Rev. 2/2023
CITY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
CLASS SPECIFICATION
TITLE: PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II (340)
DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTABLE TO FLSA STATUS
Police Senior Public Safety Dispatcher Non-Exempt
CLASS SUMMARY
Under general supervision, dispatches public safety, fire, and emergency medical services.
Incumbents are responsible for the full scope of dispatching duties including, answering the telephone, receiving emergency and non- emergency requests from the public; transmit ting and analyzing information received, and dispatching police and fire personnel accordingly. Performs related work as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and • The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or • Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS
• Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate , which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• Classroom education involving fire science or law enforcement related studies.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES
• Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate and a valid Medical Priorities Dispatching System (MPDS) Certificate are required prior to the completion of the probationary period.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey-level classification in the non-sworn flexibility staffed Public Safety Dispatcher I/II series. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative.
Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the class of Public Safety Dispatcher I in that the latter is the entry level class where incumbents are trained on full range of dispatch functions under immediate supervision.
This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter has full responsibility for supervising a shift of Public Safety Dispatchers I/II.
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II (340)
TYPICAL DUTIES
Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all the duties that may be performed.
• Operates base radio console equipment, transmitting and receiving routine and emergency messages
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9 -1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines
• Dispatches appropriate emergency vehicles, equipment and personnel in response to those requests, in accordance with established policies and procedures • Coordinates emergency operations between various departmental personnel and equipment • Operates data terminals for information pertai ning to daily public safety operations, and general emergency services
• Maintains written logs, files, and computer information in the prescribed manner • Updates computer files and performs other clerical functions and tasks as directed • Performs other related duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
• General public safety radio and telephone communications systems • Police and fire emergency procedures
• Primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings, and public facilities within the City’s boundaries
Skill in:
• Reading and interpreting maps; and maintaining accurate records
Ability to:
• Read, write, spell, and speak in clear, concise English • Learn correct telephone answering techniques, policies and procedures • Operate computer -aided dispatch (CAD) system with sufficient speed and accuracy to document field activity and create calls for service within response criteria guidelines • Analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safety
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipment • Maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situations • Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals • Establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective worki ng relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including the general public • Work in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work area
• Accurately enter information into the CAD system while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio
• Retrieve data from CAD terminal or other keyboard device, maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details, and conversations PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II (340)
• Work in a highly structured environment where all communications ar e recorded or documented and reviewed as public record
• Handle multiple priorities and organize workload
• Extract information or data from other computer systems • View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditions
• Distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals • Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources • Work continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibility
• Use emergency medical questioning techniques and provide medical instructions via telephone when required
• Type at a net rate of 35 wpm on a computer keyboard
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general supervision of the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher and the overall direction of the Communications Operations Manager or Watch Commander.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
In the absence of a Senior Public Safety Dispatcher, incumbents may be appointed out-of-class to perform the necessary supervisory responsibilities required to maintain effective operation of the Communications Center.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Incumbents must have the ability to work, as assigned, on schedules that may include weekends , holidays, non-traditional work hours; and overtime as required.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment. All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and may include polygraph and/or psychological testing.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Created 05/2015; Rev. 11/2020 Rev. 02/2023