Communications Operator Experienced

Under immediate supervision operates a computer aided dispatch system to send police units in response to emergency calls and other public service needs; determines priorities of all calls and prioritizes responses when police units are needed in a number of situations which exceed available units; evaluates situations to determine appropriate units to dispatch based on availability priority and location of units; dispatches backup units if appraisal of situation suggests the need for such support or is requested by officers; with the aid of detailed maps may direct the police units to locations; obtains required information in discussion with emergency caller; uses Orange County radio system in dispatching units; performs complaint writer function which requires receiving telephone and radio calls and typing information including codes into the CADS to create a call for service; monitors Police Building entrances on audio and visual security systems to prevent unauthorized entrance; transfers emergency information to other agencies based on information extracted from the caller; performs other related duties as assigned.
Communication Operators receive and record calls on the Public Safety Computer system dispatch police units to emergency and public service calls. There is a high premium placed on the accuracy and speed of information gathering and maturity in decision making of employees in the Communications Center. Cooperative work relationships are essential.

The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed within this job classification. City Council/Administration at its discretion may add modify change or rescind work assignments as needed.

Any combination of education training and experience that would likely provide the knowledge skills and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:

Knowledge of: During probation the following knowledge must be acquired: codes practices and procedures used to transmit information to units in the field and locations of streets and buildings.

Ability to: Ability to understand complex instructions which are presented orally or in writing; read street maps and quickly find locations; quickly evaluate an emergency situation and develop logical working solutions; keep up with fast pace of incoming calls and transmitted information; successfully perform multitasking duties; speak clearly and confidently; gain cooperation and cooperate with others; apply procedures for handling unique problems; exercise good judgment with memory for details; recognize and keep information confidential; be reliable and dependable; read comprehend interpret and utilize instructions manuals and other materials applicable to this area; work all assigned shifts including weekends and holidays; provide quality customer service.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate(issued by the State of California Department of Justice). A copy of the certificate mustbe turned in at your oral exam.
• Please Note: This is not the 120hour Basic Public Safety Dispatch Course Certificate)

• Must be currently working or have worked in the last 24 months as a public safety dispatcher in a California law enforcement agency ANDhave completed two 2 yearsof employment including successful completion of the probationary period.
• Must be available to work ALL assigned shifts weekends and holidays; Pass comprehensive background investigation and psychological examination.
• Must type 40 words per minute (net). A typing certificate as described below must be turned in at or before the oral exam. You may submit a copy of your typing certificate to:

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE:

• An official online application must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• A copy of your POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate(issued by the State of California Department of Justice) must be turned in at the oral exam. Certificates of Completion issued by a Dispatcher Academy is unacceptable.
• A typing certificate must be turned in at or before the oral exam. Specific instructions regarding acceptable certificates are listed below.
• All applications will be closely reviewed for relevant experience education and training. Not all candidates meeting the minimum requirements will necessarily be invited to the next phase which includes an oral exam (weighted 100.
• Candidates successfully completing the oral examwill be placed on an employment eligible list from which hires may be made. The employment eligible list is valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.
• Candidates considered for hire must undergo a comprehensive background investigation which includes (but is not limited to) LiveScan fingerprinting polygraph exam credit check reference/employer checks DOJ and FBI checks etc.
• Upon a conditional offer of employment a preplacement psychological evaluation medical evaluation and drug screening must be completed with acceptable results.
• Upon hire employee is subject to further reporting from DOJ via subsequent arrest notification.

Note: Our primary means of communication with applicants is via email;therefore please include a valid email address on your application.

TYPING CERTIFICATIONS:

1. Candidates must provide proof of required typing skill of 40 wpm net (gross minus number of errors). We will accept typing certificates issued within the last 12 months from an employment or other public agency.

2. Certificates must be on official letterhead from the agency and must include a phone number and name of contact person in order to verify information.

3. Typing tests may also be taken at the locations listed below. Please call for appointments and costs.

HUNTINGTON BEACH ADULT SCHOOL
17231 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach CA 92647



FOCUS EMPLOYMENT INC.
2400 E. Katella Ave. Ste. 800
Anaheim CA 92806


4. Alternatively candidates may request to take a typing test on site on the day of their oral exam. Appointments shall be made in advance by sending an email request to:

See Physical task questionnaires. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a casebycase basis.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 all Huntington Beach city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

COMMON DISQUALIFIERS

Please review the following common disqualifiers. If any items listed pertain to you you will be automatically disqualified in the background investigation. You may at this time want to screen yourself and withdraw prior to starting the recruitment process.

Illegal use or possession of
The following examples of illegal drug use or possession may be considered automatic disqualifiers for applicants with some exceptions:

• Any adult use or possession of a drug classified as a hallucinogenic within three years prior to application for employment.
• Any other illegal adult use or possession of a drug not mentioned above (including within three years prior to application for employment.
• Any illegal adult use or possession of a drug while employed in any law enforcement capacity military police or as a student enrolled in college accredited courses related to the criminal justice field.
• Any adult manufacture or cultivation of a drug or illegal substance.
• Failure to divulge to the Department any information about personal illegal use or possession of .
• Any drug test of the applicant during the course of the hiring process where illegal are detected.
• The following examples of illegal drug use or possession will be considered in relationship to the overall background of that individual and may result in disqualification:
  • Any illegal use or possession of a drug as a juvenile.
  • Any illegal adult use or possession of a drug that does not meet the criteria of the automatic disqualifiers specified above (e.g. use longer than three years.
  • Any illegal or unauthorized use of prescription medications.