County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, to receive training in public safety, emergency compliant taking and radio dispatching methods and techniques; to dispatch personnel and equipment for one or more public safety operations, including Sheriff's Patrol, Fire, Medical, Animal Control Services and Local Government; and to perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is an entry-level classification in the Dispatcher series which is flexibly staffed to the class of Emergency Services Dispatcher II. Emergency Services Dispatchers I work in the Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Dispatch Center and receive on-the-job training. After satisfactory completion of the training period, employees are expected to qualify for appointment to the next higher class of Emergency Services Dispatcher II.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Receives public safety calls for police, fire or health service complaints.

2. Screens information to determine jurisdiction and equipment to be dispatched; transmits appropriate information by telephone or radio.

3. Dispatches law enforcement or other emergency personnel and equipment.

4. Operates a variety of communications equipment, including computer aided dispatch terminals, radio transmitters and receivers, dispatch consoles, electronic data terminals, telephone and lease line teletype.

5. Monitors several public safety radio frequencies.

6. Compiles and types detailed reports on communication activities.

7. Performs related communications clerical work.

8. Monitors alarm panels and security cameras.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of six months of experience in the class of Clerk II or an equivalent or higher level class in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.) (Experience must have included public contact.)

Or II

Experience:

The equivalent of six months of general clerical experience that involved public contact and completion of a public safety dispatch training course from an accredited school.

Or III

The equivalent of six months of general dispatching experience (such as ambulance, service vehicles, etc.).

Or IV

The equivalent of one year of general clerical experience that involved public contact.

Special Requirements:

1. Hearing must be normal in each ear.
2. Ability to type 40 words per minute.
3. A thorough background investigation will be made of all prospective candidates including a psychological exam.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• The highways, main streets, major buildings and geography of Alameda County.
• Simple record keeping.

Ability to:

• Read, write and alphabetize.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Retain oral information.
• Learn the operation of two-way radio and telephone communications equipment.
• Speak clearly and concisely in a well-modulated voice.
• Learn to dispatch public safety equipment in an effective manner.
• Deal tactfully with the public.
• React with sound judgment under stress and emergency situations while doing several tasks simultaneously.
• Learn statutes, rules and regulations applicable to communications.
• Learn to operate electronic data terminals.
• Listen and clarify incoming calls to extract pertinent information.
• Write detailed reports.
• Condense a message into a clear written passage.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

JE:kb-2/1/78
JE:nt-Rev.3/82
HC:ab-Rev.2/86
HC:pb-Rev.8/91
Old document: 0291h.doc
New document: Jobspecs/1882
ys/4/01
CSC Date: 8/14/91
ID:pf Rev. 5/20/02
CSC Date: 6/19/02
CH:cs Revised 4/30/13
CSC Date: 5/29/13

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.