Police Communications Trainee

The Position

OPEN RECRUITMENT - ONE YEAR PROBATIONARY PERIOD

This trainee classification works under close supervision participating in training work leading to progressively responsible tasks in the Police Communications Bureau.

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:
Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest ethical standards.

Receives, identifies and accurately evaluates emergency and routine calls for police services, routes 911 calls for Fire and EMS services, refers calls to other agencies and makes required notifications as appropriate.

Monitors and maintains the status of all police personnel and units as to location and availability.

Determines appropriate personnel and equipment to be dispatched using voice radio and computer aided dispatch system.

Relays, follows, repeats and remembers complex oral and written instructions, information and directions.

Uses established policies & procedures, independent judgment, common sense and reason to make rapid and accurate decisions to achieve an effective initial or alternate course of action in dispatching police resources.

Performs multiple, routine and complex dispatch tasks simultaneously.

Responds calmly and effectively in emergency and stress situations.

Develops speed and accuracy in performing job duties & responsibilities, including operating radio consoles, computer terminals and associated communications equipment, performing minor maintenance as required.

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.

Possesses a high level of awareness to all dispatch center activity and effectively anticipates and plans for probable tasks which will require immediate action.

Works with geography/street files and reads maps, manuals, notebooks, memorandums, legal resources, policies & procedures and posted information.

Monitors multiple police, fire and emergency radio frequencies.

Initiates, receives and interprets information from various law enforcement computerized database systems.

Monitors facility security and various alarm systems.

Performs research and clerical work such as preparation of logs, reports, forms and update of information and files in a timely manner.

Studies, reviews, and trains in communications and police department operations to develop a complete and accurate concept and understanding of the nature of police work.

Performs assigned and needed cleaning and maintenance duties to center facilities.

Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of this position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Minimum Requirements

Experience
Some general clerical experience involving public contact is desirable.

Education/Training
Graduation from high school or attainment of GED or CHSPE certificate.

License(s)/Certification(s)
Valid California Class C driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Skill in:
Resourcefulness and organization, initiative and self motivation.

Ability to:
Provide exceptional customer service to all employees and vendors.
Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Accept close supervision, criticism and/or discipline and work within an established chain of command organizational structure.
Accurately assess problems and understand needs & situations.
Acquire knowledge of communications rules, regulations, theory, operations, equipment, principles & capabilities, limitations & backup system alternatives.
Act in a decisive manner, using good judgment, common sense & reason.
Anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives and contingencies.
Control conversations, quickly gathering pertinent and relevant information.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
Develop knowledge of cooperating agency procedures and resources - mutual aid.
Exercise tact & diplomacy, striving to promote a positive & cooperative atmosphere.
Hear multiple normal level conversations simultaneously, distinguishing between voices and sources to ascertain relevant information quickly and accurately.
Learn new information and initiate improvements in technical and procedural areas.
Learn police codes, rules, policies & procedures quickly and to interpret them correctly.
Learn police equipment and resource capabilities and develop strategy for various types of police responses and emergencies.
Maintain emotional stability, patience, loyalty and commitment to the organization.
Quickly and accurately follow written and oral instructions.
Rapidly & accurately operate complex computerized & mechanical equipment.
React quickly, efficiently and calmly in emergencies & stressful situations.
Read and discern visual images on a variety of media including multiple computer system's screens.
Read and understand street maps, learn and retain a workable knowledge of cities, roadways, landmarks, geography of the City and surrounding jurisdictions.
Read, write legibly, spell, comprehend & communicate effectively in English.
Speak clearly, distinctly and correctly with good modulation.
Take initiative and exercise dependability, maturity and self-confidence.
Take notes, organize information & thoughts and develop notebooks, projects, records and reports.
Touch type at least 30 words per minute while conversing on telephone and/or radio.
Understand, retain and repeat simple and complex oral and written instructions.
Use work time properly and productively, producing high quality, accurate work.
Work in confined quarters for extended periods of time.

Other Characteristics
Willingness and Ability to:
Work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Willingness to:
Actively participate in an extensive, comprehensive on the job training program.
Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
Attend training classes in communications and Police Department procedures.
Work overtime as requested or in emergencies.

Desirable Qualifications
Bilingual English/Spanish and/or English/Armenian.
Prior experience in two way radio operation in a public safety emergency communications dispatch system.

Special Conditions
Smoking is not permitted inside police facilities or vehicles or while in uniform.
Requires wearing uniforms, headsets and working in a closely situated work area.

TATTOO POLICY: Unless otherwise exempted by the Chief of Police, no employee or volunteer of the Glendale Police Department shall have any visible tattoos, body art, or other skin markings while on duty - in uniform, business attire, or casual dress. Tattoos, body art, and/or other skin markings shall be completely covered by the authorized on-duty uniform (e.g. long sleeve uniform), business attire, or casual dress. Marks or scars from injuries or medical procedures are exempt from these policy restrictions. For further information regarding this policy, please contact the Professional Standards Bureau at (818) 548-3117.

Residence
Within four months of employment, all employees of the Glendale Police Department are required to live within a radius of sixty contiguous land miles of the Glendale Civic Center.

Note
An equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training may be considered as a substitute for the listed minimum requirements.

Exceptional Customer Service Policy The City of Glendale values quality customer service and takes pride in the exceptional service provided by every employee. As a part of the Glendale team, we are dedicated to delivering courteous, considerate, and personalized attention to our diverse community and to one another.

Please click on the link to read the Exceptional Customer Service Policy .

Selection Process

EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: Entry-level examination - Veteran's Credit Awarded. All applicants must complete the supplemental application in order to be considered for the position. NOTE: If you respond "No" to any of the items on the supplemental application, you may be disqualified for the recruitment. All applications, resumes and submitted reference materials will be reviewed and evaluated and only the best-qualified candidates based on applicable experience will be invited to the selection process.

PRELIMINARY BACKGROUND QUESTIONAIRE: (PASS/FAIL) To determine whether the candidate meets the background investigation standards of the Glendale Police Department. May be waived if candidate currently works for the Glendale Police Department.

WRITTEN EXAM: (PASS/FAIL) To evaluate the candidate's ability to be successful in this position. The exam will be relevant to the duties of this position. The written examination will be a computer-based test designed to simulate dispatching duties and tasks and assess the applicant's ability to perform these tasks. Only the top scoring candidates who achieve a minimum passing score of 70.00% on the written exam will be invited to the further stages of the examination process.
This written examination may be taken online through the use of a computer with a web camera.

ORAL INTERVIEW: (Weight: 100%) To evaluate the applicant's experience, education, and personal fitness for the position.

Candidates must pass the exam with a minimum score of 70.00% in order to be placed on the eligible list.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on all finalists, which will review and verify personal history including, but not limited to financial responsibility, criminal history, drug use history, driving record, and verification of application materials. Significant issues or omissions in the above-stated areas may be grounds for disqualification. Background investigation will include a polygraph and Livescan fingerprinting. For further information, please contact the Professional Standards Bureau at (818) 548-3117.

TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED. Evaluations will be based on the candidate's education and experience relevant to the position. Examinations will assess evaluate the candidate's education, experience, knowledge and skills related to the job. The City of Glendale reserves the right to modify the examination components or their weighting. If changes are necessary, candidates will be informed of the specific examination components and their weight before the examination is administered. The selected candidate will undergo a background check, including Livescan fingerprinting. The City of Glendale complies with state and federal obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with special needs are encouraged to inform the Human Resources Department at least five days before the first examination to ensure reasonable accommodations can be arranged. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract.

The City of Glendale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance.

The above listed benefits apply to full-time, salaried positions only.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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Glendale, California United States View Map