City Government Page of La Habra, CA is hiring: Communications Operator in La Ha

The La Habra Police Department is seeking a highly motivated, customer service-oriented and dedicated individual to serve as a

Communications Operator.

This position requires a typing certificate with a passing score of 40 NWPM.

**Applications without a valid typing certificate will NOT be considered.**

ABOUT THE POSITION:

Under general supervision of the Communications Supervisor, the Communications Operator receives and transmits emergency and non-emergency calls from the public requesting police and other emergency services; maintains contact with all units on assignment; documents calls for service on a computer aided dispatch system; and provides general information to the public.

This position is assigned to the Police Communications Center, which is a 24-hour, seven days per week operation, requiring shift coverage. Communications Operators must work assigned shifts and must be proficient at multi-tasking. There is a high expectation placed on the accuracy and speed of information gathering and the maturity in decision making.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all inclusive.)

• Receives calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public for police or other emergency services over the phone.
• Screens incoming calls to determine priority resources, and types of response required in accordance with established procedures.
• Simultaneously receives, responds and documents information from multiple sources while maintaining accuracy in order to relay information to responding personnel.
• Proficiently handles multiple tasks and events simultaneously.
• Communicates clearly, concisely, and possesses effective listening skills.
• Responsibly relays confidential information with accuracy back to the field personnel.
• Performs general clerical work in support of communication activities.
• Conducts various data entry functions as directed by supervision.
• Maintains contact with other cities or agencies for cooperative emergency operations.
• Works holidays, weekends, day, night, and graveyard shifts as assigned and required.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFYING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and procedures involved in public safety communications work.
• Geography of the City and the location of streets and important buildings.
• Operation of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment.

Skill and Ability to:

• Accurately record and retain data given orally.
• Communicate effectively orally in highly stressful situations.
• Speak clearly and precisely.
• Accurately read and interpret maps.
• Handle simultaneous calls.
• Listen and comprehend radio calls while talking on the phone.
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Exercise independent judgment.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
• Type accurately at a moderate speed.
• Train others in the use of communication equipment.
• Ability to pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position. A High School diploma or equivalent is required. One year of experience performing typing and clerical duties, demonstrated ability to function under stress, and the ability to handle several tasks simultaneously. Must be able to type 40 net words per minute (a typing certificate is required).

LICENSE REQUIREMENT:

Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license. Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate before or within 12 months after the date of appointment.

Typing certificate required from all applicants with a minimum of 40 net words per minute. Certificate must be issued within one (1) year prior to the application date by an accredited school or agency.

INTERESTED IN APPLYING?

Candidates must submit an application online and a typing certificate with a net speed of 40 wpm through the Human Resources Department webpage at HERE. Certificates must be issued within one (1) year prior to the application date by an accredited school or agency. Failure to submit a valid typing certificate along with your application will result in disqualification from the recruitment.

If any accommodation is needed during the interviewing process, please notify the Human Resources Department at least five days in advance of your scheduled appointment so that we may be able to provide a reasonable accommodation.