What are the responsibilities and job description for the 911 Public Safety Communications Dispatcher - Department of Emergency Management (8238) position at Department of Emergency Management?
911 Public Safety Communications Dispatcher - Department of Emergency Management (8238)
How to Apply:
Applications are ONLY accepted through an online process. Here is the link to apply: Select “I am Interested" and follow instructions on the screen. Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their application has been received for every application submitted. Failure to receive this email means that your application was not submitted or received.
For more information about the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), please visit: http://www.sfdem.org/.
Job Description
Under general supervision, a Public Safety Communications Dispatcher ("Dispatcher") receives incoming emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency telephone calls from both the public and public safety agencies. This position dispatches police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) field units to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service over a two-way radio system utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system.
DEM's Division of Emergency Communications operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Dispatchers may be assigned to work various schedules which include day shift, swing shift, night shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Dispatchers work 8-hour or 10-hour shifts (or longer) and must be willing and able to respond, report, and mobilize as necessary.
Essential duties can be reviewed in detail here and include:
- Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and efficiently gathers, evaluates, prioritizes, and documents information from callers.
- Dispatches police, fire, and EMS field units to specific locations using a computer-aided dispatch system, multiple video display terminals, two-way radio dispatch console, and related equipment.
- Evaluates incoming reports of police, fire, and medical emergencies; immediately transmits complete and accurate information to appropriate field personnel.
- Monitors, coordinates, and accurately maintains the status of incidents and records of dispatched emergency service personnel and apparatus.
- Receives and disseminates information from other law enforcement and emergency service computer networks related to jurisdictional requests for police, fire, or medical service assistance, or to notices of wanted persons, stolen property, warrants, and all-points bulletins; maintains confidentiality of information.
- Maintains familiarity with area geography including major streets and buildings; recognizes circumstances that may pose hazards to public safety field units and the public.
- Maintains up-to-date understanding of public safety policies and procedures for the Department of Emergency Management, police, fire, EMS, and other emergency service providers.
- Responds to routine and non-routine inquiries regarding police, fire, or emergency medical services; properly classifies and prioritizes any report or complaint and determines appropriate course of action; provides appropriate referrals as necessary.
- Works various 8-hour or 10-hour shifts, or longer, including day shift, swing shift, night shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
Working Conditions: Dispatchers work in a fast-paced, highly stressful, and confined environment.
Qualifications
1. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination); AND
2. Two years of experience in a public contact position providing information and/or a service, or in a position where the primary responsibility is interacting with people.
Substitution: Completion of 30 semester units or 45 quarter units of coursework from an accredited college or university may substitute for 1 year of the required experience as described above.
: 1 year of experience is equivalent to 2000 hours (based on a 40-hour work week). Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the filing deadline unless otherwise noted. Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification.
Selection Procedures
Supplemental Questionnaire (Qualifying)
Applicants are required to complete a questionnaire as part of the online application process that is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the minimum qualifications for this position.
Performance Examination (Weight: Pass/Fail)
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online Performance Examination designed to measure aptitude for performing Dispatcher work. This computerized exam can be taken at a time and location of one’s convenience, but only within the time period specified on the exam notification. Candidates must have access to a computer with clear audio, a mouse, keyboard (9-key recommended), and reliable internet connection to participate in this exam.
:
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the following resources thoroughly:
- Test Preparation Guide
- CritiCall Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates are strongly encouraged to take these sample tests:
- Keyboarding
- Spelling
: As part of the exam, candidates will be tested on their ability to type at a speed of 40 words per minute (WPM) (net). Candidates who only fail typing but fall within 35-39 WPM (net) will be provided an opportunity to retake the typing test within a 72-hour period. Candidates who fail the Performance Examination must wait 1 month before retesting. Candidates who pass will be prompted to complete their Personal History Statement and supplemental documents (see below).
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $108,004.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Holidays
- Night shift
- Overnight shift
- Overtime
- Rotating shift
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Typing: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Manteca, CA (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Manteca, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $108,004