Sheriff S Technical Communications Specialist I/II

Description

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for 9-1-1 Dispatchers and invites you to apply for this challenging and rewarding career!

Under immediate (I) or general (II) supervision, receives requests for emergency assistance via an array of sources; determines urgency and type of assistance needed; dispatches appropriate public safety personnel by utilizing computerized mapping system, computerized 911 telephone system, the computer-aided dispatch system, computerized radio system, related databases, and other computerized equipment; exercises independent judgment; coordinates patrol unit activity, including complex critical incidents; and performs other related duties as required.

Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding and operation of a mouse, foot controls, wearing of a headset, and wearing of a uniform.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I (STCS I) is the entry-level classification in this series. Incumbents receive extensive training in mission critical call-taking; radio dispatching; operation of several different computerized communications and mapping systems; California Penal, Vehicle, Health and Safety, and Welfare and Institutions Codes; and policies and procedures governing emergency dispatching.

Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist II (STCS II) is the fully-trained, journey-level classification in this series. Incumbents apply specialized knowledge of law enforcement and emergency communications skills, exercise a considerable degree of independent judgment in responding to requests for assistance from the public, and are required to train Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I incumbents and deputies assigned to the Sheriffs Communications Center. This classification is distinguished from Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I by a broader range of responsibility due to a higher level of experience and training.

PAYROLL TITLES and APPROXIMATE SALARIES:
Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I: $29.35 - $41.08 per hour
Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist II: $30.76 - $43.06 per hour

POST INCENTIVE: $85.24 per pay period, based on completion of probation.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Possible educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% for incumbents in eligible positions based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification.

BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.

AGENCY/DEPARTMENT: Sheriff's Office/Communications Center

Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialists are represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular, (including Temporary and Fixed-term), Intermittent, and Extra Help vacancies within the Sheriff's Office. There are five (5) Regular vacancies.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
OPENING DATE: July 21, 2021
CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.
REQUIRED ORIENTATION: August 19 & 21, 2021 at 6:00 PM
PRACTICAL EXAM: September 1, 7, 8 & 9, 2021

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Receives all 911 calls for the County and contract cities; determines the nature and location of the emergency; utilizes various systems to convert latitude and longitude on wireless 911 calls to locate the caller; determines priority and enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to be forwarded to the appropriate radio dispatcher or other agencies;

• Remains on the line with the caller in emergency situations until law enforcement arrives on scene to provide assistance;
  
• Utilizes very good customer service skills on all calls and calming techniques on calls involving hysterical or upset callers;
  
• Obtains information from callers and determines if the incident contains the necessary elements of criminal activity as defined in the California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, and/or the Health and Safety Code;
  
• Hears multiple conversations simultaneously, distinguishing between voices and sources to obtain relevant information quickly and accurately;
  
• Simultaneously receives, keys in, and transmits information and field assignments to units in the field; maintains contact and monitors status of field units; coordinates activity of up to 50 units on various, dynamic incidents; enters and updates information on a computerized system;
  
• Answers non-emergency calls for service, determines type of assistance required, and orders tow trucks, public works personnel, or other appropriate personnel;
  
• Makes immediate decisions and reacts in a quick, calm, controlled, and effective manner in emergency situations;
  
• Speaks clearly, distinctly, concisely, and correctly over the radio and telephone;
  
• Reads, understands, and interprets complex maps; develops a working knowledge of Ventura County geography including cities, jurisdictional boundaries, freeways, roadways, and landmarks;
  
• Obtains information utilizing computerized databases including Geofile, municipal codes, county ordinances, assessor's database, phone/address cross-references, DMV records, driver license records, wants and warrants, restraining orders, missing persons, runaway juveniles, probation status, and parole status and transmits researched information to field units;
  
• Types accurately on computer keyboards and operates mouse and foot controls while conversing on the radio and/or telephone;
  
• Prioritizes tasks and performs multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-stress emergency work environment;
  
• Provides all pertinent information to deputies and other emergency personnel and coordinates appropriate level of response to maintain their safety and the safety of others;
  
• Prepares reports of shift activity, completes appropriate forms, updates information in computer systems; notifies other agencies of updated information;
  
• Functions as a training officer for entry-level dispatch staff and deputies assigned to the Sheriff's Communications Center; and
  
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:
Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I: Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist II: One (1) year of experience comparable to a Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I. Experience must include operation of a computer-aided dispatch system, computerized 911 telephone system, and radio dispatching.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All applicants who are invited to the required orientation must attend to continue in the process.
• A typing certificate obtained in the last 24 months showing a minimum net typing speed of 40 words per minute is required. The typing certificate must show that it is a five-minute test, the gross number of words per minute, and the number of errors. The County policy for calculating net words per minute is to subtract one (1) word for each error from the gross words per minute. You must submit your typing certificate either with your application or at the required orientation. If you submit your typing certificate with your application, submit a hard copy with a paper application or a scanned copy as an attachment for an on-line application. If you submit a hard copy with a paper application, be sure it's a copy; keep the original for future use, as whatever you submit will not be returned to you. To attach a scanned copy to an on-line application, use the Add Attachment(s) link in the Attachments section at the bottom of the page where you can edit the various sections of your application.
• If a typing certificate is not submitted with your application and you are invited to the orientation, you will be required to bring a copy of your typing certificate to the orientation. If you do not bring the typing certificate to the orientation or if the net typing speed does not meet the minimum requirement, you will not receive an invitation to the exam. To view locations where typing certificates may be obtained, go to https://hr.ventura.org/typing-certificate-requirements On-line typing certificates will not be accepted.
• Must be able to work 12.5-hour rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Overtime is scheduled as well as mandated. Must be personally prepared to work last minute mandated overtime to ensure operational stability of the communications center.
• Must be able to work in a professional and challenging emergency communications environment.
• Must be able to obtain a POST Basic Dispatcher certificate within one (1) year of employment and pass a background investigation.
• Must be able to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Some to working knowledge of: professional customer service skills; computer equipment and software; modern office procedures and methods; correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar; and techniques for interacting with the public on the telephone in a tactful, compassionate, and assertive manner.

Some to thorough ability to: learn emergency dispatching methods and operation of various communications and computer equipment; learn law enforcement equipment and resources capabilities and develop strategies for various types of law enforcement emergencies; simultaneously perform multiple tasks; obtain information from distressed individuals; remain calm in demanding and emergency situations; evaluate and prioritize situations; learn to assess conditions and provide emergency pre-arrival instructions to callers; follow instructions precisely; learn new computer software and upgrades; operate computerized databases; remember telephone numbers, names, and places frequently called; communicate effectively, compassionately, and assertively with diverse, demanding, and sometimes hostile people; interpret and apply laws, ordinances, and regulations; learn and adhere to policies governing dispatch operations; maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public safety personnel, and members of the general public; and prepare written reports.

Some to working skills with: keyboard and mouse operation based on verbal input and multi-line telephones.

Supplemental Information:
Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding and operation of a mouse and foot controls, wearing of a headset, and wearing of a uniform.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (Download PDF reader)for additional information.

Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether or not the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the screening and selection process

REQUIRED ORIENTATION: The orientation is designed to provide important information
regarding the position, testing, and the background process. The orientation dates will be
August 19 & 21, 2021 at 6:00 PM at the Government Center, Hall of Administration,
Lower Plaza. You must attend one of the orientation dates. If you have previously
attended one of our orientations, you will not be required to attend another one.

PRACTICAL EXAMINATION - pass/fail: A computer-based job-related examination will be administered to test candidates' ability to follow complex oral and written instructions and to multitask. Applicants must pass this pass/fail computer-based CritiCall examination to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

Applicants successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: PRIOR TO ACTUAL APPOINTMENT FROM THE ELIGIBLE LIST, THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS A THOROUGH BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, POLYGRAPH, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION CONDUCTED BY THE SHERIFF'S HUMAN RESOURCES BUREAU. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION FINDINGS MAY BE A BASIS FOR REMOVAL FROM THE ELIGIBLE LIST. TO SPEAK TO A SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE CONCERNING THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS, CALL (805) 654-2375.

For further information regarding this recruitment, please contact Stephanie Gallagher by email to stephanie.gallagher@ventura.org or phone (805) 654-2848.