Police Communications Call Taker - Part-Time, Non-Benefited

Salary: $24.83 - $30.19 Hourly

Location : Buena Park, CA

Job Type: Part-Time/Temporary/Seasonal (Non-Benefited)

Job Number: 24-00056

Department: Police

Opening Date: 09/07/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

JOB BULLETIN

Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS BASIS until position is filled. Apply early.
This position may close at any time without notice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit application materials as soon as possible.


GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general supervision, receives a variety of calls and messages from the public and other sources for police assistance; monitors alarm systems and teletype communications; assists the public and police personnel by providing accurate factual information; evaluates the type and level of response necessary; inputs data into a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; and does related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Police Communications Call Taker is responsible for organizing and completing tasks in priority order to meet statutory and non-statutory work deadlines.
The Police Communications Call Taker is distinguished from the Police Dispatcher who is responsible to dispatch services via radio communication systems to field personnel.
There is no radio performance for this position.
This class performs the routine tasks and duties necessary to handle emergency and non-emergency calls for service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.
The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.


Receives and processes emergency calls including 9-1-1 calls and 9-1-1 text messages from the public for police emergency services; evaluates information to determine location of the emergency, nature of the call, need for assistance and the appropriate personnel and equipment needed to respond; maintains communication with caller until arrival of appropriate emergency units; routes calls to proper agency for service.
Receives and processes non-emergency calls for assistance, complaints, and inquiries from the general public concerning police, fire, or medical service needs, and routes calls to the appropriate personnel.
Enters calls into the Computer Aided Dispatch system for dispatch; may determine and override the assigned priority code, following established guidelines.
Enters, updates, and retrieves police related data from computer and teletype networks.
Communicates with callers to determine the disposition of calls; provides assistance and instructions.
Maintains a clear and professional speaking voice while projecting information over communication instruments.
May assist with the duplication of 9-1-1 calls and/or emergency radio traffic recordings for the courts, investigations, or the media.
Contacts county and emergency management network agencies to coordinate mutual aid and call responses, and updates system data.
Operates a variety of telecommunications and computer equipment.
Monitors security cameras and alarms and initiates emergency responses in the event of unauthorized entries.
Performs call-outs for a variety of resources such as animal control, towing services, medical assistance, and other specialized services.
Provides general information regarding laws, regulations, and department policy; transfers fire, medical, or other calls to appropriate agencies.
Researches county, state and federal national computer data banks to obtain information requested by officers or other law enforcement personnel as required.
Testifies in court as needed.
Knowledge of:

Laws, codes, regulations, policies, and department procedures governing public safety dispatching, including radio, computer, and telephone communications, and associated receiving and transmitting equipment; Ability to learn portions of the California Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Motor Vehicle Code, Welfare Institutions Code, and Business and Professions Code; Ability to learn and implement procedures and techniques for dealing with the public tactfully; Effective customer service techniques; English usage and spelling; Basic telephone procedures and techniques; Principles of effective verbal communication.


Ability to:

Effectively communicate with and obtain information from upset and/or irate citizens and remain calm in receiving urgent calls, reciting facts and details, and providing instructions within emergency situations; Speak to callers courteously and tactfully; Accurately and simultaneously, monitor the status of multiple calls and units; Simultaneously operate a variety of telecommunications and computer equipment such as the CAD system, computer equipment, telephones, and teletype equipment; Type at the net rate of 45 words per minute quickly and accurately on a computer keyboard; Spell correctly; Learn the geography and the location of streets, landmarks and public and private facilities in and around the City of Buena Park; Learn and apply police records management practices and procedures; Understand and carry out oral and written directions, pertinent procedures, and functions quickly and apply them without immediate supervision; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, management, public safety dispatchers from other law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
Receive confidential information and maintain confidentiality.


PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is constantly required to sit and occasionally stand and walk within work areas.
At the communications console, the employee is expected to lean, turn, and twist to reach console resources and reference manuals.
The employee is expected to use fingers to operate computer keyboard, possess manual dexterity to use multiple computer mice, and to reach above and below shoulder to access camera controls and resource books.
The employee occasionally bends and kneels to access communications console equipment.
The employee must

be able to talk and hear when communicating with the general public, law enforcement personnel, and city staff.
The employee must be able to wear a headset; must have vision sufficient to read standard text, fine print, view multiple computer monitors and have the ability to distinguish and identify different colors.


Specific vision abilities required by this class include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.


Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee must be able to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; interpret policies and procedures; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact with upset callers, including victims and witnesses in emergency situations, reporting potential crimes and requesting emergency care, working with city staff, law enforcement personnel, and the general public in handling non-emergency calls.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee regularly works in an office environment; the noise level is moderately quiet, at or below 85 decibels, and the noise volume is occasionally louder when multiple calls are being handled.
The employee needs to monitor multiple frequencies and communications by radio, telephone, and the communications console, as well as alarms and security cameras.


EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

High School graduation or G.E.D.
equivalent is required.
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities are as follows: Prior experience that includes heavy public contact as a telephone operator, receptionist, police cadet, or related position, is desired.
On-the-job training is provided to those who demonstrate the aptitude, cooperation, and reliability to be successful in the position.


LICENSES/CERTIFICATES/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to satisfactorily complete the P.O.S.T.
Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course or the P.O.S.T.
Basic Dispatcher Training Equivalency Examination within one year of assignment to this classification.


Ability to be assigned to rotating work shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends, and to work overtime as needed.

Type at the net rate of (45) words per minute quickly and accurately on a computer keyboard.

Must have typing skills of 45 wpm.
An original typing certificate predated up to one year, must be submitted along with the completed application.
The typing certificate must be for 45 wpm net (after errors) on a 5-minute timed test.


Acceptable typing certificates must meet all of the following requirements:

A five (5) minute timed test including the gross speed and number of errors (gross speed - errors = net speed).
Certification must be in writing and test taken within 12 months of submission to the Buena Park Human Resources Office.
Certification must be verifiable and include a valid administrator's name, signature, address and telephone number.
A SELF-ADMINISTERED TYPING TEST THAT IS TAKEN OVER THE INTERNET OR ANY OTHER SELF-ADMINISTERED TEST WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
A copy of the certification must be submitted with your official City application.
You must submit the certificate in order to be considered for the position.


For suggested locations and more information about the requirements, please
APPLICANT INFORMATION/EXAM WEIGHT EXAMINATION PROCESS & WEIGHTS Oral Interview - Weighted 40%: Sit-Along Evaluation - Weighted 60%:

Applicants must submit a City application online through the Human Resources Department web page at Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position, however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City employment application.


All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process.
The selection process may include but is not limited to an oral interview and/or written exams, oral presentations and a "Sit Along" exercise.
Successful candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list from which hires may be made.
An eligible list is valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.


The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability.


Americans with Disabilities:

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources.
If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at (714) 562-3515 no later than 5 business days before the test date.


Fingerprinting:
Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period.
All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.


Physical Examination:

Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which may include drug and alcohol screening.
Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense.


Below is a list of key benefits offered to part-time, seasonal, and limited service employees of the City of Buena Park and is only a summary of benefits.
They are not intended to replace or modify the legal plan documents on file in the Human Resources Department.


SALARY RANGE: Composed of six (6) steps - Entry step through E step (Except management positions).
Each step represents an increase of approximately five (5) percent.


RETIREMENT: Provided through deferred compensation 457 plan administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions.
Employee pays member contribution of 3.75%.
The City matches the employee's contribution of 3.75%.


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to all City employees and their immediate families.


OC CREDIT UNION: Available to all City employees and their families.


01

To better evaluate your qualifications for this position, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required.
The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process.
An incomplete and inaccurate application may lead to disqualification.
It is your responsibility to fill out the application thoroughly and accurately.
Resumes will not be accepted instead of completing these questions.
Please provide concise, descriptive, and detailed information when answering the questions.
If you do not have experience, please write "NONE".
NOTE: 'See resume', 'See above', or copy and paste of your resume are not considered qualifying responses and will not be considered when evaluating your qualifications.
I acknowledge receipt of this information and understand the instructions.

02

I understand that as part of the qualifying process for Police Communications - Call Taker, I will undergo a thorough background investigation which includes but is not limited to, the review of legal documents, police and driving records, credit profile, motor vehicle insurance, vehicle operation, prior employment records, performance reviews; as well as questions made to, and comments received from; family members, spouses, ex-spouses, neighbors, business references, etc.
I will also be required to complete a detailed personal history statement.
Any falsification of information or failure to meet the standards listed above will result in disqualification.
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the qualifying process for Police Communications - Call Taker.

03

Do you understand that you are required to pass the public safety background check process, a psychological evaluation, a physical examination including controlled substances screening, and a polygraph examination in order to be considered for this position?
Yes No

04

Have you completed the California P.O.S.T.
Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course?
Yes No

05

Have you used any narcotics or other habit-forming drugs (other than prescribed) within the last year?
Yes No

06

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
Yes No

07

Have you ever been convicted of any act of domestic violence?
Yes No

08

Have you ever been convicted of a crime against a child?
Yes No

09

This position requires typing skills of a minimum 45 wpm net (after errors) on a 5-minute timed test.
Do you meet the qualification of at least 45 wpm?
Yes No

10

An original typing certificate predated up to one year, must be submitted along with your application.
A SELF-ADMINISTERED TYPING TEST TAKEN OVER THE INTERNET OR ANY OTHER SELF-ADMINISTERED TEST WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
For information on where to obtain a typing certificate, see the job bulletin or visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the City's website at www.buenapark.com/hr.
Have you uploaded your typing certificate?
Yes No

11

What is your highest education completed?
No Diploma High School or G.E.D. Some College - 59 units or less Some College - more than 60 units Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree

12

How many years experience do you have in public communications and/or public safety dispatch?
No experience Less than 6 months experience 6 months to less than 1 year experience 1 to less than 2 years experience 2 to less than 3 years experience 3 to less than 4 years experience 4 to less than 5 years experience 5 years or more experience

13

Police Communications Call Takers are required to work in a structured work environment where meal and rest breaks are not scheduled and can be interrupted, uniforms must be worn, and the chain of command must be respected.
Are you willing and able to work in this environment?
Yes No

14

Police Communications Call Takers are required to learn and remember numerical and alphabetical code systems; principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work; operation of a multi-line telephone system (including 9-1-1 telephone lines); geography of the City and the location of streets and important buildings.
Are you willing and able to learn the necessary systems to be successful in this position?
Yes No

15

Police Communications Call Takers are quired to work rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends, as well as evening, night, and early morning shifts, and to work overtime as required.
Are you willing and able to work these days and hours throughout the duration of your employment?
Yes No

16

Police Communications Call Takers must have the ability to speak clearly in a well-modulated voice using good diction, work under stress and exercise good judgment in emergency situations, adjust quickly to changing situations, keep records and prepare reports, effectively read and interpret maps, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
I understand the needs and am able to meet the requirements of this job classification. I am unable to meet the requirements of this job classification.

17

Police Communications Call Takers must be able to hear and understand sound sources like radio traffic, ringing telephones, and alarm tones while speaking on the telephone while wearing a communications headset (i.e., the ability to hear sound sources outside and coming through the headset and the ability to hear out of both ears.)
I understand the needs and am able to meet the physical demands of these tasks without accommodation. I understand the needs and am able to meet the physical demands of these tasks with accommodation. I am unable to meet the physical demands of these tasks

18

Police Communications Call Takers must have the ability to constantly sit, lean, turn, and twist, as well as use hands and fingers to operate computer keyboards and multiple mice and reach above and below the shoulder to access camera controls and resource books.
I understand the needs and am able to meet the physical demands of these tasks without accommodation. I understand the needs and am able to meet the physical demands of these tasks with accommodation. I am unable to meet the physical demands of these tasks.

19

Police Communications Call Takers must be able to read and distinguish colors on computer display monitors.
I understand the needs and am able to meet the physical demands of this task without accommodation. i understand the needs and am able to meet the physical demands of this task with accommodation. I am unable to meet the physical demands of this task.

20

If you responded that you can meet any of the physical demands of the job classification WITH an accommodation, how would you perform the task(s) and with what accommodation(s)?If you do not require any accommodations, please respond with N/A.


Required Question