Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee

Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee

The City of Turlock is accepting applications for the position of Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee. Under immediate supervision, to learn '911' call taking and dispatch duties for the City of Turlock Police and Fire Departments.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock Associated Police Officers bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime assignments.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an entry level class in the Emergency Services Dispatcher series. Incumbents will undergo on-the-job training which is expected to take approximately four (4) months. An Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee will have the opportunity to promote to an Emergency Services Dispatcher I, and upon doing so, will be required to successfully complete a one hundred and twenty (120) hour P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Dispatcher Course.

The department will evaluate the progress of the trainee during the first twelve (12) months of employment to determine when standards for promotion have been met. Failure to make continuous progress and/or failure to promote to Emergency Services Dispatcher I at the end of twelve (12) months will result in termination. The Chief may extend this deadline under extenuating circumstances.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Immediate supervision is provided by a Public Safety Communications Supervisor.

• Operate the computer aided dispatch system (CAD) keeping track of all related events and times
• Receive and dispatch incoming calls from external and internal customers,
• Learn to operate the Department of Justice automated files to include national inquires and input,
• Triage and prioritize calls for service from the public in order to dispatch appropriate personnel;
• Perform clerical duties assigned to Communications to include but not limited to data entry, document processing, warrant processing;
• Respond to and screen incoming telephone calls on '911' and miscellaneous phone lines in Communications
• Dispatch appropriate personnel on calls received for police and fire
• Supply information to the public as needed
• Operate the touch screen citywide radio system
• Patch radio channels on multi agency/department involved incidents
• Inquire and input data into the California Department of Justice CLETS System
• Maintain confidentiality of information obtained
• Compile DVD reports for court on calls for service as requested
• Testify in court on calls received and handled while on duty
• Perform a variety of related clerical work in the Communication Center
• Process criminal warrants for service
• Abstract and maintain records on warrants served
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• High volume telephone and public contact operations
• Two-way radio system
• Basic office equipment

Ability to:

• Read, write, speak and understand English fluently
• Dispatch emergency service calls expeditiously and correctly
• Type proficiently
• Think clearly and quickly in emergency situations
• Read computer screens and monitor visual changes
• Multitask
• Follow oral and written direction
• Compile information and maintain reports in CAD
• Reference manuals for accurate input of data into CLETS and NCIC
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work
• Locate major streets, public places and landmarks in the city limits
• Receive and remember specific information received

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

No previous experience necessary.

Training:
Be a high school graduate from a United States public or private high school

Or

Pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school level

Or

Pass the California High School Proficiency Examination

Certificates:
Possession of a valid California driver's license (minimum class

C) at the time of application, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Typing certificate with a typing speed of thirty-five (35) words per minute net corrected.

Completion of a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with a T-score of forty-five (45) or higher.

Successful completion of the Department of Justice CLETS required workbook (new employees must meet this requirement within six (6) months from date of employment)

Physical Conditions

Maintain the following physical abilities:
See well enough to read instructions, read fine print, view computer screen, operate vehicle and related equipment; hear well enough to converse on the telephone and in person, assist the public and other staff; use hands and fingers for use of computer keyboard, copy machine, filing, writing, drive vehicles and answer telephone. Dispatchers work rotating shifts (including day shift, swing shift, cover shift and night shift), weekends and holidays and are…