Fire Dispatcher I

February 6, 2023, at 12:30 P.M. (PT)

DEFINITION:
Receives training and practical experience in receiving and responding to calls for emergency and non-emergency assistance and in dispatching fire fighting or rescue units via the operation of the Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) system.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:
Positions allocable to this entry-level class receive classroom and closely supervised on-the-job training from journey-level dispatchers. The work performed is of a progressively responsible nature and of broadening scope as capabilities develop until complete familiarity with all phases of the operation is gained. Immediate technical and administrative supervision is provided by a shift Supervising Fire Dispatcher in the receipt and transmission of multiple, simultaneous messages via keyboard-controlled, computer-driven video display consoles. Incumbents must gain a thorough working knowledge of response procedures and must develop the ability to utilize sound judgment in initiating and coordinating responses to situations that may affect the lives and safety of the public, fire, and other emergency personnel. Incumbents in this class are required to serve a one-year probationary period.

Receives and responds to requests for emergency services from the public via the 911, electronically relayed from the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) centers, standard telephone system, and from other safety agencies.

Interviews callers to obtain preliminary report of incident, criminal activity, or other emergencies and gains sufficient information to properly respond and dispatch appropriate assistance in accordance with operational guidelines, and advises responding units of any unusual circumstances or potential problems associated with the emergency.

Differentiates between routine, priority, and emergency messages and initiates or follows through on responses or advises supervisory personnel as required.

Provides pre-arrival emergency instructions in accordance with the Department's Emergency Medical Dispatch.

Operates keyboard-controlled telephone equipment that enables dispatchers to maintain cold line communications with public safety agencies, private safety agencies, and non-emergent agencies.

Under the direction of an experienced Fire Dispatcher II, receives instruction and practical experience in the following activities:

Uses the CAD system to determine the identity and availability of the nearest fire fighting, rescue, or paramedic unit.

Transmits and receives coded and conventional messages to and from Fire stations and administrative, investigative, and field units via voice, digital, and video communication links.

Evaluates multiple messages received from field units, selects and acts upon the most urgent message and re-establishes contact with bypassed units in order of apparent urgency.

Expedites emergency radio traffic between stations by coordinating assistance responses of personnel and equipment through the selection and utilization of communications channels that best meet the needs of the specific situation.

Enters unit responses and clearances into the Fire Command and Control System.

Broadcasts information over radio or telephone lines using the proper dispatcher terminology.

Analyzes the response for compatibility with the request and relays it to the requesting field unit.

Maintains and updates dispatching resource material and computer data; maintains records of and prepares reports on emergency calls received and dispatches initiated.SELECTION REQUIREMENTS:
Graduation from high school or its equivalent, or higher from an accredited* college or university.**

TYPEWRITING SKILL REQUIREMENT:
Ability to type at the rate of 30 net words per minute.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:

*Accreditation: Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national or international accrediting agencies, which are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).

**Educational requirement:
Applicants for this position must include a legible copy of their official diploma, official transcripts, or an official letter from the accredited institution at the time of filing or within 15 calendar days of filing. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in application rejection.

LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

PHYSICAL CLASS:
Physical Class II - Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10 pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
After appointment, employee must successfully complete the Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification training program as scheduled by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department.REALISTIC JOB PREVIEW:
The Los Angeles County Fire Department operates seven days a week, 24-hours a day, Appointees must be willing to and/or be able to:

• work in a paramilitary environment and carry out orders
• work in a high stress environment common to an emergency communications center
• work any shift, day or night, possibly on a rotating basis
• work weekends, holidays, and overtime
• perform housekeeping duties by cleaning and maintaining working area and common area in order to maintain the hygiene and professional appearance of the dispatch center
• accept that you may not be permitted to leave the communications facility during your shift except in an emergency
• accept recalls (an order to report for duty on an unscheduled shift) which may require being on duty for up to thirty-six (36) continuous hours (with sleep breaks)
• respond to other employees, agencies and citizens in a courteous, helpful, and business-like manner in all radio, telephone, and personal contact
• manage telephone calls regarding severely ill or injured people, sometimes involving death, while still performing the functions of the job
• remain focused and perform several tasks at one time
• multi-task and coordinate your movements (I.e., operating the phone, radio, and computer equipment simultaneously, or typing information into a computer while speaking on the phone or radio, etc.)
• hear and understand multiple sources of sound coming through a communications headset, radio, telephone receiver, and/or in person simultaneously
• participate in training lasting approximately ten (10) months in order to learn and develop the techniques and skills required of a Fire Dispatcher
• accept constructive criticisms without reacting defensively, rationalizing mistakes, or blaming others
• participate in a two (2) hour sit-along (listening in calls) with a Fire Dispatcher before you are hired

EXAMINATION CONTENT:
This examination will consist of THREE (3) parts:

Part I: A qualifying typing performance test. Fire Dispatcher I requires typing proficiency at 30 words per minute.

The following candidates are NOT required to take the typing test:

Those candidates who currently hold or have held a typing position with the requisite words per minute in the service of the County of Los Angeles; OR

Those candidates who have taken and passed a County of Los Angeles typing performance test at the required words per minute administered by any County of Los Angeles department. Passing scores on record with the Department of Human Resources will be transferred automatically. Candidates who have met the typing requirement in another department must attach a copy of their typing certificate to their application at the time of filing or within 15 calendar days of filing via fax or e-mail.

Candidates must pass the typing performance test to participate in Part II.

Part II: A multiple choice test weighted 30% that will assess Customer Focus, Learning Potential, and Responsibility.

Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher in Part II to participate in Part III.

Part III: A performance test weighted 70% that will assess Decision Making, Data Entry, Multitasking, Listening, Call Summarization, Cross Referencing, Prioritization, Memory Recall, Map Reading, Spelling, and Reading Comprehension.

CANDIDATES MUST ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON PART III IN ORDER TO BE PLACED ON THE ELIGIBLE REGISTER.

NOTE: All notifications including invitation letters and Final Test Result notices will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add Fire-Examination Fire-Examination@fire.lacounty.gov,AOganesyan@hr.lacounty.gov, Michelle.Herrera-Gomez@fire.lacounty.gov, Norma.Cabrales@fire.lacounty.gov, info@governmentjobs.com, talentcentral@shl.com, noreply@proctoru.com, and donot-reply@amcatmail.comto your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail.

Los Angeles County will not consider claims of not viewing or receiving notification to be a valid reason for late test administration or rescheduling of a test component.

TRANSFER OF TEST RESPONSES:

• Applicants that have taken identical test questions recently for other exams will have their test responses automatically transferred to this examination.
• This examination contains test questions that may be used in the future for new examinations and your test responses may be transferred.

Test scores cannot be given over the phone.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19, ALL EXAMINATION MATERIALS ARE STANDARDIZED AND COPYRIGHTED, AND THEREFORE, NOT SUBJECT TO REVIEW.

TEST PREPARATION:
Study guides and other test preparation resources are available to help candidates prepare for employment tests. An interactive, Online Test Preparation System for taking practice tests may be accessed on the Department of Human Resources website at http://hr.lacounty.gov/. Please click on Find a Job, then click on Job Search Toolkit. You can also access test preparation for the computerized portion of the test by going to http://www.shldirect.com/practice_tests.html. While test study guides will help in preparing for the test, we advise you to review ALL related materials that you deem necessary.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:
The names of candidates receiving a passing grade in the examination will be placed on the eligible register in the order of their score group for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of promulgation. Applications will be processed on an as-received basis. No person may compete for this examination more than once in a twelve (12) month period.

AVAILABLE SHIFT:
Any shift - Appointees must be willing to work any shift, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

All County workforce members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Successful candidates for this position will be required to submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or request an exemption for qualifying medical or religious reasons during the onboarding process. Candidates should not present proof of vaccination until instructed to do so by the hiring department.

BACKGROUND CHECK AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION:
Candidates who are extended a conditional offer of employment will be required to complete a criminal background check, including a fingerprint scan, followed by a medical examination. A candidate with a conviction history which has a direct and adverse relationship with the duties of the Fire Dispatcher Iposition may have his or her conditional offer of employment rescinded and be removed from the certification list pursuant to Civil Service Rule 6.04.

In addition, candidates must successfully complete a medical examination and be able to perform all of the essential functions of the Fire Dispatcher Iclassification. A candidate who does not successfully complete a medical examination or is unable to perform all of the essential functions of the Fire Dispatcher Iclassification may have his or her conditional offer of employment rescinded and be removed from the certification list pursuant to Civil Service Rule 6.04.

VACANCY INFORMATION:
The eligible register resulting from this examination will be used to fill Fire Dis...