screens calls, and routes calls to the appropriate person or office.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves police related data from computer and teletype networks and inputs a daily log of all calls field units were dispatched to or initiated.
• Operates computer terminal, teletype, and radio unit to obtain or extract pertinent data.
• Assists sworn field personnel by searching records and requesting information from other law enforcement agencies in conjunction with field investigations being carried out by department personnel.
• Notifies appropriate coordinating agencies, such as Code Enforcement, Public Works, and other government and non-government entities, for response to various adverse incidents.
• Responds to questions, complaints, and requests from the public in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Compiles, tabulates, records, types, and checks statistical data.
• Complete medical and fire trainings using the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) system.

OTHER DUTIES:

• May be required to work overtime as needed.
• May be required to work holidays, night shift, rotating shifts, etc.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the City.

A High school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required. A college-level degree in criminal justice or a related field, such as communications, is preferred. One year of public contact work experience is required. Telephone or dispatch experience is preferred.

LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:

• Valid, current driver’s license
  • This position does not typically require driving; however, the ability to use reliable transportation for occasional off-site duties may be necessary.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED (Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year of appointment):

• P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher’s Basic Course
• National Testing Network (NTN) Examination, and obtain Emergency Medical and Fire Dispatch certification
• Complete the Communications Center Training program
• Complete required annual P.O.S.T. training and Continued Dispatch Education credits
• CPR certification
• California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) certification

RECRUITMENT PROCESS & EXAM REQUIREMENT
Applicants must file a concise and complete City application regarding their qualifications for the position online through the Human Resources Department webpage at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Placentia as soon as possible. Applications may be accompanied by a resume that describes experience, education, and training with the position's requirements; however, a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for a City employment application.

EXAM REQUIREMENT

• Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.
  • Review all information related to the City of Placentia Public Safety Communications Dispatcher (Entry Level), including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.
• Review detailed information about the testing process.
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired).

The City of Placentia will contact candidates considered most qualified based on their education, training, and experience as shown on their application, who are on the NTN pass list, and invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:
Under California law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109), all City of Placentia employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers, (DSW). In the event of a catastrophic event, City of Placentia employees may be expected to fulfill emergency action assignments. As DSW's, employees may be assigned to assist in any disaster service activity that promotes the protection of public health and safety and preservation of lives and property.