DPS Communications Specialist

Salary: $25.79 - $36.29 Hourly
Location : City of Las Vegas, NV
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 23NOV80019-O
Department: Department of Public Safety
Opening Date: 11/06/2023
Closing Date: 12/4/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: LVCEA
About the Position
Career Opportunity
The city of Las Vegas is accepting applications for DPS Communication Specialist. This position receives and transmits general and emergency communications for the corrections and law enforcement units; operates electronic and communications equipment; monitors the safety, security, movement and placement of inmates in the detention center.
Application & Testing Process 1-2-3
1. Self-Evaluation for Minimum Qualifications
It is the applicant's responsibility to determine if they meet the minimum qualifications below BEFORE self-scheduling their test through National Testing Network (NTN).

• One year of full-time customer service or public contact experience.
• Equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Must type 30 net words per minute, as demonstrated by a typing certificate dated prior to the hire date.

2. Employment Application
Applicants who have determined that they meet the minimum qualifications should submit their online application and self-schedule the EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS test through NTN.
3. Emergency Communication Test
You can self-schedule this test through the link below. There is a fee to take the test, which will be paid at the time you schedule. You must receive a passing score of 70% or higher on this test to move forward. NTN will notify us of your score. The last day to take the test is December 14, 2023.
Additional Background Process
This position is with the Department of Public Safety and requires the following additional screening: background investigation, polygraph and psychological suitability assessment. Sensitive and/or confidential aspects of your personal life will be explored during this this phase of the process.
Selection Process
Final candidate selection will include list placement and may include hiring interview (if applicable). Any individual offered employment will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test, complete background check, education and experience verification, and may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the physical requirements of the job." Some positions may require preliminary background checks.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Supervision Received
Receives general supervision from higher level management staff.
Essential Functions:

1. Receives and responds to calls from the public requesting information or assistance regarding detention services, animal control, parking enforcement, municipal court marshals or deputy city marshals and dispatches the appropriate officers and equipment as needed, or transfers calls requiring emergency response to the appropriate agency.
2. Enters calls for service into the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in order to dispatch appropriate response to emergency and non-emergency incidents reported by member of the public.
3. Coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to provide and confirm information about inmate and warrant status, and arranges transportation for inmates.
4. Maintains contact with field units using telecommunication systems. Coordinates emergency calls and relays information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and fire agencies. Retrieves and inputs communications and public safety information into National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS), Shared Computer Operations for Protection in Enforcement (SCOPE), and other applicable databases.
5. Controls and monitors all video security screens, access gates and door entrances within the detention facility; monitors the location of all inmates, visitors and staff within the detention facility.
6. Controls and monitors all alarm systems throughout city facilities; responds to activated alarms by contacting the appropriate agencies.
7. Coordinates activities with the city court staff including verifying the court schedules of inmates scheduled to appear.
8. Monitors equipment operations for proper functioning and possible problems, and notifies appropriate service and maintenance personnel of equipment malfunctions.
9. At beginning of shift, receives briefing on Communications Center activity from previous shift; at the end of each shift, briefs incoming personnel of current activity.
10. Receives after-hours calls for other City departments and dispatches appropriate resources.
11. Maintains and verifies a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files; performs a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work.
12. Provides support to other stations with control centers as necessary.

Marginal Functions:

1. Tests and inspects equipment as required; conducts fire drills.
2. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Experience:
One year of full-time customer service or public contact experience.
Desirable Qualifications: Previous experience as a radio dispatcher, telephone/PBX operator, or experience related to the essential functions.
Training:
Equivalent to graduation from high school.
Must attend training and pass test required by FBI National Crime Information Center within six months of date of appointment, and proficiency must be affirmed every two years thereafter by the designated Terminal Agency Coordinator.
License or Certificate
Must type 30 net words per minute, as demonstrated by a typing certificate dated prior to hire date.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Rules, regulations and procedures governing the operation of a radio communications transmittal and receiving system.
Procedures used in operating computer-aided dispatch systems.
Responsibilities and jurisdiction of other public safety agencies.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Law enforcement codes, practices and methods.
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Basic computer and data entry procedures.
Geographic features, facilities and streets within the area served.
Skills in:
Learning the rules, regulations and procedures governing the security and access of a detention center.
Effectively performing public safety communications activities.
Operating computer-aided dispatch systems.
Operating radio transmitting equipment.
Prioritizing calls received.
Performing routine clerical duties.
Working under pressure, exercises good judgment and makes sound decisions in emergency situations.
Effectively communicating with and eliciting information from upset and irate citizens.
Operating a computer terminal, teletype and other office equipment.
Working various shifts as assigned.
Understanding and following oral and written instructions.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Competencies:
Core Workforce Competencies
Professionalism - Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.
Effective Communication - Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.
Customer Focus - Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.
Adaptability - Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.
Problem Solving - Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.
Productive Partnerships - Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.
Technical and Safety Expertise - Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.
CITY OF LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
LVCEA Compensation and Benefits - 2023
COMPENSATION
Annual Base Pay Increases

• Negotiated as part of the collective bargaining process.
• Step (Merit) Increase - typically awarded on the anniversary date of hire, up to range maximum.

BENEFITS
Uniform Allowance

• Available for some classifications.

Tool/Equipment Allowance

• Available for some classifications.

Retirement

• Benefit eligible employees participate in the Public Employees' Retirement System of Nevada (PERS). PERS, a statewide defined benefit plan, calculates retirement benefits based on 2.25 percent (current percentage for employees hired 7/1/15 and after) for each year of service, applied to the employee's highest consecutive 36-month average salary. PERS also requires that employees share 50 percent of the PERS contribution, which is implemented by reducing the City's salary ranges. The highest consecutive 36-month average salary is increased commensurate with the salary range reductions required by PERS.

Deferred Compensation

• The city offers a 457(b) Plan which is a government deferred compensation plan similar to a 401(k) plan. It offers both pre-tax and after-tax savings and investment options.

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• Employees are covered the first of the month following date of employment. Five medical plans, two dental and two vision plans are available. City pays 100% of employee premium + 50% of dependent premium.

Life and AD&D Insurance

• City provides $20,000 policies at no cost.
• Additional voluntary life insurance and AD&D insurance available for purchase.

Disability Insurance

• City provides a long term disability policy:
  • LTD: Employees who normally work at least 30 hours/week are eligible. Benefits begin after 90 days of disability. Payment is up to 60% of earnings, up to $11,000/month, and may not be supplemented with sick or vacation.

Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program
ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMS

• Employees covered by a City health plan and their covered spouse and dependents over age 18 are eligible for a comprehensive wellness physical exam annually at no cost to them at WellTrac.

VACATION (Hours/Year)

• Year 1-2: 80 hours
• Years 3-7: 120 hours
• Years 8-10: 128 hours
• Years 11-15: 180 hours
• Year 16 and over: 200 hours
• Maximum accrual: 250 hours, if hired after 12/3/2014
• Sell-back: Up to 60 hours each year; must leave a balance of 40 hours in leave bank.

HOLIDAYS

• City provides 12 paid holidays plus a birthday holiday.

SICK LEAVE

• SickLeave:104 hours per year
• Maximum Accrual: 420 hours, if hired after 12/03/2014
• SickLeaveBonus:Negotiated sick leave bonus
• Payout at Separation: See contract

RETIREE HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE

• Available for purchase - retiree pays full cost of premiums.

NOTE: Benefits subject to change
Revised 01/2023