911 Communications Dispatcher I/II (Extra Help / Limited Term)

Job Overview San Mateo County Public Safety Communications (PSC) is the largest dispatch center in the county and the only Tri-Community (Police, Fire, Medical) Center located in Redwood City. PSC emphasizes customer service, employee well‑being, and excellence, and is committed to innovation and cutting‑edge 911 technology. Position Title : 911 Communications Dispatcher I/II (Extra Help / Limited Term) Responsibilities Receive business or emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, and other public service agencies. Screen information to determine the nature of the call, perform call classification, determine priority and jurisdiction, and document activity. Screen and prioritize telephone workload. Remain cognizant of workloads and specific systems' status. Provide support and assistance in a team concept during day‑to‑day operations and critical or large‑scale incidents. Assist in the coordination of mutual aid incidents. Develop and foster a positive working rapport with direct and indirect customers, the public, and co‑workers. Testify in court regarding legal proceedings related to dispatch call(s) received. Prepare and submit various reports such as incident reports. Develop and maintain working knowledge of highways, streets, buildings, and major points of interest in the County and adjacent areas. Remain current on procedures for manual dispatch operations and Communications Center evacuation. Provide off‑hours services as required. Perform related duties as assigned. Education and Experience Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is a minimum of one year of experience receiving and processing calls while involved in performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Knowledge English language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Customer service and interpersonal communications principles. Computer operation and use in office and Communications Center environments. Basic principles in communicating by means of face‑to‑face contact, telephone, and/or data terminals. Various resources within the County in order to provide referrals to the public and public safety agencies. Skills & Abilities Speak, read, and write English clearly. Communicate clearly and concisely, in English, both orally and in writing. Comprehend, interpret, relay, and document information via telephone, computer software, data terminals, or other related technology. Screen and interpret general data and filter relevant information. Learn and operate Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems and other related technology. Read and interpret various mapping devices and relay pertinent information. Work under pressure, exercising good judgment and common sense while making sound decisions in emergency situations. Perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Listen, understand, and relay information via telephone and in person. Remain calm and controlled under stressful periods while projecting a professional demeanor. Establish and maintain positive and courteous working relationships with customers, the community, and co‑workers. Work with the Communications Center team while maintaining assigned job responsibilities and duties. Anticipate and adapt to fluctuating workloads in the Communications Center. Communicate and receive constructive feedback and opinions to effect change. Access and refer to information using available resources. Read, interpret, understand, and follow written and oral instructions and/or information. Remain seated for long periods of time. Read and interpret text/data on electronic screens, computer printouts, and a variety of maps. Remain focused and be able to hear in a noisy environment while communicating via telephone or face‑to‑face. Other Requirements Successfully complete a pre‑employment medical examination and be subject to polygraph testing. Follow strict drug use standards and guidelines. Be willing to work night shift hours and/or weekend shifts. Schedule The Extra Help Dispatcher will work between 8 and 20 hours per week on a consistent weekly or bi‑weekly shift, with a requirement to be willing to work night shift hours and/or weekend shifts. Assignment Type This is an extra‑help, limited‑term assignment. Equal Employment Opportunity San Mateo County is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels. #J-18808-Ljbffr