Communications Dispatcher (20420234)

About the position

The City of Menlo Park currently has an excellent opportunity for experienced Communications Dispatchers. Shift work including weekends and holidays is required. Communications Dispatchers are responsible for receiving and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for the Police Department and City. Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information and assistance. All activities are performed within specified legal guidelines. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Operate a state of the art computer-aided dispatch system while monitoring, phones and neighboring agencies activities.
• Receive emergency and non-emergency calls including wireless E911, TDD and VOIP calls and determine appropriate priorities for action.
• Dispatch calls and directs officers in the field; monitoring officer's status, location and needs during emergency and routine activities.
• Listen actively using effective questioning techniques with the ability to quickly articulate the details of a call in a clear concise understandable manner when speaking.
• Operate a wide variety of communications equipment and enter data into computers/databases.
• Assist walk-in citizens with reports and other requests.
• Testify in court.
• Maintain various logs.
• Process warrants and court dispositions.
• Participate in community outreach and education programs.

Requirements

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• One (1) year of general clerical involving frequent public contact, preferably in a law enforcement setting.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).

Benefits

• Health Insurance: City contribution up to $2,655 per month towards a Cafeteria Plan which can be used to purchase medical insurance and participate in a flexible spending account for health care and/or child care reimbursement.
• Dental: City-paid coverage for employee and dependents.
• Vision: City-paid coverage for employee and dependents.
• Vacation: 88 - 176 hours of vacation leave accrual each year, depending on length of service.
• Sick Leave: 96 hours of sick leave accrued each year.
• Holidays: 11 official holidays; 34 hours of floating holiday time per year; 8 'Day of Reflection' hours per year in recognition of holidays of individual and community importance.
• Retirement: CalPERS: For classic members 2.0% @ 60 formula. For all others, 2.0% @ 62 formula.
• Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in City Plans.
• Life Insurance: City-paid policy equal to 1.5 times regular annual wage.
• Long Term Disability: City-paid coverage.
• Educational leave and tuition reimbursement.
• A City-paid Caltrain GoPass.
• A City-paid BayPass.
• A transportation allowance program provides employees with $1.50 per day when they walk, bicycle or carpool to work at least once per week.
• Employees are provided with access to an on-site gym at no cost.