Public Safety Dispatcher

This posting may close earlier than the advertised closing date if an excessive number of applications is received. Conversely, the closing date may be extended, or the position re-posted, if an insufficient number of applications is received during the initial posting period. Applicants must ensure the complete submission of their employment application and a valid typing certificate. An eligibility list will be established and may be used to fill current and future vacancies.
Job Summary:
Under general supervision, dispatches police, fire, or other City or contract vehicles; maintains radio contact and status of each vehicle in the field; operates a computer terminal; operates a telephone switchboard, giving general information to callers and making necessary connections with other departments; and does related work as required. Some of the typical duties of the Police Safety Dispatcher include but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves on a shift basis as a dispatcher in the Communications Center; receives calls by telephone or radio.
• Dispatches appropriate fire, police or other City and contract equipment as needed to handle reported emergencies in the field.
• Maintains radio contact with units at all times during shift assignments and sends needed or requested assistance as indicated.
• Maintains a continuous current record of the status of all mobile units, indicating the disposition of each by mechanical or other means.
• Receives calls of a general nature, gives appropriate information to callers and routes calls to their proper destination.
• Sends and receives teletype messages and routes them to appropriate destinations.
• Operate a switchboard
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year of responsible general office, communication, or public service experience which included heavy public contact providing information and assistance.
• R adio-telephone operation is desirable.

Knowledge of: Police office practices and basic radio and telephone communications. Knowledge of business English, spelling and record keeping. Knowledge of geography of West Covina is desirable.

Ability to: answer multiple telephone lines and provide information under stressful conditions; to learn assigned clerical tasks readily and to adhere to prescribed routine; write English legibly; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; type and learn the operation of other standard office equipment; a willingness to work varying shifts; and to learn radio dispatching skills.

Certification and License Requirements:

• Typing certification of 45 words per minute (wpm) net (5-minute test taken within the last 12 months) of date submitted) is required. Typing c ertificates will only be accepted from a recognized agency such as a college, trade school, adult school, or employment agency. No "on-line" typing test will be accepted. Applications received without a valid typing certificate, or not meeting the minimum words per minute (45 wpm net) will not be considered and applicants will not be contacted to correct the deficiency.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License with a satisfactory driving record is required.
• Must maintain a valid Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Physical Demands and Working Environment: This position also requires extensive and repetitive physical activity involving the arms, wrists, and hands, including writing and using a keyboard. It also requires physical abilities associated with the ability to read, write and communicate in a work environment requiring no extraordinary physical strength or other special physical qualifications.

Work is performed in a fast paced, high volume call center, or may be required to report to alternate dispatch center; incumbents must remain alert and responsive while coordinating stressful situations in a dynamic work environment.

Pursuant to California Government Code §3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.

Special Working Conditions:
THIS POSITION REQUIRES WORKING ONE OF TWO 12-HOUR ROTATING SHIFTS WITH VARYING WORK HOURS, INCLUDING NIGHTS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS. CIVILIAN UNIFORMS WILL BE REQUIRED.

SELECTION PROCESS:
Applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements and needs of the City, will be invited to participate further in the testing/selection process.

1. Written Examination (pass/fail)
2. Panel Interview (weighted 100%)
3. Comprehensive Background Check , which includes:
   • Live Scan fingerprinting
   • Polygraph examination
4. Pre-Employment Medical Examination
5. Psychological Evaluation
6. Drug Screening (required for safety-sensitive positions; provided at no cost to the candidate)

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The City of West Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ADA Accommodation: The City will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.