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Public Safety Testing

NORCOM 911 - Communications Officer/Dispatcher

Public Safety Testing, Bellevue, Washington, us, 98009


NORCOM 911 - Communications Officer/Dispatcher

The information herein is provided by the respective agency and is only as accurate and as up-to-date as the agency representative(s) update this information. PST is not responsible for the veracity of this data as it is provided directly from the agency. It is ultimately the applicant's responsibility to verify any information about the agency with the agency.NORCOM 911 - Communications Officer/Dispatcher

Last updated on January 31, 2024PST Partner Agency since January 29, 2014Community Information

NORCOM provides 911 services and police, fire and EMS dispatch for the northeast part of King County. Currently NORCOM provides service for over 700,000 community members, which include 14 fire departments and 8 police departments.NORCOM’s service area ranges from urban environments to two of the busiest traveled mountain passes in the state. This gives NORCOM dispatchers a unique experience of the types of calls they handle and the experiences they have every single day. Dispatchers are the first of the first responders who help by providing assistance to those who do not know where else to turn. Handling emergencies, non-emergencies and referring callers to additional resources is the core function of NORCOM dispatchers.What sets NORCOM apart is the positive and encouraging atmosphere. Tactical Dispatcher Devin Randall captured it best when she said,

“We are a cohesive team, supporting one another through busy days and tough calls; many of them feel like family to me. I felt lost in my career path until I found NORCOM.” We are looking for hard working, servant minded individuals to join our team. If this resonates with you and you want to be on a team that makes a difference and supports one another then NORCOM may be a good fit for you.Police DepartmentsBellevue Police DepartmentBothell Police Department

Kirkland Police DepartmentLake Forest Park Police Department

Medina Police DepartmentMercer Island Police DepartmentNormandy Park Police DepartmentBothell Fire DepartmentDuvall Fire District 45Fall City Fire District 27Kirkland Fire DepartmentRedmond Fire DepartmentSkykomish Fire DepartmentDepartment Information

NORCOM is located in downtown Bellevue just off I405 in the City Hall building.Job Description

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:Reportingto the Team Supervisor, must be able to respond to requests for emergency andnon-emergency police, fire and medical services. Incumbents must develop arapid and accurate sense of call interpretation and decision-making/problemsolving skills during stressful situations, processing multiple callssimultaneously, establishing the priority status of the call and initiate asequence of time sensitive actions. Work is performed using state of the arttechnology and within strict operational guidelines. All voice and data entrywork is continually recorded and is subject to live monitoring for later reviewand critique and may include public disclosure of such work.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Answersemergency and non-emergency calls for service and simultaneously entersthis information into the computer using a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)SystemAbilityto type 35 words per minute while conversing with callersCalms,negotiates, advises and provides instructions to callers to obtainaccurate and essential information necessary to establish priority andinitiate a timely response to emergency callsDispatchpolice, fire, and medic units as appropriate via radio transmissions;anticipate problems and respond to units as necessaryContinuallyupdates information as it is received, enters in to computer and updatesunits as to new information or instructions including follow up andupdated status of callsProcessmore than one call at a timeAssistco-workers as necessary when availableAttendshift meetings and/or debriefing before or after work as directedRepresentsthe Center while participating in local, regional or state functionsrelated to public safetyMustbe reliable and dependable, reporting for work on a consistent andpunctual basisPerformsadditional duties as assignedINTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:Contacts are made both inside andoutside the organization. Internal contacts frequently includetelecommunications staff and less frequently, administrative staff. Externalcontacts include NORCOM customers and citizens. May serve as liaison betweenthe Center and one or more agencies to provide superior customer service to theCenter’s customers. Interactions tend to focus on information exchange andreceiving and giving directions. Contacts may include sensitive and/orconfidential information. 90% of external interactions are via the telephone orelectronically via e-mail.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, &ABILITIES:Knowledge of NORCOM service areaincluding streets and landmarksKnowledge of map reading techniques,including directions of travel and freeway accessKnowledge of Police, Fire and EMSdispatching techniques, practices, and proceduresKnowledge of protocols, practicesand procedures of public safety emergency operationsAbility to condense and organizelarge amounts of information into readable, sensibly typed remarks in atimely manner and recall numerous acronyms and type codes essential toefficient and accurate call processingAbility to make timely andappropriate decisions under emergent circumstances based on technicalstandards, criteria and policiesAbility to remember numerous detailsand quickly re-call essential informationAbility to consistently thinkclearly and respond quickly in a wide variety of emergency situationsAbility to speak English clearly,possess an excellent vocabulary and verbally communicate rapidlyAbility to deal effectively withpeople in a multi-cultural society under extremely stressful situationsAbility to quickly perform multipletime-sensitive tasks in response to visual and sound stimuli with a highdegree of accuracyMaintain accurate records asrequiredMaintain familiarity of StandardOperating Procedures and other appropriate materials that provideinformation regarding NORCOM’s operations and proceduresAbility to articulate in a clear,concise manner, disseminating complete and accurate information in alogical and timely basis both verbally and in writingAbility to work under stress, be ateam player and establish good working relationships, and maintainself-control under stressful circumstancesAbility to discern severalconversations simultaneously, disseminate appropriate information,prioritize actions and respond in an effective mannerAbility to be available for shiftwork encompassing a 24 hour day, seven-day week; inclusive of days,evenings, nights, weekends, and holidaysComputer skills sufficient todiscern and solve routine problemsREQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or equivalent.One year experience in the public safety field or successful completion ofa vocational dispatch course is beneficial.LICENSES, CERTIFICATION and OTHERREQUIREMENTS:If utilizing a personal vehicle inthe performance of duties, must possess a valid Washington State Driver’sLicense and the appropriate amount of automobile insurance.Incumbent may be required to respondto the needs of the Communication Center regardless of external weather orother emergency factors and outside of regular work hours.WORKENVIRONMENT:

Work is typically performed in thecommunications room, with varying levels of light, confined environmentDisciplined environment with closesupervision; must carry out lawful orders regardless of personal agreementMay be subjected to excited,abusive, foul-mouthed, incoherent, drunk, impaired or hysterical callersMust be available to work shift workencompassing 24 x 7 schedules including evenings, nights, weekends andholidaysMust remain at the Center for thefull scheduled shift. Uninterrupted lunch and breaks are not guaranteed.Lunch and breaks must be scheduled with the on-duty SupervisorDue to the nature of public safetywork, overtime may be requiredMay be subject to ”call back” onshort notice and for extended periods and must be available by phone atown expensePHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Light lifting, carrying and pushingobjects weighing up to 15 poundsDexterity of hands and fingers tooperate standard office equipment, including a computer key boardWorking at a desk for extendedperiods of time (sitting or standing)Ability to read and discern visualimages in a variety of media, to include small liquid crystal displaysoffering very little brightness/darkness contrast, standard monochrome CRTdisplay screens, printed matter that has been reduced to less than normalsize type, multi-colored indicated lights which have differing flash ratesand color which indicates the status of electronic functionsAbility to respond to multiplevisual and sound stimuli with a high degree of accuracy in a timely mannerAdequate hearing and visual acuityto successfully perform the essential job requirementsAbility to speak and comprehendEnglish coherently to exchange information in person and on the telephoneMust be free from physicalimpairments that with or without accommodation would interrupt continuousperformance of a shift lasting from eight to twelve hours·Ability to work allshifts 24/7/365Area Information

County: KingPopulation: 738,000# of Staff: 92

Hiring Status

NORCOM 911 - Communications Officer/Dispatcher has 10 vacancies.

NORCOM is continually accepting applications. If we are overstaffed, we will maintain an eligibility list and as soon as a vacancy is created, we will pull from that list. If you are interested in working at NORCOM, apply today! Hiring process can be located on our website www.norcom.org .Salary Information

Salary range: $68,329 - $93,751Lateral candidates will be brought in at the pay stepthat reflects their total years of service as a fully released telecommunicatorthroughout the entirety of their career.100% medical/dental/vision benefits for employees (80% of the cost paid for dependents)Paid trainingOver seven weeks of paid time off each year4-10s schedule (gives you 3 days off a week to be with family and friends)Participation in Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) visit www.drs.wa.gov

for further informationParticipation in Municipal Employees’ Benefit Trust (MEBT) visit www.mebt.org

for further informationNORCOM 911 - Communications Officer/Dispatcher Requirements

CategoryRequirementRequired at time of...TestHireWritten Examination

Yes, requiredScore of 80% on the dispatch written exam required

Typing Test

Yes, requiredThe typing test is a critical component of your written test score and you are required to complete the online typing test within 90 days (before or after) your written exam. You will be allowed four (4) attempts at the typing test every seven (7) days and are responsible for selecting the score that you want PST to forward to the agencies you have applied with.35 WPM with 90% accuracy required.35 WPM; 90% Accuracy

Minimum Age

18 years oldUS Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident

Legally eligible to work in the United States.High School Grad/ GED

High School level education.Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult

No felony convictions as an adult.Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile

No felony convictions.Ability to Read & Write the English Language

YesVision Requirements

Ability to read and discern visual images in a variety of media, to include small liquid crystal displays offering very little brightness/darkness contrast, standard monochrome CRT display screens, printed matter that has been reduced to less than normal size type, multi-colored indicated lights which have differing flash rates and color which indicates the status of electronic functions.Multiple Scores from Same Applicant

We consider the highest score received within the past one yearRequest/Access Scores

On an as-needed basis as vacancies occurDispatch Typing Test

35 WPM; 90% AccuracyNORCOM 911 - Communications Officer/Dispatcher Disqualifiers

The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply to our agency if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case by case basis.CategoryDisqualifierDrug Usage

Potential

Use of marijuana within the last 12 months will be carefully evaluated on a case by case basis.

Automatic

Illegal use of any controlled substance while employed in a criminal justice capacity.

Automatic

Any illegal drug use or pattern of prescription drug abuse within three (3) years.

Automatic

Manufacture of controlled or illegal drugs within three (3) years.

Automatic

No illegal sale of ANY drug, including marijuana.Criminal Activity

Automatic

Any adult felony conviction.

Automatic

Commission or conviction of an act of domestic violence as an adult.

Automatic

Any misdemeanor or felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice capacity.

Potential

Adult misdemeanor convictions will be carefully reviewed.Employment

Automatic

Lied during any stage of the hiring process.

Automatic

Falsified application, personal history questionnaire, or any other forms during the hiring process.Contact Information

NORCOM 911 - Communications Officer/DispatcherTESTING IN WASHINGTON STATE CANCELED THROUGH MAY 31, 2020

All pre-employment tests in Washington State have been canceled until May 31, 2020 unless government restrictions are eased. With recent updates, facility closures, and government guidelines, this step is necessary and could be modified at any time. The health and safety of our customers, our staff, and their families is of the highest priority.We will continue to evaluate developments and make changes to this policy as necessary. When we do resume testing, there will be plenty of events for everyone to test. We are in regular communication with our public safety agency partners, assessing alternatives to the traditional testing model and our testing policies. Any future updates will be posted on the PST website and our Facebook page.4/1/2020 Update:

If you have tested with PST in the past 12 months, there may be additional positions you are now eligible to add. Several departments have temporarily changed their testing policies due to the suspension in testing that COVID-19 has caused. Please login to your PST account and navigate to the ‘New Positions’ page to see what departments you can add! We will regularly update that page in your account as departments send updates.FUTURE TEST REGISTRATION

We know that there will be testing in the future - we just don’t know when! We want you to be prepared for when testing begins again so we have created test events on our calendar that you can register for that will place you in a queue to be first notified. These tests are not “real” test events, they are essentially a holding area. You will be able to “reschedule” out of that event to any other event date/location at no cost. Registering now will also give you time to work on your Personal History Statement (PHS) so that your data will be ready and up-to-date to send to your departments once testing resumes.To sign up for this placeholder event, select the June 15, 2020 test date in your category (police, fire, 911 dispatch, corrections, etc.).You may also click on the test event of interest below to sign up:Please check back here frequently and ‘Like’ our Facebook page

to stay updated.PST staff are working remotely and are available by email at contact@publicsafetytesting.com . We anticipate a high email volume and will respond as quickly as possible.

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