Communications Dispatcher I​/II​/Limited Term

Overview

San Mateo County Public Safety Communications is accepting applications for the position of 911 Communications Dispatcher I/II (Extra Help / Limited Term).

The Department

San Mateo County Public Safety Communications (PSC) is the largest dispatch center in the county and the only Tri-Community (Police, Fire, Medical) Center. Located in Redwood City, PSC is a stand-alone department with a civilian command structure, including a Director, Deputy Director, and several managers.

PSC emphasizes customer service, employee well-being, and excellence. We provide tools and ongoing training for professional and personal success, fostering a team environment with open communication. Located in Silicon Valley, we prioritize innovation and cutting-edge 911 technology.

PSC is committed to employee well-being, offering mental health initiatives, therapy animals, an on-site gym, a quiet room, and a full kitchen. We are the first department in the county to employ a full-time Wellbeing and Equity Coordinator and involve mental health professionals in departmental decisions.

Learn more here: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./911dispatch

PSC is looking for experienced Public Safety Dispatchers to join our team for a 6-month assignment, which may be extended.

The Extra Help Dispatcher will work 8 – 20 hours per week on a consistent weekly or bi-weekly shift.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 2+ years of Public Safety Dispatching Experience with Law, Fire, and/or EMS.
• Possess CA POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate.
• Knowledge of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) operation; previous experience with Versaterm is highly desired.
• Knowledge of basic computer use in a business office and Communications Center environment.
• Ability to operate various types of communications equipment, including public safety telephones, two-way radio systems, data terminals, and other related technologies.
• Ability to utilize available resources.
• International Academies of Emergency Dispatch EMD certification is highly desired.

Schedule: Once selected, the Department will coordinate with the successful candidate to set a consistent weekly or bi-weekly schedule based on the candidate’s availability.

Please note: The successful incumbent must be willing to work night shift hours, and/or weekend shifts.

Please note: This is an Extra Help position, not Relief or Per Diem. Previous Dispatch experience is highly desired.

Employees in this classification are trained in, and perform the following duties:

• Receive business or emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, and other public service agencies.
• Screen information to determine the nature of the call, perform call classification, determine priority and jurisdiction, and document activity.
• Screen and prioritize telephone workload.
• Remain cognizant of workloads and specific systems' status.
• Provide support and assistance in a team concept during day-to-day operations and critical or large-scale incidents.
• Assist in the coordination of mutual aid incidents.
• Develop and foster a positive working rapport with direct and indirect customers, the public, and co-workers.
• Testify in court regarding legal proceedings related to dispatch call(s) received.
• Prepare and submit various reports such as incident reports.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of highways, streets, buildings, and major points of interest in the County and adjacent areas.
• Remain current on procedures for manual dispatch operations and Communications Center evacuation.
• Provide off-hours services as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to qualify is a minimum of one year of experience receiving and processing calls while involved in performing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Knowledge of:

• English language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Customer service and interpersonal communications principles.
• Computer operation and use in office and Communications Center environments.
• Basic principles in communicating by means of face-to-face contact, telephone, and/or data terminals.
• Various resources within the County in order to provide referrals to the public and public safety agencies.

Skill/Ability to:

• Speak, read, and write English clearly.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, in English, both orally and in writing.
• Comprehend, interpret, relay, and document information via telephone, computer software/ data terminals, or other related technology.
• Screen and interpret general data and filter relevant information.
• Learn and operate Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems and other related technology.
• Read and interpret various mapping devices and relay pertinent information.
• Work under pressure, exercising good judgment and common sense while making sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Listen, understand, and relay information via telephone and in person.
• Remain calm and…