Public Safety Dispatcher I

Salary: $31.89 - $32.27 HourlyLocation : Boca Raton, FLJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 03674-1Department: Police ServicesDivision: Communications 22/07301Opening Date: 01/10/2024Closing Date: ContinuousFLSA: Non-ExemptBargaining Unit: NJob DescriptionThe public safety dispatcher receives, and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls for a variety of municipal services. This is an entry level position in which emphasis is placed on training the incumbent for continued advancement through the Public Safety Dispatcher classification series. Work is performed under the general supervision of the public safety dispatcher supervisor. Essential FunctionsThe list of essential functions as outlined herein is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. Receives and transmits information for emergency and other municipal services Receives emergency telephone calls, determines locations and nature of the calls and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment Receives non-emergency calls and determines appropriate actions Operates computer-aided dispatch (CAD) equipment and performs CAD functions Receives and transmits messages by radio and maintains radio logs Operates computer terminals for various federal, state and local networks Provides pre-arrival police, fire and medical instructions when needed Maintains tracking logs Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of the methods and procedures of various operating systems. Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing data and voice transmissions.Must be familiar with the geography of the City and the locations of important buildings.Knowledge of communications management, technical design and application, FCC rules and regulations, and computer operations.Ability to:Communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner.Obtain information from hostile or traumatized individuals in various situations.Handle multiple activities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.Exercise sound independent judgment and make decisions within established guidelines.Speak distinctly and operate telecommunication consoles.View a computer terminal for extended periods of time.Work long periods of time, day or night, weekends, and shift work.Provide outstanding customer service, both internally and externally. Minimum and Preferred Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:High school diploma or equivalent is required.One (1) year experience working in a 911 communications environment is preferred.Must obtain a score of 70% or higher on the CritiCall Test.Possess or have the ability to obtain CJIS (NCIC/FCIC) certification within the first three (3) months of employment,Possess or have the ability to obtain certifications in the emergency police, fire and medical disciplines within one (1) year of employment and must meet or exceed minimum quality assurance ratings in each discipline.Possession of a valid State of Florida Class "E" driver's license is required.Knowledge Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook preferred.The public safety dispatcher must be available for shift work in a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week work environment.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:9-1-1, TDD, and Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (FSS 401.465) certifications are preferred. Certifications must be obtained prior to the end of the one-year probationary period.PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS AND CONDITIONS:The environmental conditions and physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required, weekly or up to daily, to:Lift or carry objects up to 20 pounds;Reach and grasp objects;Use manual dexterity or fine motor skills.Have the ability to identify and distinguish colors;Communicate orally;Hear;Push or pull carts or other such objects.Proofread and check documents for accuracy;Use a keyboard to enter and transform words or data;Use a video display terminal;Work in a normal office environment with few physical discomforts; and/orBe able to work a fluctuating work schedule based upon the need of the department.The employee may sometimes be required to stoop and bend.POST-OFFER BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS:The background check process for this position may include: Criminal Background Check Employment Verification Reference Checks Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check Certification/License Verification Credit Check Fingerprinting Polygraph Neighborhood Check Psychological Examination Drug and Alcohol ScreenNeighborhood CheckPsychological ExaminationDrug and Alcohol ScreenThe City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran's Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. It is the policy of the City of Boca Raton to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. BENEFITS SUMMARYFull-Time Non-Bargaining Employees ANNUAL LEAVE: Shall accrue prior to an employee attaining permanent status in the classified service, and may be used after six (6) months of employment at the sole discretion of the Department Head, but it shall not be paid out upon resignation or termination unless the employee has attained permanent status (one full year). The maximum accrual is 360 hours. Year of ServiceAccrual0 to 5 full years8 hours per month5 to 10 full years10 hours per month10 to 15 full years12 hours per month15 full years and over14 hours per monthCASH OUT OF ANNUAL LEAVE: Employees who have attained permanent status shall be permitted to cash out up to forty (40) hours of accrued and unused Annual Leave, either in a single lump sum payment or two or more partial payments, each fiscal year.SICK LEAVE: 8 hours per month. Any hours in excess of 960 will be paid off annually at 50%. Upon retirement, employees with a minimum of 5 years continuous service will receive 50% of sick leave balance. Termination for reasons other than retirement shall be entitled to payment for accrued, but unused sick leave, as follows:Years of servicePercentageLess than 2 full years0%2 to 5 full years10%5 to 10 full years20%10 full years or more30%Retirement (normal, early or disability)50%HEALTH INSURANCE (Premiums): Employee Medical (Base Plan) - Paid 100% by City. Employee contributions are required for the buy up employee coverage plans. Employee Dental (DHMO or Basic PPO Plan) & Vision (Basic Plan) paid 100% by City. Employee contributions are required for the Employee + Dependent(s) for the Medical, Dental, & Vision Plan.CONTINUOUS SERVICE BENEFIT: As of December 1 each year - Paid during the month of December. Year of ServiceBenefit5 to 10 full years$600 annually10 to 15 full years$800 annually15 full years and over$1,100 annuallyRETIREMENT PLANS: The two pension/retirement options are listed below: An option to enroll in a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. The Defined Contribution Retirement Plan will not require a mandatory contribution. The City will contribute seven (7%) percent of the annual base wages annually. The vesting period for this plan shall be one (1) year from date of hire in the classified service, which coincides with your one-year probationary period. An option to enroll in a Defined Benefit Retirement Plan option is available. There is a ten (10) year vesting period with a multiplier of 2.00% at normal retirement and a mandatory seven and three-quarters (7.75%) percent employee contribution. The two (2) options will be fully explained prior to an irrevocable selection.Optional: 457 Deferred Compensation Savings Plan is available.HOLIDAYS: 15 per year: 12 recognized holidays and 3 floating days which are allocated for the fiscal year beginning October 1, to all 8 hour per day employees. Employees hired between October 1 and March 31 shall receive 3 floating holidays. Employees hired between April 1 and September 30 shall receive 1.5 floating holidays. Floating holidays must be used within the fiscal year. Non-task employees working 10-hour days receive 10, 10-hour paid holidays but do not receive floating holidays.FUNERAL LEAVE: Up to 3 workdays - In State; Up to 5 workdays - Out of StateTUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement as outlined in the City's Tuition Reimbursement Policy which is available in Human Resources and subject to the availability of departmental funds.MILITARY LEAVE: Members in military reserve units who attend annual training are entitled to paid leave not to exceed 30 days each calendar year.EAP: Employees, spouses, and eligible dependents have access to five (5) face-to-face sessions with a counselor through Cigna's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Services include assistance with legal, financial, parenting, elder care, pet care, and identity theft.01 Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application? Yes No 02 Do you possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license - or are you able to obtain within thirty (30) days of hire? Yes, I have a valid Florida driver's license No, I do not have a Florida driver's license but can obtain within thirty (30) days of hire No, I do not have a Florida driver's license and cannot obtain within thirty (30) days of hire 03 What is the highest level of education that you have completed?NOTE: You must attach proof (diploma or degree or transcripts) of highest education completed with your application. Failure to do so may result in your application being marked as incomplete and removed from consideration. Less than High School High School Diploma or GED Trade or Vocational School Associates Degree or 60 credits of college courses Bachelors Degree Masters Degree Doctoral Degree 04 What area of study is your education? 05 Have you attached proof (diploma or degree or unofficial transcripts) of highest education completed with your application?Failure to do so may result in your application being marked as incomplete and removed from consideration. Yes No 06 Do you possess valid 9-1-1, TDD, and Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (FSS 401.465) certifications? Yes No 07 If you answered yes to the previous question, who was the issuing agency, what is the certificate number, and what is the expiration date? 08 If you answered "No" and you do NOT possess a valid Public Safety Telecommunicator's Certification. Please note that certifications must be obtained before the conclusion of the one-year probationary period. Will you be able to obtain the certification within the probationary period or 12 months from your hire date? Yes No 09 Do you possess a valid and current CJIS (NCIC/FCIC) certification? Yes No 10 If you do not possess a valid and current CJIS (NCIC/FCIC) certification, will you be able to clear a FDLE/CJIS background check and security exam within first three (3) months of employment, and maintain CJIS certification. Yes No 11 Do you have at least one (1) year working in a 9-1-1 Communications environment with a law enforcement agency? (Not call center)This experience must be clearly identified on your application. Yes No 12 To be considered for employment with the City of Boca Raton, applicants must provide at least ten (10) years of continuous history. Did you account for the last ten (10) year period including all employment, periods of inactivity, school and/or retirement? Yes No Required Question