Communications Dispatcher I​/II​/Limited Term

Position: 911 Communications Dispatcher I/II (Extra Help / Limited Term)
San Mateo County Public Safety Communications is accepting applications for the position of

911 Communications Dispatcher I/II (Extra Help / Limited Term).

The Department

San Mateo County Public Safety Communications (PSC) is the largest dispatch center in the county and the only Tri-Community (Police, Fire, Medical) Center. Located in Redwood City, PSC is a stand-alone department with a civilian command structure, including a Director, Deputy Director, and several managers.

PSC emphasizes customer service, employee well-being, and excellence. We provide tools and ongoing training for professional and personal success, fostering a team environment with open communication. Located in Silicon Valley, we prioritize innovation and cutting-edge 911 technology.

PSC is committed to employee well-being, offering mental health initiatives, therapy animals, an on-site gym, a quiet room, and a full kitchen. We're the first department in the county to employ a full-time Wellbeing and Equity Coordinator and involve mental health professionals in departmental decisions.

Learn more here: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./911dispatch

PSC is looking for experienced Public Safety Dispatchers to join our team for a 6-month assignment, which may be extended.

The Extra Help Dispatcher will work 8 - 20 hours per week on a consistent weekly or bi-weekly shift.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

* 2+ years of Public Safety Dispatching

Experience with Law, Fire, and/or EMS.

* Possess CA POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate

* Knowledge of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) operation; previous experience with Versaterm is highly desired.

* Knowledge of basic computer use in a business office and Communications Center environment.

* Ability to operate various types of communications equipment, including public safety telephones, two-way radio systems, data terminals, and other related technologies.

* Ability to utilize available resources.

* International Academies of Emergency Dispatch EMD certification is highly desired.

Schedule:

Once selected, the Department will coordinate with the successful candidate to set a consistent weekly or bi-weekly schedule based on the candidate's availability.

PLEASE NOTE:

The successful incumbent MUST be willing to work night shift hours, and/or weekend shifts.

PLEASE NOTE:

This is an Extra Help position, not Relief or Per Diem. Previous Dispatch experience is highly desired.

Employees in this classification are trained in, and perform the following duties:

* Receive business or emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, and other public service agencies.

* Screen information to determine the nature of the call, perform call classification, determine priority and jurisdiction, and document activity.

* Screen and prioritize telephone workload.

* Remain cognizant of workloads and specific systems' status.

* Provide support and assistance in a team concept during day-to-day operations and critical or large-scale incidents.

* Assist in the coordination of mutual aid incidents.

* Develop and foster a positive working rapport with direct and indirect customers, the public, and co-workers.

* Testify in court regarding legal proceedings related to dispatch call(s) received.

* Prepare and submit various reports such as incident reports.

* Develop and maintain working knowledge of highways, streets, buildings, and major points of interest in the County and adjacent areas.

* Remain current on procedures for manual dispatch operations and Communications Center evacuation.

* Provide off-hours services as required.

* Perform related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to qualify is a minimum of one year of experience receiving and processing calls while involved in performing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Knowledge of:

* English language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

* Customer service and interpersonal communications principles.

* Computer operation and use in office and Communications Center environments.

* Basic principles in communicating by means of face-to-face contact, telephone, and/or data terminals.

* Various resources within the County in order to provide referrals to the public and public safety agencies.

Skill/Ability to:

* Speak, read, and write English clearly.

* Communicate clearly and concisely, in English, both orally and in writing.

* Comprehend, interpret, relay, and document information via telephone, computer software/ data terminals, or other related technology.

* Screen and interpret general data and filter relevant information.

* Learn and operate Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems and other related technology.

* Read and interpret various mapping devices and relay pertinent information.

* Work under pressure, exercising good judgment and common sense while making sound decisions in emergency situations.

* Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

* Listen, understand, and relay information via…