Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral

Job Description:

Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral

Description

Description

A 5% Cost of Living Increase is scheduled for 01/01/2025.

The City of Laguna Beach Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral (Full-Time). This recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.

The Position: Under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant, dispatches public safety equipment and personnel (Police, Fire and Marine Safety) in response to requests for service using telephone, computer, and radio communications systems. Responds to emergency calls for public safety service(s) requiring independent judgment as to a course of action where unprecedented situations may arise; performs a variety of general support duties related to communication activities including recordkeeping, typing, monitoring alarm systems and teletype communications; performs related duties as assigned.

Reports to/Supervises: Reports to the Support Services Supervisor and in his or her absence reports to the shift Watch Commander. In the Chain of Command structure, the Public Safety Dispatcher ultimately report to the Support Services Division Commander (Captain or Lieutenant), excluding issues where the chain of command might be circumvented.

Required Competencies:

• Handling Stress
• Decision Making
• Listening
• Oral Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Integrity and Ethics
• Analyzing & Interpreting Data
• Critical Thinking
• Using Technology
• Adaptability
• Self-Management
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation
• Handling Conflict
• Teamwork

Selection Process: All interested applicants must submit a completed online city application. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. The selection process will include a Structured Panel Interview. Those recommended for further evaluation will undergo a department interview with City staff. Based on the Department's needs, the selection process listed may be modified. Candidates will be notified via e-mail of any changes in the selection process.

Please note that Lateral applicants working for non-P.O.S.T. agencies may be required to undergo the P.O.S.T. written exam unless the candidate is able to submit proof of successful completion of the Public Safety's 120 Hour Basic Course or passing the POST Basic Dispatcher Equivalency Examination (Commission Procedure F-5).

Pre-Placement Process : All prospective candidates must successfully pass a background security investigation, polygraph examination, pre-employment physical examination including a drug test, and a psychological examination.

Examples of Duties

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Receives, screens and transmits public safety calls via telephone and radio communications systems
• Dispatches public safety personnel and equipment (Police, Fire and Marine Safety) in response to requests for service
• Performs intensive data inputting of information received via computer keyboard
• Types departmental reports and initiates forms related to the operation and procedures of the Records Division
• Completes reports and complaints for court prosecution
• May make personal searches of prisoners
• Initiates and sends messages and requests for information on law enforcement computer systems
• Employee has considerable contact over the radio and telephone with public safety employees in the field and the general public, frequently in emotionally stressful situations
• Works evening, weekend and holiday shifts as assigned

Qualifications

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Experience: Two (2) years of public safety dispatching experience, including the successful completion of probation as a public safety dispatcher. Experience must be recent and have occurred within the last two (2) years.

License/Certificate Requirements: Possession of a POST Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certification is desirable.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Office procedures and methods

Ability to:

• Keep basic records and type on a computer
• Work shifts, including evenings/nights and weekends (minimum of 48 hours a month)
• Learn the rules of the Federal Communications Commission regarding radio transmissions
• Work under stressful situations and exercise good judgment in emergencies
• Accurately record and retain data given verbally

Skills:

• Possess a clear speaking voice and an excellent memory
• Capable of making rapid and appropriate decisions
• Constant alertness and attention to detail when dealing with the public and dispatching personnel and equipment

Laguna Beach: With seven miles of City beaches and towering hills with captivating Pacific views, Laguna Beach residents enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes in Southern California. The City of Laguna Beach hosts millions of visitors to its world-famous arts festivals and beautiful beaches. Services provided to its resident population of approximately 23,000 include police, fire, marine safety, recreation, parks, public works, community development, parking, transit and animal control.

The Department: The Police Department is organized into two divisions (Support Services, and Investigative and Field Services), and provides general law enforcement services, including animal control.

Benefits for Laguna Beach Police Employees' Association (PEA)

Retirement: The City offers membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. 2.7% at 57 for PEPRA CalPERS Safety members; 3% at 50 for tier I Classic CalPERS Safety members; 3% at 55 for tier II Classic CalPERS Safety members.

Health Coverage: The City currently offers medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their dependents. In addition, the City provides life insurance and a long-term disability plan for employees.

Vacation: Vacation leave accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. This increases to 136 hours per year after five years of service, and to 176 hours per year after nine years of service. A cash-out option exists for accrued vacation time.

Holiday: The City provides 90 hours for 11 paid holidays per year.

Sick Leave: Sick leave accrues at a rate of 80 hours per year. Unused sick leave may be accumulated without limit.

Special Assignment Pay
Canine Handler - 14 hours per month at two thirds of their regular rate of pay, then paid at time and a half for the off-duty caring, grooming, feeding, training, and otherwise maintaining of their department-issued canine or Support Services dog/equipment

Community Outreach Officer and Field Training Officer - 10% of base pay

School Resource Officer, Motorcycle, and Detective - 5% of base pay

Educational Incentive Pay
Educational Degree: Sworn employees in the position of Police Officer, Police Corporal and Police Sergeant are eligible for a bonus of 2.5% of base salary for an AA Degree, or 5% of base salary for a BA or BS Degree.

POST Certifications:
Sworn police department employees are eligible for the following:
1. 4% of base salary for an Intermediate POST Certificate.

2. 9% of base salary for an Advanced POST Certificate. The two POST certificates are not cumulative. An employee with Advanced POST will receive 9% and not any additional compensation for first having an Intermediate POST Certificate.

Public Safety Dispatchers, Senior Public Safety Dispatchers, and the Support Services Supervisor, are eligible for the following:
1. 5% of base salary for a Dispatcher Advanced POST Certificate.

When an employee receives either an Intermediate or Advanced POST Certificate they shall provide the City with a copy of the Certificate and will then be paid by the City retroactively to the effective date of the Certificate.

Other Benefits
The City offers a Flexible Spending Account, Educational Reimbursement Program, Employee Assistance Program, Exceptional Performance Pay Program, and Bilingual Pay Program.

Salary:

$69,372.00 - $97,440.00 Annually