Emergency Communications Dispatcher - Sheriff's Department

Salary : $4,144.40 - $5,317.87 Monthly
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 23-00058
Department: Sheriff's Office
Division: 221 - Sheriff
Opening Date: 11/14/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
DEFINITION
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER
Sheriff's Department
When you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, you aren't just another employee, you are family. Our family is growing and we want YOU to join! We are looking for people who like to stay busy, can multi task and have excellent communication skills while still being able to understand and maintain confidentiality standards.
What You'll Do:

• Receive, analyze, and evaluate 911, Sheriff's emergency and business calls, inquires and complaints, via multi-line and TDD terminals
• Dispatch Sheriff units, ambulances or other staff and equipment to emergency or non-emergency locations
• Enter call information in written or computer-based format and maintain records of radio calls
• Maintain radio contact with mobile and portable units
• Respond to deputy-initiated radio traffic and request and disseminate suspect information from roll call boards, prior calls, and bulletins
• Assists units/personnel from other agencies upon request

Where You'll Do It:
Positions are all located in the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department at the Humboldt County Courthouse.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Successful candidates will be required to pass an extensive background investigation prior to appointment.
Evening, night and weekend work will be required.
This recruitment is open until filled. County Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, receives 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches assignments according to established emergency and County procedures; operates various telecommunications equipment; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn Sheriff's Department, County, state and federal rules and regulations as well as the operation of varied communications related equipment. With experience incumbents become fully competent to independently perform responsible emergency dispatching on an assigned shift. This class is distinguished from Senior Communications Dispatcher in that the latter is the working lead level in the Emergency Communications Dispatching series, with responsibility for assisting the Emergency Communications Supervisor with the planning and direction of Emergency Communications activities.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Receives, analyzes and evaluates 911, Sheriff's emergency and business calls, inquiries and complaints, via multi-line and TDD terminals; transfers calls to appropriate parties or creates a call for dispatch.
• Determines proper jurisdiction and/or staff to be dispatched.
• Dispatches Sheriff units, ambulances or other staff and equipment to emergency or non-emergency locations.
• Operates computer consoles for call input, dispatching and continuous update of suspect information and deputy location.
• Enters call information in written or computer-based format; logs and fills out call forms; maintains records of radio calls.
• Operates multi-channel radio systems; monitors other channels while maintaining radio traffic on main channels.
• Operates computer equipment to access local, state and federal criminal justice information systems; operates teletype systems to transmit and receive information.
• Maintains radio contact with mobile and portable units; recognizes units from other agencies and assists them with County units or provides requested information.
• Monitors varied alarm and/or surveillance equipment; takes action depending upon apparent needs.
• Responds to deputy-initiated radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information from roll call boards, prior calls and bulletins.
• Maintains and accesses business and premise history and index files for emergency and other necessary contacts.
• Handles in-house and radio paging, and other after-hours phone lines.
• Provides court testimony related to calls as required.
• Performs basic equipment adjustments and maintenance; maintains records and files and may perform associated office support duties.
• Provides work instruction to newly-hired Emergency Communications Dispatchers.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Terminology and procedures used in sheriff's and related emergency radio and telephone communications.
• Operation of communication equipment including telephone, radio, paging, computer and related systems.
• Rules, regulations, codes and laws related to the work.
• The topography and communities of Humboldt County.
• Basic recordkeeping principles and practices.
• Standard office equipment including computerized equipment and typewriter.

Skill in:

• Obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry or difficult to understand.
• Assessing and prioritizing emergency situations.
• Remaining calm and making rapid and sound independent judgments in stressful emergency situations.
• Operating complex radio, telephone, computer, and teletype systems.
• Memorizing codes, names, locations and other detailed information.
• Communicating tactfully and effectively with the public, public safety personnel and others.
• Typing with sufficient speed and accuracy to operate keyboards, including typewriters and computer terminals.
• Following oral and written instructions.
• Performing routine office support and record keeping duties.

Other Requirements:
Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation. Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts. Must be willing to be called back or held over to maintain minimum staffing levels. Must be able to meet mandated P.O.S.T. standards.
Desirable Education and Experience
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:
Two years of public contact which has included exchange of factual information including one year of emergency dispatching experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CalPERS Retirement

• Tier I: Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7 @ 55
• Tier II: Post 7/6/2012: 2.0 @ 55
• Tier III: Post 1/1/2013: 2.0 @ 62

Selection Procedure
The County's Human Resources system operates by a set of rules and procedures which ensure that employees are hired and promoted on the basis of merit and fitness for the job. Jobs are filled through competitive examinations. A complete online application is required for this position. All application materials will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts. Those candidates considered to be the most qualified, based on the application materials submitted, will be invited to a written and/or oral examination, or an evaluation of education and experience.
Policy of Nondiscrimination
The County of Humboldt does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Human Resources is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance to the Courthouse is the 4th Street entrance. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact Human Resources at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination for assistance.
The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Reasonable accommodation may be made in the testing procedure as well as the work site. If you need accommodation for an exam due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources office as soon as possible.
How to Apply
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications may only be submitted online through the County's automated application system at no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.
It is important that your application show all the relevant experience and education you possess.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in this examination will be compared with the performance of others who take the test. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. Scores will be provided in writing only.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION: A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS: Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES: Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six months, but may be up to one year. All designated safety employees serve a one year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Reasonable accommodation may be made in the testing procedure as well as the work site. If you need accommodation for an exam due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources office as soon as possible.
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
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