What are the responsibilities and job description for the COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR position at Department of State Hospitals?
- Taking emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, medical and other related services over the telephone, 2911 line, radio and other communications media
- Classifying incidents and establish dispatch priorities
- Coordinating or transferring requests for emergency and non-emergency medical services with the County’s Emergency Medical Dispatchers
- Providing information to support officers and fire fighters in the field using a variety of computerized and manual information systems; providing telecommunications support, using the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications system (CLETS) and other local, regional and national databases
- Maintaining appropriate record documentation verifying the validity of the information obtained via CLETS
- Entering, updating, modifying and clearing data inputted by DPS and other related information in CLETS and other computer systems and databases as required
- Utilizing the hospital’s public address system to inform staff of emergency responses needed and emergency alerts
- Receiving and calculating census counts
- Must be able to deal tactfully with all disciplines and possess the ability to prioritize work from different communications sources
- Practicing, following and knowing the policies and procedures related to job safety, including safety rules and regulations
- Be able to use hands and fingers for typing, touch screens, answering phones, computer keyboard and writing
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hand to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear ordinary phone and radio conversations with either ear; must be able to see well enough to view computer screens and look-up codes in required manuals; read maps and fine print
In order to be considered for this job vacancy, you must satisfy one of the following requirements:
1. BE LIST ELIGIBLE: Successfully complete the competitive State civil service exam pertaining to this classification at Communications Operator Exam Bulletin, OR
2. BE TRANSFER ELIGIBLE: Have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable (employees who wish to be considered based on transfer eligibility must meet the minimum qualifications of the classification per DPA Rule 250), OR
3. BE REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBLE: Have obtained previous permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable.
- Minimum qualifications will be verified prior to being scheduled for an interview. Please provide proof of minimum qualifications with your application submission, which may include a copy of your unofficial college transcripts.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade. AND
Either I Experience: Six months of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Dispatcher-Clerk. OR
II Experience: One year of experience in dispatching work involving the operation of radio communications equipment/systems. OR
III Experience: Two years of experience involving a substantial amount of direct and telephone contact with the public and the responsibility to perform numerous tasks simultaneously.
- If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications, the applicant’s name may be removed from the eligibility list.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
The Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.
Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
You MUST submit a copy of your high school diploma OR high school transcripts which include graduation date OR evidence of passing the California High School Proficiency test OR possession of a GED OR foreign high school diploma (must be translated and verified by an independent company) OR unofficial college transcripts showing completion of at least 12 units of college credits with your STD 678 State Application.
You MUST submit a valid typing certificate with a minimum speed of 35 NET WPM. Typing tests for certification must be proctored and 5 minutes in length. Candidates that are current State employees in a typing classification DO NOT need to submit a typing certificate.
Existing law requires that a thorough background investigation shall be conducted to verify the absence of past behavior indicative of unsuitability to perform public safety dispatcher duties. The background investigation shall include a check of Department of Motor Vehicles' records, and a search of local, State, and national criminal history files to disclose any criminal record. Persons unsuccessful in the investigation cannot be appointed to the Communications Operator series.
Existing law requires that a medical examination shall be conducted to verify the absence of any medical condition which would preclude the safe and efficient performance of dispatcher duties. Persons unsuccessful in the medical exam cannot be appointed to the Communications Operator series.
Penal Code Section 13510(c) requires that State agencies participating in the P.O.S.T. program shall evaluate oral communication skills to ensure skill levels commensurate with the satisfactory performance of dispatch duties.
Penal Code Section 13510(c) requires that State agencies participating in the P.O.S.T. program shall require that the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course be the minimum basic training for all public safety dispatchers in the program. The course shall be completed within 12 months of hire or assignment to dispatcher duties. Failure to successfully complete the course shall be cause for termination based on failure to meet the required conditions of employment.
The Department of Justice requires a background Investigation for anyone accessing or anyone who will view any information that is obtained from the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS). Police Services Investigators conduct background investigations on any Communications Operator selected to fill a vacancy in the Department of Police Services. Information obtained via CLETS is confidential and may be used only for the purpose(s) for which it is authorized. Violation of confidentiality requirements or access authorization may be subject to disciplinary action, civil action and/or criminal charges.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 3/14/2025Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Other - You MUST submit a copy of your high school diploma OR high school transcripts which include graduation date OR evidence of passing the California High School Proficiency test OR possession of a GED OR foreign high school diploma (must be translated and verified by an independent company) OR unofficial college transcripts showing completion of at least 12 units of college credits with your STD 678 State Application.
- Other - You MUST submit a valid typing certificate with a minimum speed of 35 NET WPM. Typing tests for certification must be proctored and 5 minutes in length. Candidates that are current State employees in a typing classification DO NOT need to submit a typing certificate.
Desirable Qualifications
Accurate typing at a speed of at least 35 words per minute.
Benefits
- Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Holidays and leave
- Defined benefit retirement program
- Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
- Commute Program
- Employee Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
DSH-Atascadero Employment Office
(805) 468-3384
ASHEmployment@dsh.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Pearl Melena
(805) 468-2007
Pearl.Melena@dsh.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Application Requirements
You MUST submit a copy of your high school diploma OR high school transcripts which include graduation date OR evidence of passing the California High School Proficiency test OR possession of a GED OR foreign high school diploma (must be translated and verified by an independent company) OR unofficial college transcripts showing completion of at least 12 units of college credits with your STD 678 State Application AND
You MUST submit a valid typing certificate with a minimum speed of 35 NET WPM. Typing tests for certification must be proctored and 5 minutes in length. Candidates that are current State employees in a typing classification DO NOT need to submit a typing certificate.
- Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted. Scanned, copied or faxed applications will not be accepted.
- Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
- Any limited-term appointments may transition into a permanent appointment.
Additional Information
This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
