Public Safety Dispatcher I

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Public Safety Dispatcher I

Salary

$66,934.40 - $73,153.60 Annually

Location

Berkeley, CA

Job Type

Career

Job Number

2021-07-72240

Department

Police

Opening Date

07/26/2021

Closing Date

8/16/2021 5:00 PM Pacific

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR BERKELEY

Berkeley, California is a small city with a big reputation. At just ten square miles of land and seven square miles of water, Berkeley is famous around the globe as a center for academic achievement, scientific exploration, free speech, and the arts, and home to over 50 parks, a top-ranked university, and the largest public marina in the San Francisco Bay. 

As an employer, the City of Berkeley offers all the benefits of a career in the public sector while fostering diversity, creativity, and innovation. Join a team of high-caliber, experienced staff with a shared mission of serving the Berkeley community and promoting an accessible, safe, healthy, environmentally-sound and culturally-rich city.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The City of Berkeley Police Department has an exciting opportunity, and is currently accepting applications for Public Safety Dispatcher I.  This is a trainee position - learn to receive 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch assignments according to police and fire procedures, operate various dispatch center equipment including computer terminals, maintain records, and perform other related work as assigned.
 
Typical Duties Include:
  1. Answers 911 emergency and non-emergency calls, and a variety of other public safety telephone and radio communications;
  2. Obtains essential information from reporting parties about the nature of the emergency and enters all calls for service;
  3. Responds to inquiries by obtaining information from various government agency databases; enters control codes and searches files to research and provide information;
  4. Assesses all incoming calls for both police and fire service to determine the nature of the incident and the appropriate call for service type; enters details of the calls into a Computer Aided Dispatch system to create the call for service to be dispatched by either the police or fire control dispatcher;
  5. Assesses pending calls for service; determines available and appropriate police and/or fire resources; dispatches police and/or fire resources via two-way radio and/or telephone, and updates information related to the incident in the Computer Aided Dispatch system;
  6. Monitors and controls all public safety radio traffic; monitors radio channels to ensure the safety of personnel in the field; maintains awareness of location and verifies status of public safety and other specified City traffic personnel;
  7. Prepares broadcasts of critical police emergency calls and general information bulletins via radio and other electronic platforms;
  8. Records and monitors status changes and narrative updates related to all calls for service, such as time of assignment, en route time, arrival, clearance, and other related information for each emergency and non-emergency event;
  9. Utilizes telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD), including Text to 911 technology, to communicate with hearing-impaired citizens calling for service;
  10. Dispatches assignments for other City resources as assigned;
  11. Alerts other agencies and coordinates mutual response radio traffic; 
  12. May refer calls to other resources including other City departments, and governmental and private agencies;
  13. May issue case numbers to citizens who report incidents; and
  14. May be required to manually process calls for service using applicable dispatch procedures.
For more information on this exciting career opportunity:
Public Safety Dispatcher I Brochure

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION
Equivalent to graduation from high school.

AND

EXPERIENCE
Equivalent of one (1) year full-time experience requiring independent decision-making and a high level of public contact.  A Peace Officer Standards and Training Basic Dispatch certificate may be substituted for six (6) months of the required experience.

AND

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Must possess a typing certificate verifying the ability to accurately type a minimum of 35 wpm. Certification may be from a recognized business school, an employment or temporary agency, and must be dated within the past twelve (12) months from the application final filing date. No online certificates will be accepted. Due to COVID-19 and for the safety of our applicants, we will accept online typing certificates.
  • Must be able to pass a psychiatric evaluation.
  • Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Knowledge of: 

  1. General public safety radio and telephone communications systems;
  2. Police and fire emergency procedures; and 
  3. Primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings, and public facilities within the City's boundaries.
Ability to: 
  1. Remain calm and make rapid and sound independent judgments in  emergency situations;
  2. Communicate tactfully and effectively with the public and public safety first responders; obtain information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry, or difficult to understand; 
  3. Assess multiple priorities and organize workload; analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action for public safety;
  4. Operate complex radio, telephone, and various computer systems with proficiency; 
  5. View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in variable light conditions; distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals;
  6. Maintain appropriate documentation of events, details, and conversations; 
  7. Follow oral and written instructions;
  8. Perform work with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibility; 
  9. Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals; establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships;
  10. Work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record; work in a confined area, wearing a headset; work continuously or with interruptions as required; stand or sit for extended periods of time;
  11. Learn and memorize City dispatching codes, criminal and traffic codes, policies and procedures, names, locations, and other detailed information;
  12. Read and interpret street maps and location information; and 
  13. Perform routine clerical and record-keeping duties.

EXAM PROCESS

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. CITY OF BERKELEY EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION
  2. RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
  3. TYPING CERTIFICATE (Certification must be a minimum of 35 wpm and may be from a recognized business school, an employment or temporary agency, or online certification and must be dated within the past twelve (12) months from the application final filing date.
All materials must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. P.S.T. on the closing date. Postmarks, faxes and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Your application and responses to the supplemental questions must be filled out completely. Resumes may also be submitted but are not a substitute for a completed application.
 
The examination process will consist of:
  1. Review of applications for minimum qualifications for the position and to ensure all materials have been submitted.
  2. Written Examination - Applicants possessing these requirements will be invited to take the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Test, week of August 30, 2021 or September 6, 2021.  The examination will cover elements of the knowledge and abilities identified in this announcement.
  • If you have previously taken the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Test written test within one year of the closing date 8/16/2021, and have received a total T-score of at least 48, you can attach your results on agency letterhead to your application and you are not required to participate in the City of Berkeley's written test.
  • If you have previously taken the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Test exam and would like to retest with the City of Berkeley you must wait 30 calendar days before being eligible to take the test again.
Eligible List and Background Evaluation
Names of those passing the examination will be placed on an employment eligible list that will be used to fill vacant positions. Candidates being considered for employment will undergo a thorough background investigation, including, but not limited to prior work history, education and criminal activity.

Final Selection
Those who are selected for hire after the background will receive an employment offer conditioned upon favorable medical and psychological evaluations.

DISCLAIMER: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content. Components may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any particular assessment component or combination of components as needs dictate.
 
All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency / disaster.

Exam Access Accommodation: In compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the City of Berkeley will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must do so no later than the final filing date for receipt of applications, otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Such requests should be addressed to the Department of Human Resources | (510) 981-6800 | hr@cityofberkeley.info |  2180 Milvia Street, 1st Floor, Berkeley CA 94704.

Alternative Application Formats: This application material is available in alternative formats upon request. Alternative formats include audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc. Please contact the ADA Coordinator, 2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley | Phone: (510) 981-6300 | TTY: (510) 981-6347| ADA@cityofberkeley.info and allow 7-10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.
The City of Berkeley is an EEO/ADA Employer.
 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS 

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City will undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, other credentials, credit check, criminal history check, and Live Scan fingerprinting. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER 

The City of Berkeley is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All employment actions shall be administered regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, veterans’ status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. 

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER 

All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency/disaster.

ELIGIBILITY
Employees must have a regular work schedule of at least 20 hours per week to be eligible for benefits. Less than full-time employees receive pro-rated benefits.

RETIREMENT
CalPERS
City employees are included in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Retirement formula is either 2% at age 62, or 2.7% at age 55 depending on the individual's eligibility. Employees are vested in CalPERS after 5 years of full-time service. A new employee's contribution to CalPERS will range from 8%-13.75% depending on membership in CalPERS or a reciprocal retirement plan.

SRIP
The City contributes 6.7% of the employee's salary (up to a maximum annual salary of $32,400) into a 401(a) Supplemental Retirement Income Plan account (SRIP).The City is not a member of Social Security, therefore only the Medicare portion is deducted from employees' salaries.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Three voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans are offered. Employees may contribute up to $19,000 per year on a pre-tax basis.

MEDICAL PLANS
The City offers a choice of a Kaiser HMO Plan or Sutter Health Plus Plan. The City contributes up to the full family premium for the Kaiser HMO Plan. Employees pay additional premium costs if they choose the Sutter Health Plus Plan. Employees who have medical coverage under another plan may choose to waive City-provided medical coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

DENTAL PLAN
The City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental Plan of California. The City contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $2,000 annually per person. Orthodontic benefits are offered at a $2,000 lifetime maximum per person. Employees who have dental coverage under another plan may choose to waive City-provided dental coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

LIFE INSURANCE
The City provides employees with a $25,000 Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy. Employees have the option to purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $300,000.

SICK LEAVE
Twelve days of paid sick leave earned annually.

VACATION
Vacation is accrued at the following annual rate: Two weeks per year for the first three years; Three weeks in years 4 – 11; Four weeks in years 12 – 17; Five weeks in years 18 – 24; Six weeks in 25 years and after. Some public health, mental health and library classifications may have accelerated vacation accruals – please check with the Human Resources Department for additional information.

HOLIDAYS
Thirteen regular holidays and three floating holidays annually.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY
The City provides long-term disability insurance that provides partial income replacement in the event of disability. Benefit is paid at 60% of salary.

RETIREE MEDICAL COVERAGE
The City pays a portion of the medical premiums of the retiree and eligible spouse or domestic partner based upon years of service. Requires at least 8 years of CalPERS service with the City and is at least age 55.

YMCA MEMBERSHIP
The City subsidizes the services for most employees by paying for 75% of the membership fee. Employees who choose to join, pay for the remainder of the fee. The Berkeley Downtown YMCA is across the street from the Civic Center Building.

TRANSIT SUBSIDY
The City provides annual free Eco-pass for AC Transit, and an IRC 132(f) plan for transit vouchers where employees may set aside pre-tax income to pay for public transportation expenses. City contributes $20 per month to the plan for employees using public transportation.
 

01
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have at least one (1) year full-time experience requiring independent decision-making and a high level of public contact?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you answered "Yes" to question #2, please describe your experience requiring independent decision-making with a high level of public contact. Include the dates of employment, name of employer(s), and job duties in great detail. Do not type "See application" or "Resume". If you answered "No" to question #2, type N/A.
04
I acknowledge that I must attach a typing certificate, verifying the ability to accurately type a minimum of 35 wpm, from a recognized business school, employment agency, or temporary agency, dated within the past twelve (12) months from the application final filing date to be considered for this position. If I do not attach a copy of my certificate with my application or fax it to Attn: HR at (510) 981-6860 I will be automatically disqualified.
  • Yes
05
Do you possess a P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate? (If yes, you must attach a copy to your application or fax to HR at (510) 981-6860.)
  • Yes
  • No
06
Have you taken the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Test within the last 12 months with another California agency and obtained a T-score of at least 48. (If yes, you must attach a qualifying T-Score letter on agency letterhead to your application or fax to HR at (510) 981-6860.)
  • Yes
  • No
07
If "Yes" to Question #6, and your T-score is over 48, your written test results from the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Test can be used, and you will not be required to take the written exam. Please respond "Yes" if this applies to you and to acknowledge that you understand this provision. If your response is "No", you will be required to take the written exam through City of Berkeley in order to continue in the recruitment process.
  • Yes
  • No
08
I understand that checking this box will serve as my electronic signature. I certify that I am the author of this questionnaire and all information presented is true and based upon my education, training, skills, and experience. I understand and agree that any information provided is subject to verification. I also understand that any false, incomplete, or incorrect statement may result in disqualification, termination, or dismissal from employment with the City of Berkeley.
  • Yes

Required Question

Agency
City of Berkeley
Address
2180 Milvia Street (1st floor)
Human Resources Department
Berkeley, California, 94704
Phone
(510) 981-6800
Website
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/jobs
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