Lateral Communications Operator; Part-Time

Overview

The La Habra Police Department is seeking a highly motivated, customer service-oriented and dedicated individual to serve as the Lateral Communications Operator Part-Time. This position requires a typing certificate with a passing score of 40 NWPM. Applications without a valid typing certificate will NOT be considered.

ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES MEETING “LATERAL REQUIREMENTS” WILL CONTINUE IN THE SELECTION PROCESS.

The City of La Habra is a vibrant Southern California community, strategically located in the northwest corner of Orange County. The City is home to a population of over 63,000 residents within La Habra’s 7.3 square miles. It is a friendly and diverse community, located within an hour’s drive of beaches, mountains, and desert recreation areas. The City is known for events such as the Corn Festival, Citrus Fair, Tamale Festival and the Children’s Museum.

La Habra maintains a small town feel and is described as “A Caring Community.”

Since 1925, the La Habra Police Department has provided residents with a safe environment. The department collaborates with area residents to address city needs and actively seeks community involvement in policing and public safety.

Under general supervision of the Communications Operator Supervisor, the Lateral Communications Operator Part-Time receives and transmits emergency and non-emergency calls from the public requesting police and other emergency services; maintains contact with all units on assignment; documents calls for service on a computer aided dispatch system; and provides general information to the public. This position is assigned to the Police Communications Center, a 24-hour operation requiring shift coverage.

Operators must work assigned shifts and be proficient at multi-tasking. There is a high expectation placed on the accuracy and speed of information gathering and the maturity in decision making.

• Receives calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public for police or other emergency services over the phone.
• Screens incoming calls to determine priority resources and types of response required in accordance with established procedures.
• Simultaneously receives, responds and documents information from multiple sources while maintaining accuracy to relay information to responding personnel.
• Proficiently handles multiple tasks and events simultaneously.
• Communicates clearly, concisely, and possesses effective listening skills.
• Relays confidential information with accuracy back to field personnel.
• Performs general clerical work in support of communication activities.
• Conducts various data entry functions as directed by supervision.
• Maintains contact with other cities or agencies for cooperative emergency operations.
• Works holidays, weekends, day, night, and graveyard shifts as assigned and required.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and procedures involved in public safety communications work.
• Geography of the City and the location of streets and important buildings.
• Operation of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment.

Skill and Ability to:

• Accurately record and retain data given orally.
• Communicate effectively orally in highly stressful situations.
• Speak clearly and precisely.
• Accurately read and interpret maps.
• Handle simultaneous calls.
• Listen and comprehend radio calls while talking on the phone.
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Exercise independent judgment.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
• Type accurately at a moderate speed.
• Train others in the use of communication equipment.
• Ability to pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph. The investigation will cover information regarding relatives, references, acquaintances, educational background, residential history, employment history, criminal history, military service records, financial status, legal history, drug use and related areas.

Any combination of…