Public Safety Dispatcher

Assists community members and agencies with emergency needs by receiving and dispatching calls received; receives caller information, relays information to appropriate unit or agency, and provides assistance to callers as needed; logs call information into computer; monitors activity of all public safety units to determine status of incident and location of units.

This is the journey level class in the Dispatcher series characterized by the responsibility to engaged in dispatching law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical service personnel on an assigned shift.  Incumbents receive requests for assistance; evaluate requests for criticality and type of response needed; dispatch personnel to assist with the reported situation; monitor the situation for changes and safety of personnel for the duration of the response.  This class is distinguished from the Senior Dispatcher in that the latter provides lead supervision in support of Dispatch Unit activities during an assigned shift.

The current vacancies exists in the Sheriff's Office for a full-time position and extra-help positions.

The eligible list created as a result of this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur throughout the County.

Receives general supervision from the Dispatch Supervisor.

May provide technical guidance to lower level dispatch staff.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Receives requests for law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical and other services; evaluates requests for validity, priority and type of response required; dispatches appropriate individual/agency to respond to request; relays information and/or instructions to personnel in the field; coordinates some non-emergency activities.

Monitors radio frequencies for Sheriff and fire departments and a variety of other agencies such as Animal Control, California Fish and Game Department, city police departments and California Highway Patrol; enters, alters and requests information maintained on automated record‑keeping systems.

Monitors fire and sheriff unit location and status; maintains radio communications with field personnel; requests additional assistance from County and/or other agency personnel to respond to emergency situations as necessary.

Maintains back-up tapes; maintains record of incoming service requests and responding actions; prepares reports of shift activity; maintains records of status of fire equipment and current County map books; prepares various citizens requests; prepares and maintains related administrative reports.

Refer calls to appropriate agencies; may provide general information to the public; may assist in training new dispatchers.

Knowledge of:

Law enforcement techniques and procedures.

Techniques and effective methods of handling difficult public contacts.

Operation of radio and related dispatching equipment and systems.

Law enforcement terminology and code systems.

Emergency services in Solano County.

Map reading.

Automated record‑keeping systems.

Skills to:

Utilize basic office equipment, computer, phone and radio dispatch equipment and automated record-keeping systems.

Ability to:

Interpret and apply laws, regulations and policies governing dispatch program operations.

Dispatch law enforcement and emergency service personnel.

Make decisions and independent judgments.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate effectively and deal firmly with people of diverse socio‑economic backgrounds and temperaments; demonstrate tact and diplomacy.

Determine the appropriate course of action in emergency or stressful situations.

Refer callers to other emergency services.

Draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations

.

Maintain accurate records and document actions taken; use automated record‑keeping systems.

Interview people to discover information pertinent to the reported emergency situation.

Organize and prioritize work assignments.

Research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials.

Make referrals to local and regional providers of social, medical and/or other specialized services.

Project consequences of decisions.

Maintain confidentiality of information.

Recall detailed information.

Implement specific procedural steps quickly and accurately.

Monitor a variety of emergency situations at the same time.

Work under pressure.

Monitor and/or operate multi‑line telephones, radio equipment, intercoms and alarm systems.

Experience:

One year of emergency service dispatching which included responsibility for dispatching for law enforcement or fire services.

Education/Training:

High school diploma or equivalent.

All candidates must submit a copy of their keyboarding typing certificate by the final filing date and with a document cover sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office.  Failure to submit the required certificate(s) will result in immediate disqualification from further consideration in the recruitment process.

The certificate must contain a minimum corrected NET speed of 40 words per minute.  It must be a timed 3 - 5 minute test, include the gross number of words typed per minute, and the number of errors.  It may not be more than 12 months old at the time of application, must be from an accredited school or a qualified agency, and must contain the examiner's signature.  Certificate obtained through the internet (online) will not be accepted.

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents in-person or by mail at Solano County Department of Human Resources 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800, Fairfield CA  94533, or by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email to recruitment@solanocounty.com.  When submitting documents in-person, by mail or by fax, include the recruitment title (e.g., Office Assistant II) and the recruitment number (e.g., 13-123456-01).  If emailing please include the recruitment title and recruitment number in the subject line.

A net keyboard typing speed of 40 WPM is required.

Candidates for positions in this class will be required to pass a background investigation, psychological examination and medical examination in accordance with applicable law, regulation and/or policy. 

Incumbents shall satisfactorily complete the POST-certified Public Safety Dispatchers Basic Course within 12 months after the date of appointment. 

Incumbents shall serve a probation period of twelve months.

Incumbents must be willing to work odd and irregular hours, including nights, weekends and holidays, rotating shifts, scheduled and emergency overtime and be available on call as required.

Incumbents must be willing to sit for long periods of time, and to work in a closed, confining and stressful environment.

Positions allocated to this class may require bilingual skills.

09/06/2013: Deadline to submit application and supporting documentation

10/07/2013: Tentative week for Mandatory Information Session

SALARY POLICIES - The starting salary is ordinarily the first rate shown on the front of the announcement.  Salary advancement is authorized after satisfactory completion of additional periods outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or the County’s Personnel and Salary Resolution.  Longevity, shift differential, bilingual, call-back and stand-by pay maybe available for some job classes. 

HOLIDAYS – Regular and limited-term employees receive 12 paid holidays per year.

ANNUAL/SICK LEAVE - Regular and limited-term employees accrue vacation leave at the rate of 10 days per year.  After a certain period of continuous service, employees accrue vacation time at a higher rate as outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or resolution. Regular and limited-term full time employees accumulate 12 sick leave days per year.

RETIREMENT – Employees who have never been a member of any public retirement system prior to January 1, 2013, or who have moved between retirement systems and were not subject to reciprocity, or who have moved between public employers within a public retirement system after a break in service that is greater than six months are eligible for a miscellaneous retirement plan of the 2% at age 62 benefit formula.  Employees entering membership in Solano County’s miscellaneous retirement plan on or after May 4, 2012 but before January 1, 2013, or who have moved between public employers within a public retirement system with a break in service that is less than six months are eligible for a 2% at age 60 benefit formula.  Employees entering membership in Solano County’s miscellaneous retirement plan prior to May 4, 2012 are eligible for a 2.7% at age 55 benefit formula. 

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a written and/or practical exam, an oral interview, or any combination listed. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted.  These provisions are subject to change.

A minimum score of 70% is required to continue in the selection process.

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. typing certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with a document cover sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by the final filing date or, for open until filled or open and continuous recruitments, within five (5) working days from application submittal date.  Previously submitted application materials .e.g., copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533.  The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A COPY OF THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT BY THE FINAL FILING DATE.  Applicants who have a service connected disability must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.  Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points. 

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at (707)784-6170, to obtain a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees. 

BACKGROUND PROCESS –The background process may include but not limited to conducting a reference check, completing a personal history statement, conducting a background interview, and live scan fingerprinting.  The County of Solano also utilizes e-Verify to verify employment eligibility.  Note:  A felony conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.    The County will consider the nature, date and relationship between the offense and the position for which you are applying.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment, candidates may be required to pass a medical examination.  Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment, all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California and may be fingerprinted.  Candidates will also be required to offer proof that they are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of 6 to 12 months, depending upon the job class.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

EXTRA-HELP – An employee appointed to an extra-help position must meet all the requirements of the corresponding regular position.  Extra-help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in the fiscal year.  Extra-help employees are excluded from civil service and do not have rights to regular or continued employment.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER