Under direction, performs responsible managerial, supervisory and administrative work in managing a centralized public safety dispatch center in the Sheriff's Office that handles law enforcement communications services for all unincorporated areas of the County; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single position management level class responsible for managing a 24 hour, seven day per week public safety dispatch operation. The incumbent ensures appropriate and timely dispatch through subordinate shift supervisors and makes judgment decisions within the overall guidelines of the Sheriff’s Office. The incumbent interprets and recommends communications-related policies and also plays a key role in maintaining, updating and procuring technologies and equipment for the Communications Dispatcher Center.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Plans, organizes, directs and manages Dispatch Center activities and personnel; reviews work through subordinate supervisors; ensures the flow and quality of work.
Directs the development and oversees the implementation of goals, objectives, strategies and performance measures; evaluates, recommends, develops and implements policies and procedures; provides technical expertise for difficult dispatch problems.
Interprets applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations; monitors and reviews activities to ensure efficient and effective utilization of resources while conforming to requirements; ensures the appropriate confidentiality of communications-related records.
Supervises, trains and evaluates subordinate staff; selects, assigns and schedules staff, including subordinate supervisors; advises staff on handling employee relations problems; administers progressive discipline in accordance with County policies and procedures.
Serves as the liaison to other local, state and federal officials with regard to areas of assignment; may represent the department in operational meetings with other county departments and/or other agencies or jurisdictions.
Assists local, state and federal agencies with the development, evaluation and testing of emergency and disaster-related operating procedures; cooperates and coordinates with such agencies in the event of an actual emergency.
Prepares and maintains correspondence, logs and files, as well as periodic and special reports related to areas of assignment, policies and procedures, training materials, and other written documents; submits reports mandated by local, state and federal agencies.
Oversees the procurement, maintenance, installation and upgrade of communications-related equipment and software and ensures integration with other existing law enforcement systems; coordinates communications-related technology activities with other divisions; ensures appropriate staff training on all essential technologies; serves as a technical resource in the operation of communications dispatch equipment.
Prepares and administers the Communications budget; identifies staffing and equipment needs; researches, pursues and manages grants and special funds.
Coordinates the preparation and verification of voice tapes and printouts; testifies in court as required.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
License: Possession of a valid, California driver’s license, Class C or higher.
Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, criminal justice, fire science or a related field.
Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible dispatching experience in a public safety communications center, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity. Experience with the Tiburon CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch system), as well as integrated radio and phone systems, is desirable.
Substitution: Additional qualifying supervisory experience may be substituted for the above-required education on a year-for-year basis for a maximum of two (2) years, with one year of experience being equivalent to 30 semester (or 45 quarter) units.
Certificates: Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. "Public Safety Dispatcher" certificate. Completion of additional P.O.S.T. courses related to dispatching, civilian management, training and instruction, or incident command systems is desirable.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of effective management and supervision, including conflict resolution; workload forecasting and staffing in an extended hours environment; modern public safety dispatch methods and procedures, including tactical communications during large-scale incidents; federal, state and local laws, regulations, regulations, systems and organizations related to public safety dispatching such as the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), the California CLETS Users Group (CCUG), the California Law Enforcement Association of Records Supervisors (CLEARS), as well as California vehicle and penal codes; equipment, programs, procedures and methods used in the operation of emergency communications systems; standard radio broadcasting procedures and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules; personal computers and standard office software applications; correct language mechanics, spelling, and punctuation; office practices and procedures; record keeping principles and procedures.
ABILITY
Effectively plan, direct and manage the work and personnel in a public safety communications center; train and evaluate subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors; interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and technical procedure manuals; organize work flow; establish priorities; focus on long-range possibilities and implications and facilitate change; recognize, address and mediate workplace conflict; mentor and develop subordinate employees; maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information; recommend and implement sound policies and procedures; research and analyze complex issues; maintain work effectively under pressure; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; exercise sound judgment and leadership in emergency situations; maintain accurate records and meet critical deadlines; utilize a personal computer and standard office software; quickly learn to utilize specialized automated dispatch systems and equipment.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility - sit for long periods; reach above and below desk level; Dexterity – frequent operation of a key board; handling of individual papers; writing and taking notes; repetitive motion; Lifting - occasional lifting of papers, files equipment and material weighing up to 25 pounds; Visual - overall vision sufficient to use computer screens and read maps; frequent eye-hand coordination; Hearing/Talking – frequent hearing/talking on the telephone/radio; occasional hearing of faint sounds; Emotional/ Psychological Factors – frequent emergency situations; exposure to trauma, grief, death; public contact; decision making; concentration; Special Conditions – may occasionally be required to work weekends, nights or holidays; occasional travel may be required.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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