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911 Dispatcher
Sheriff’s 911 Communications Officer (Dispatcher) Duties
Be the vital link. As a 911 dispatcher you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. This career requires a desire to serve the public, attention to detail and the ability to multi-task.
Example of duties:
- Follow oral and written directions quickly and accurately
- Maintain a controlled and competent manner while working in a stressful environment
- Operate radio, telephone, automated call distributor, and telecommunications device for the deaf equipment
- Read and interpret maps
- Receive emergency calls, transmit information, and coordinate agencies
- Use the proper codes, techniques, and procedures in dispatching emergency units
- Work professionally with other agencies and the public
- For more information visit the job description and benefits page.
Salary & Benefits
$25.03 Salary during your first year of training as a Sheriff’s Communications Officer I
$28.66 Salary after you complete training and become a Sheriff’s Communications Officer II
In addition to the exciting and challenging career opportunity as a Sheriff’s Communications Officer (Dispatcher) , the County of Riverside participates in the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) and offers an excellent retirement program.
Minimum Requirements for a Dispatcher
- 18 years of age at the time of application
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
- Oral and written communications skills
- U.S. high school diploma or G.E.D, or equivalent
Disqualifiers
- Conviction of misdemeanor domestic violence
- Currently on probation
- DUI violations within the last 3 years
- Felony convictions
- Lying or withholding any information
Getting Started as a Dispatcher
Public safety dispatching is a challenging but rewarding career. As a dispatcher, you are the vital link between our deputies and the community we serve. We are looking for professionals to fill these positions at one of our three call center locations, Riverside, Palm Desert and Blythe.
How it Works
- Online Application via Government Jobs
- Criticall Examination (online, computerized assessment)
- Panel Interview/ Pre-Background Questionnaire (PBQ)
- Background Application via eSOPH
- Extensive Background Investigation, including interview
- Polygraph Examination
- Pre-Employment Psychological Assessment
- Medical Exam, including a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening (refusal to submit to testing or positive results for drugs, alcohol, or unexplained legal prescription drugs is an automatic disqualification
Register and Apply
Register and complete a profile on governmentjobs.com If you already have an account, simply log in and apply.
After the application is complete, you will be notified by email if you qualify to proceed in the hiring process. If you qualify, you will be sent instructions to schedule the online computerized examination (Criticall). If you do not qualify, you can reapply in 6 months.
Criticall Examination
The Criticall exam is an online computerized pre-employment exam that consists of an intensive, multi-dimensional test battery for entry level dispatchers. The test is designed to measure skills and abilities a person needs to possess prior to any dispatch training.
Results of the Criticall Exam will be emailed within one week of taking the exam. Upon successful passing of the CritiCall examination, you will be contacted to schedule a panel interview and Background Questionnaire (PBQ). If you do not pass the Criticall exam, you can re-take it after 30 days.
Below are several links that can be used to practice for the Criticall Exam. (These links are not affiliated with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office).
Interview and Background
Upon successful passing the CritiCall examination, you will be contacted to schedule a Pre-Background Questionnaire (PBQ) & panel interview session. The pre-background and panel interview session is conducted on the same day. Business attire is expected.
Once you have successfully passed the Pre-Background Questionnaire (PBQ) & panel interview session, you will enter the background investigation phase. You will be sent a link to complete the full background packet online.
After you complete your online background packet, a background investigator will conduct an extensive background check based on your statements. If you are unsuccessful in the panel interview/PBQ questionnaire, you can reapply in 6 months.
Once you are in the background phase of the process, you can schedule your first sit-along.
The Home Stretch
- Livescan fingerprints
- Polygraph examination.
- Psychological examination.
- Medical examination including drug and alcohol screening.
Getting Hired as a Dispatcher
If you successfully pass all of the hiring steps we provisionally hire you as a public safety communications officer (dispatcher) and you will begin a year long, hands-on training program.
Dispatcher Training
After you are hired you begin a one year intensive, hands-on training program: 12 weeks of classroom training including a 3-week P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Dispatch Academy followed by 20 weeks of on-the-job training.
Communication Skills
Two different communications skills are taught during the training:
- Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) focuses on call-taking and interviewing techniques, as well as all phone, Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) and records systems.
- Radio teaches the basics of dispatching calls for service as well as how to deal with critical incidents on the radio and the workings of the radio system.
Prepared
The training prepares you to:
- Operate a variety of communications equipment including radio systems, enhanced 9-1-1, various telephone systems, telecommunications device for the deaf, recording equipment, and computer systems.
- Obtain essential information to determine priority, locale and the appropriate emergency units to be dispatched.
- Determine jurisdiction, notifying or transferring calls to other agencies as needed.
- Transmit information and orders, and receive messages, typing all radio transmissions received.
- Make inquiries to obtain information required by deputies in the field.
- Read and interpret maps to locate emergency incidents.
Environmental Conditions
Sheriff’s 911 Communications Officers wear headsets to answer emergency and non-emergency calls and view computer displays for prolonged periods of time. Work is done in the following environments:
- Challenging
- Confined
- Fast-Paced
- Noisy
- Sedentary
After Training
Upon successful completion of the training, you are assigned to one of our communications centers to continue on-the-job training in a fast-paced, high-call-volume environment.