Sheriff's Dispatcher I

The Position

• Possess the ability to act promptly, logically, and decisively
• Has the ability to communicate clearly
• Is able to read, comprehend and retain information
• Will maintain a calm and professional demeanor even under stressful situations
• Has the ability to adapt to changing situations
• Possess multi-tasking abilities
• Is highly self-motivated
• Will display a high level of integrity

• Receiving telephone and radio messages
• Using computer-aided keyboard and data entry equipment or manually recording and relaying information (often of an emergency nature) to appropriate field units, such as, patrol units, other police agencies, fire departments, ambulance companies, the County Public Works Department and the Office of Emergency Services
• Receiving, transmitting, and recording teletype and data systems messages
• Answering questions from the public
• Dispatching from a mobile command center, as requested

• The work you do directly impacts the public and Contra Costa County residents
• You will have the ability to demonstrate your honesty, moral and ethical decision-making skills
• In this role, you will use your fact-finding abilities to identify needs, make decisions and address issues
• There are many opportunities for growth within Contra Costa County

• You must remain calm to effectively handle high-stress situations
• This position requires that you are careful about details and thorough in completing tasks
• You will need to maintain composure when faced with callers who are aggressive, angry or emotional because of their situation
• You will need to make quick decisions and act promptly, often without knowing the entirety of the situation

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Learning Agility: Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to one’s work
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate.

Typing Proficiency: Ability to accurately type at a speed not less than 40 words per minute.

Other Requirements: Must pass a thorough background investigation, medical screening, and psychological evaluation prior to employment.

Selection Process

• Application Filing: This is a continuous recruitment process. All applications must be submitted online through our official website at CCC - Job Opportunities Page as specified in the job announcement.
  • Important Details:
    • Applications will only be accepted through the online application system.
    • Application reviews are conducted on a continuous basis
    • Applications received after the final filing deadline will be considered for the next testing cycle.
• About the CritiCall Performance Assessment: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in an in-person CritiCall assessment, which includes a typing test. CritiCall is a specialized software used to evaluate the skills and abilities essential for public safety dispatchers. The test is timed and assesses various competencies relative to the Sheriff's Dispatcher I classification, such as decision making, data entry, call summarization, memory recall, prioritization, map reading, verbal ability, reasoning ability, perceptual ability and typing speed ability. (Weighted 100%)

• Candidates may reapply only after six (6) months have passed since their most recent assessment. Upon reapplication, the new score will replace the previous one. Scores from other agencies or previous assessments outside of this process will not be accepted.
• Testing will take place in Martinez, CA on specified dates provided in this job announcement. Candidates must pass all required sections in the assessment to move forward in the recruitment process.
• For more information regarding the CritiCall test, applicants may visit their website at: https://criticall911.com/dispatcher-testing/applicants/. Applicants who pass the CritiCall test will be invited to the departmental oral interview.
• A minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute (WPM) is required. Scores below 40 WPM will result in disqualification, even with a passing overall score. Outside results are not accepted.

TENTATIVE EXAM DATES

Testing is conducted on the first weekend of every month. Applications received during each filing period will be scheduled for testing during the corresponding month listed below. Please note that all testing dates are tentative and subject to change.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment specific questions, please contact Norma Martinez at Norma.Martinez@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.