Communications Dispatcher

Job Summary

Who We Are
The City of Beverly Hills has a long-standing reputation for providing superior customer service to residents, businesses, and visitors. This characteristic, combined with outstanding staff in all departments, has been a hallmark of success for this high performance organization. The municipal government (approximately 1,080 full-time and part-time employees) provides the highest quality safety services, recreational, municipal services, and physical environment.

What We Do
The Beverly Hills Police Department is responsible for safeguarding the lives and property of City residents, businesses and visitors. The BHPD values its reputation as an agency that earns the public trust through efficient, impartial police service.

What We're Looking For
The City of Beverly Hills Police Department is seeking highly motivated and qualified candidates for the position of Communications Dispatcher. Communications Dispatchers answer all calls for emergency services and maintain radio and mobile data computer contact with police officers and firefighters in the field, acting as a lifeline by providing information and support and monitoring their safety.

The ideal candidate will effectively communicate and coordinate in a teamwork environment, will practice sound judgement and think clearly under stress, responding quickly and accurately.

Access the detailed job description with this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/beverlyhills/classspecs/53158?keywords=communications dispatcher&pagetype=classSpecifications

Position & Benefits
This position is represented by the City's Safety Support (SS) Association and is covered by the negotiated terms and conditions of that Association's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The City provides a generous compensation and benefits package, including CalPERS 2.5% @ 55 for classic members; $2,150/month towards health insurance (with option of up to $475/month as taxable cash); a monthly contribution of $250 to an RHS account for retiree medical savings; generous vacation accruals with the option for annual cash-outs. Additional details may be found in the SS MOU, a copy of which is located at: https://www.beverlyhills.org/DocumentCenter/View/4764/Safety-Support-PDF

Selection Process
All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position, including response to all supplemental questions. Resumes alone will not be accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental application materials.

The selection process will consist of the following components:

• Review of Minimum Qualifications (Please attach a valid typing certificate; see the end of this job bulletin for information regarding certificate requirements)
• Written Exam
• Oral Interviews
• Background Check

Major Duties

• Maintains radio and mobile data computer contact with officers, firefighters, parking enforcement officers and traffic control officers in the field, acting as a lifeline by providing information and support and monitoring their safety.
• Answers all calls to the City 911 number; coordinates emergency services; determines priorities; dispatches appropriate services in each situation; answers emergency and business lines; screens and routes calls; determines needs and dispatches personnel.
• Receives information from and enters information into City, State, and Federal computers on stolen goods; missing and wanted persons; license plate information; etc. and relays information to police.
• Logs all calls in appropriate log books, incident cards, or records messages; monitors all emergency bands 24 hours a day for any unusual occurrences and calls appropriate services when needed.
• Maintains and changes all audio and visual logging equipment; reports malfunctioning equipment or equipment that is out of service.
• Trains new employees; performs clerical duties including record keeping, filing, compiling reports and indexing; performs other duties as assigned.
• Receives, identifies and accurately evaluates emergency and routine calls for police, fire and paramedic services, provides pre-arrival Emergency Medical Dispatch instructions and life saving directions over the telephone.
• Uses established policies and procedures, independent judgment, common sense and reason to make rapid and accurate decisions to achieve an effective initial alternative course of action.
• Effectively communicates and coordinates in a teamwork environment with co-workers, other agencies, departments and the public, exercising strong customer service and group dynamic skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A certificate of completion of a POST Public Safety Dispatcher course is preferred for lateral entry candidates only.
• Typing Certificate to show ability to type at least 35 WPM.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of computer equipment and telephone equipment.
• Knowledge of Police and Fire services code.
• Knowledge of state penal codes and department policies and procedures.
• Ability to type information into a computer aided dispatch system as it is being relayed over the radio.
• Ability to speak clearly and quickly.
• Ability to think clearly under stress and to respond quickly and accurately.
• Knowledge of Justice Department Criminal Information System and FCC rules and regulations.
• Ability to type 35 WPM.
• Ability to control conversations, quickly gathering pertinent and relevant information.
• Ability to hear multiple conversations simultaneously, distinguishing between voices and sources to ascertain relevant information quickly and accurately.
• Ability to anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives and contingencies.
• Must be able to work various shifts (Day, Night, and Morning) as assigned, which may include weekends and holidays. *Per the 2023 - 2026 MOU, employees working in the Communications Bureau shall work the 3/12.5 schedule. However, the city may assign up to two employees in the classification of Communications Dispatcher to work the 4/10 work schedule based on an assessment of operational need to do so.

Important to note that internet or electronic typing certificates are NOT accepted. Below is a list of facilities where you can take your typing test. Most of the facilities listed below are free of charge and may require an appointment. Please contact the facilities below for information about fees and appointments.

Retirement
The City offers the CalPERS 2% at 62 formula for new CalPERS members.; OR 2.5% at 55 formula for existing "classic" CalPERS members with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS reciprocal agency. All employees of the Safety Support Association will pay their CalPERS member contribution. Additional details on the City's retirement plan will be provided to candidates during the job offer process. For further information about CalPERS, please contact CalPERS directly.

Health Plan
The City currently offers cafeteria plan which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their dependents. In addition, the City provides life insurance and a disability plan for employees.

Leave Time
Vacation: 80 to 160 hours of annual vacation accrual depending on years of service.
Holiday: 10 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave: 96 hours per year
Personal Holiday: 18 hours per fiscal year

Additional Benefits
Tuition Reimbursement up to $4,800 per fiscal year; Flexible Spending Account that allows pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical and dependent care expenses; and a City Wellness program that includes on-site fitness centers.

To review detailed information about our Safety Support Association benefits, please review the Memo of Understanding (MOU) listed below:

http://www.beverlyhills.org/cbhfiles/storage/files/633465626732728882/SafetySupport2015-2019_MOU_CleanCopy_NoTrackedChanges_FinalProposed_Posted01.19.16.pdf