Public Safety Dispatcher; Entry-Level

The City of Campbell's Police Department is seeking qualified candidates for Public Safety Dispatcher! Under general supervision, to receive and transmit routine and emergency telephone, radio and computer messages; to keep a variety of police records; and to do related work as required.

• Answers all telephone calls promptly and courteously; makes rapid and accurate determination of the nature of each call and the degree, severity, and location of any emergency;
• Refers non-emergency callers to the appropriate agency or other resource;
• Questions emergency callers to elicit complete and accurate information necessary for emergency response and enters information in the computer-aided dispatch system;
• Gather information using multiple audio and visual resources;
• Selects emergency response units in exact accordance with established user agency policies and procedures;
• Promptly and properly alerts response units in exact accordance with user agency policies and procedures;
• Maintains current status on all field units;
• Closely monitors any situation presenting a potential danger to the life or safety of field personnel and takes immediate action to dispatch assistance as required;
• Maintains radio contact with field units and enforces proper channel control, discipline, and courtesy;
• Maintains records and logs reflecting the outcome and details of emergency incidents;
• Participates in training and evaluation activities to establish and maintain a high level of proficiency;
• Accesses automated law enforcement systems, inputs data and information, and makes accurate entries into automated record files in accordance with applicable laws, statutes and Department of Justice requirements;
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED may be substituted for a high school diploma); plus
• One year of successful full-time responsible experience performing work where the essential functions of the job involved public contact, computer usage or heavy telephone traffic.

• Typing Certificate certifying a minimum of 40 wpm dated within one year of the application date; AND
• Criti Call Dispatcher test with a passing score dated within one year of the application date; OR
• P.O.S.T. Entry-level Dispatcher Test with a T-score of 50 or above.

• Standard communications principles and methods for public service dispatch activities;
• Standard office procedures and methods, including filing and the operation of common office equipment;
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

• Communicate clearly and concisely with persons under extreme emotional stress;
• Operate a computer aided-dispatch system;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in their course of work including the general public;
• Type into a computer terminal at a net rate of 40 words per minute;
• Quickly learn the policies, procedures and performance standards pertaining to the work;
• Hear accurately and distinctly; speak clearly and precisely;
• Write legibly; work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals;
• Work in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work area;
• Work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record;
• View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditions;
• Distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals;
• Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources;
• Work continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of time;
• Perform a high standard of customer service, professional conduct and civic responsibility.

• General office environment; sit and/or stand for long periods of time;
• Repetitive keyboarding; reach, squat, lift, and carry up to 25 pounds;
• Able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Campbell.

Public Safety Dispatchers typically work 12 hours shifts, with 4 work days one week and 3 work days the following week. Shifts available area a day and night shift, or variation, that can rotate every six months.…