$66,518.60 - $80,112.01 Annually
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Description
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NOTICE OF CHANGE
CLOSES 12/14/22 AT 5:00 pm
For more information about the
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
visit our website at .
TO APPLY,
We are accepting applications to fill present and future vacancies in
Santa Barbara with the
Sheriff's Office.
Approved SALARY INCREASES are as follows:
6/27/2022 - 3% increase 6/26/2023 - 2.5% increase 6/24/2024 - 7.5% increase 6/23/2025- 2.5% increase
Position: Under close supervision, incumbent operates short-wave radio and computerized telecommunications equipment to receive, transmit, evaluate, and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for information, services, and repairs by paging or dispatching the appropriate parties; maintains operating logs and records; performs other work as required.
Work Environment:
The Dispatch Center is a countywide answering point for the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system. Public safety agencies that directly use the Dispatch Center are the County Sheriff's Office, the County Fire Department, the County Contract ambulance company, local cities, and federal agencies. The Dispatch Center is a 24-hour / 365-day facility and is administered by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.
The Dispatch Center receives approximately 160 calls daily for service on the 9-1-1 emergency system. In addition to 9-1-1 calls, the center answers approximately 840 calls daily on many other emergency lines. This equals approximately 324,000 calls per year; staff includes 24 Dispatchers, 6 Dispatch Supervisors, a civilian Operations Manager and a Sheriff's Commander. As a new dispatcher, you will have the opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience.
A Communication Dispatcher plays a vital role in the delivery of public safety and functions as a nexus between the community, law enforcement and allied agencies, and public safety field personnel. Their role is largely one of information processing - obtaining, evaluating, and disseminating information regarding crimes, emergencies, and requests for public safety services - information that is often critical to the safety of both the public and law enforcement personnel. The conditions under which this role is carried out are often quite demanding with respect to both cognitive and non-cognitive skills and qualities.
Memorization: Remembering the details of a recent incident or related incidents; remembering procedures for handling various types of complaints and incidents, as well as for operating communications equipment and systems; remembering various codes and abbreviations (e.g. radio, legal); and remembering geographical boundaries and significant common locations.
Speed of closure: Evaluating initial information and quickly determining whether an incident is an emergency; receiving multiple radio transmissions in rapid succession and determining that they pertain to the same incident; and taking several calls reporting different parts of the same incident and quickly combining the information to gain an overall picture of what happened.
Perceptual Speed: Quickly comparing and verifying names, locations and descriptions received by radio, telephone, or in written form (e.g. checking a detainee's description against a wanted list or date base inquiry); and quickly comparing incident information to determine if different calls are related.
Selective Attention: Taking calls and dispatching field personnel from within a noisy, distracting work environment (e.g. taking a complaint from a citizen while other phone lines are ringing, other dispatchers are receiving emergency calls, teletype messages are printing, or dispatching field personnel to an incident while other unrelated personnel are transmitting on the same frequency.)
Multi-tasking: Handling multiple calls for assistance at the same time; taking a complaint while monitoring radio traffic, teletypes; coordinating the response of multiple field units to an incident or several ongoing incidents; monitoring multiple radio channels at the same time; and tracking the status of field personnel while performing other duties (e.g. taking complaints or dispatching).
Using Resources & Equipment: Uses appropriate automated data bases (e.g. vehicle, criminal history, driver's license, wants and warrants, stolen property, gun, and various specialized data bases) and reference material (codes, wanted lists, directories, manuals, etc.) to obtain or accurately update information. Uses telephone system and related equipment, radio broadcasting equipment, and/or computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system properly when receiving and dispatching calls for service.
Training can last anywhere from 9 months to 11 months, depending on many factors including the rate at which the new employee learns and retains information. Classroom instruction, practical application in the form of on-the-job-training, field trips, projects, tests, and self-study methods are all used in order to facilitate the new employee's learning process. Throughout the Training Program, both the Dispatch Training Officer and the Trainee are expected to maintain a daily log of activities documenting concepts presented successes and achievements for each day, and areas in need of improvement. During the probationary period, the new employee will also receive quarterly evaluations as required by the Department and the County.
The Training Program is divided into phases, including Orientation, Calltaking/Phones, Sheriff Support Frequency, Sheriff Primary Frequency, Polishing, and Shadowing. Each of these phases has a varying amount of time allotted, which is necessary due to the aforementioned factors. Some phases may be taught concurrently, such as Calltaking/Phones and Sheriff Support Frequency.
A new Trainee must satisfactorily complete and pass each phase. If a Trainee fails to meet the required elements for any particular phase based on the Program Expectations, the employee may be terminated.
Another position assigned to Emergency Communications Center is Call Taker, CLICK HERE to apply. The Call Taker position duties includes
answers calls received in the ECC, determines the emergency or non-emergency nature of the call and routes it to the appropriate communications dispatcher or provides the appropriate assistance
For information on Health Benefits and Compensation Summary, click links below:
Health Benefits and Wellness:
Compensation Summary:
Retirement Plans:
Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
Holidays: 12 days per year
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Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 15.
Shift Differential Pay: 75 cents to $1.50 per hour for regularly assigned specific night shift hours. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.
Ideal Candidate possess:
* Ability to communicate effectively in potentially high stress intervals
* A reputation for honesty and trustworthiness
* Good moral character
* Credibility
* Integrity
* Dependability
* Good judgment under pressure
BACKGROUND DISQUALIFIERS:
- An admission of having committed any act amounting to a felony within five years in California, or in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
- An adult felony conviction in California, or with a conviction for an offense in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
- Currently on Probation or Parole
- Adult felony and/or misdemeanor conviction(s) may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and how recent
- Conviction of/or sustained petitions for any sex crime
- Recent use and/or possession of illegal drugs; Failure to reveal prior use will be disqualifying
- Unfavorable work history
- Poor credit history
- History of committing domestic violence
- Dishonesty or failure to reveal pertinent information
- Recent use of marijuana may be disqualifying
- Illegal possession of marijuana
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Examples of Duties
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- Receives non-emergency and emergency requests (including 911 calls) for sheriff/fire protection, medical, or emergency services; and obtains relevant information and inputs data, evaluates and prioritizes calls for service and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment.
- Using a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, monitors and updates fire, ambulance, and sheriff unit location and status in order to coordinate emergency field operations; provides backup support and information as necessary by operating a two-way radio; requests additional assistance from other agencies as necessary; and obtains computerized law enforcement information from local, state, and federal data banks through a telecommunications terminal.
- Types reference cards, logs, reports, procedure manuals, and other documents; maintains files and reference manuals; and performs other clerical duties.
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Employment Standards
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1. Graduation from high school or equivalent AND one year of experience in the operation of a telephone switchboard or communications equipment; OR,
2. Graduation from high school or equivalent AND one year of general office work involving extensive public contact in person or over the phone; OR,
3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Knowledge of: methods of handling difficult public contacts.
Ability to: retain and relay information received under stressful conditions; speak over the phone and radio clearly and in a professional manner; hear, understand and speak the English language; respond to calls quickly and calmly and make sound decisions under pressure; communicate with people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds; follow written and oral instructions; establish and maintain working relationships with other agencies; operate computer and typewriter keyboards; read maps and give directions; keep detailed records; learn Federal, State, and local laws, terminology, and jurisdictional boundaries, and available types of emergency services.
Additional Requirements:
- Incumbents must be able to type 35 wpm;
- Work rotating 10 hour or 12-hour shifts;
- Incumbents must successfully complete a one-year probationary period
- Successful completion of the Post-Certified Basic Complaint/Dispatcher course during the one-year probationary period which will determine your ability to satisfactorily perform the required job duties.
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Supplemental Information
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SELECTION PROCESS
1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Qualified candidates will be emailed a notice to complete a Personal History Questionnaire. Upon passing your PHQ, you will advance to the next step of the selection process.
3. CritiCall Computerized Exam (in-Person): Candidates who pass the PHQ, will be invited by email to their exam date/time. The CritiCall exam is a computerized software testing program that tests job-related skills and multi-tasking abilities required in the complex dispatching environment. Candidate is required to attend exam in person at the Sheriff's Office in Santa Barbara. The CritiCall examination date TO BE DETERMINED.
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70% on the CritiCall exam to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list. The Human Resources Department will notify you by mail if your name is removed.
Recruiter will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment and Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Disaster Service Worker: The County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
This position may be subject to State Health Officer Orders (SHOOs) or County policy regarding vaccine verification and/or testing. Please contact the hiring department for more information. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution. Statement of Commitment The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential. We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances. We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members. We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS:
The Sheriff's Office conducts a polygraph examination and in-depth background investigation. If you feel your past may hinder your future from working for the Sheriff's Office or you are not sure how to answer the Personal History Questionnaire, please contact them at (805) 681-4270, so they can assist you in determining if you can continue your application process.
Appointee must successfully pass the following:
Polygraph Examination will measure the accuracy of information disclosed during the background investigation process.
Background Investigation includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal and virtual character check, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.
The following shall commence upon accepting a conditional offer of employment:
1.
Psychological Examination is given by a licensed psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of a dispatcher and to otherwise ensure that the candidate is capable of withstanding the psychological demands of the position.
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Physical Examination is conducted by a licensed physician. The medical evaluation or examination shall commence once you accept a conditional offer of employment. You will be evaluated on the physical factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the physically demanding job of a dispatcher.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 12/14/22 at 5:00 PM. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
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If you have any recruitment questions, please email Ms. Ryan at cbr4686@sbsheriff.org
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County of Santa Barbara
November 16, 2022