Extra incentive through June 2023: Resolution R22-85

The dispatch center operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.  Applicant must be able to work all shifts, type 40 wpm, pass a complete background check, and polygraph examination. Must have strong multi-tasking skills; we use multiple computers, multiple computer based programs, and multiple display monitors to perform a variety of job functions. A 2-hour Pre-Test will be administered to all qualified candidates. No experience necessary; all training provided. High School Diploma/GED.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

To receive incident reports, including emergency calls through 911, and simultaneously

enter information into the computer. Operates public safety dispatching equipment as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Answers and responds appropriately to incoming public assistance and 911 emergency calls from the general public, private alarm companies, etc. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.

Determines, calmly and effectively, critical information for processing a call, including establishing the nature of the incident; this may require an employee to use originality in asking appropriate questions while maintaining departmental policy and procedure. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.

Enters and codes information into the computer while simultaneously receiving information from the caller. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.

Determines what agencies need to respond to an incident, and operates dispatching equipment to dispatch fire or police vehicles and personnel; transfers caller information to appropriate agency as necessary. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.

Interfaces with the ACIC system in order to input data and obtain information on driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, “wants and warrants,” etc., as required. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.

Sets priority of calls based on policy and nature of incident- Delete, set by policy.

Maintains the current status of personnel and equipment already out on calls while dispatching. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.

Maintains accurate records of tape recording devices and computer operations as required- Delete.

Secures the assistance of other agencies as needed. This duty is performed as needed, about 7% of the time.

Stays current on specific crime problems, unusual fire and police field operations, etc., that must be considered when dispatching. This duty is performed daily, about 5% of the time.

Reads and interprets a variety of resource material, procedural manuals, etc. This duty is performed daily, about 5% of the time.

Utilizes appropriate equipment necessary to perform job duties such as computer, two-way radio, as well as related dispatch and recording equipment. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.

Conducts minor tests and inspections on equipment. This duty is performed weekly, about 2% of the time.

Performs minor office functions such as filing, copying and sorting. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.

Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Mental alertness and adaptability to office and field area work routines. Equivalent to four years high school or GED, with particular emphasis during high school in office skills, shop skills, or others, plus 0 to 6 months related experience and/or training. Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions in person-to-person and small group situations with customers, clients, general public and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to prepare and interpret bar graphs.

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of known variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram formats.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must be able to acquire and maintain ACIC Level I and Level II Certification within one year of date of hire. Must acquire and maintain CPR, Emergency Medical Dispatch and Telecommunicator certifications.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Not indicated.

SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED

Intermediate: Alphanumeric Data Entry, Contact Management, Word

Processing/Typing

Basic: Database, Spreadsheet

INITIATIVE AND INGENUITY

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under general supervision where standard practice enables the employee to proceed alone on routine work, referring all questionable cases to supervisor.

PLANNING

Limited responsibility with regard to general assignments in planning time, method, manner, and/or sequence of performance of own work operations.

DECISION MAKING

ACCURACY

Probable errors would not likely be detected until they reached another department, office or patron, and would then require considerable time and effort to correct the situation. Frequently, possibility of error that would affect the organization's prestige and relationship with the public to a limited extent, but where succeeding operations or supervision would normally preclude the possibility of a serious situation arising as a result of the error or decision. Performs work operations which permit frequent opportunity for decision-making of minor importance and also frequent opportunity for decision-making of major importance; the latter of which would affect the work operations of other employees and/or clientele to a moderate degree.

MENTAL DEMAND

Close mental demand. Operations requiring close and continuous attention for control of operations. Operations requiring intermittent direct thinking to determine or select the most applicable way of handling situations regarding the organization's administration and operations; also to determine or select material and equipment where highly variable sequences are involved.

ANALYTICAL ABILITY / PROBLEM SOLVING

Moderately repetitive. Activities with slight variation using a definite set of processes or directions with some degree of supervision. Choice of learned things in situations which conform to clearly established patterns and modes.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include but not limited to interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

No supervision.

Supervises the following departments:

RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDS, PROPERTY and EQUIPMENT

Regularly responsible for property where carelessness or error would result in only minor damage or minor monetary loss. Almost continuous care and attention is required when handling this property in order to prevent loss.

ACCURACY

Probable errors would not likely be detected until they reached another department, office or patron, and would then require considerable time and effort to correct the situation. Frequently, possibility of error that would affect the organization's prestige and relationship with the public to a limited extent, but where succeeding operations or supervision would normally preclude the possibility of a serious situation arising as a result of the error or decision.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Regularly responsible for property where carelessness or error would result in only minor damage or minor monetary loss. Almost continuous care and attention is required when handling this property in order to prevent loss.

FREEDOM TO ACT

Generally controlled. General processes covered by established policies and standards with supervisory oversight.

ANNUAL MONETARY IMPACT

The amount of annual dollars generated based on the job’s essential duties / responsibilities. Examples would include direct dollar generation, departmental budget, proper handling of organization funds, expense control, savings from new techniques or reduction in manpower. None. Job does not create any dollar monetary impact for the organization.

IMPACT ON END RESULTS

Modest impact. Job has some impact on the organizations end results, but still from an indirect level. Provides assistance and support services that facilitates decision making by others.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Regular contacts with patrons where the contacts are initiated by the employee.

Involves both furnishing and obtaining information and, also, attempting to influence the decisions of those persons contacted. Contacts of considerable importance and of such nature, that failure to exercise proper judgment may result in important tangible or intangible losses to the organization.

EMPLOYEE CONTACT

Contacts with other departments or offices and also frequently with individuals in middle level positions; consulting on problems which necessitate judgment and tact in presentation to obtain cooperation or approval of action to be taken. Also, important contacts with associates as required in advanced supervisory jobs.

USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTERS

Occasional use of highly complex machines and equipment; specialized or advanced software programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Somewhat disagreeable working conditions. Continuously exposed to one or two elements such as noise, intermittent standing, walking; and occasional pushing, carrying, or lifting.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. Semi-repetitive, low physical. Semi-repetitive type work which requires periods of concentration for varied time cycles as prescribed by the tasks. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk or hear; occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; and color vision.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Knowledge

Public safety communications knowledge is preferred, but not required.

Abilities

Effectively deal with people and highly stressful situations, which may be for an extended period of time; assess situations quickly and accurately; use appropriate judgment when responding to incident reports including emergency situations; learn and follow established procedures; learn to operate a computer terminal, two-way radio, as well as related dispatch and recording equipment; prepare and maintain accurate records; follow oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing; deal effectively and courteously with associates and the general public; perform effectively as a member of a team in carrying out the City’s stated mission and philosophy; perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

Physical Requirements

Performs bending and reaching necessary to obtain resource materials; subject to sitting for long periods of time. Must be able to grip objects and wear communications headset that will cover or fit within the canal of one ear. Must be able to hear and understand spoken communications originating simultaneously from both the headset and other sources in the communications room.

Working Environment

Primarily indoors, with heating and cooling regulated; exposure to constant noise in a work environment with minimal natural lighting.

Miscellaneous Requirements

Must be able to work any assigned hours/shifts with varying days off. Subject to emergency call-in. Must successfully complete a background investigation; must not possess any felony convictions; and must pass pre-employment drug testing.

Special Requirements
The dispatch center operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Applicant must be able to work all shifts, type 40 wpm, pass a complete background check, and polygraph examination. Must have strong multi-tasking skills; we use multiple computers, multiple computer based programs, and multiple display monitors to perform a variety of job functions. A 2-hour Pre-Test will be administered to all qualified candidates. No experience necessary; all training provided. High School Diploma/GED.