What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Safety Telecommunicator LATERAL position at Kitsap 911?
Job Description
Kitsap 911 offers a generous benefits package, including:
Paid Vacation (80 Hours) and Sick Leave (96 Hours)
Free Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage for employees and dependents
Guaranteed Time Off
PSERS State Retirement Plan
For detailed information on the benefits we offer, go to www.kitsap911.org/benefits
Overview
JOB DESCRIPTION
Have you ever considered a career in public safety? Kitsap 911 in beautiful Bremerton, WA is searching for Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainees. This position is the first step to becoming a 911 Dispatcher. Our high-performing agency offers employees continued learning opportunities and clear career advancement paths. Kitsap 911 is an award winning emergency dispatch center, providing exceptional public safety emergency communications services every day to our community. Kitsap 911 offers a generous benefit package including a competitive salary, medical, dental, vision, paid sick/vacation, PSERS retirement, and more!
Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainees learn to perform telecommunications work at Kitsap 911 facility in Bremerton, Washington. Public Safety Telecommunicators learn about reception and transmission of E9-1-1 (Enhanced 911 system) telephone and radio emergency medical, fire, and law enforcement service calls, as well as calls and complaints from the public. Training time occurs in both the classroom and on the dispatch floor.
Kitsap 911 is a critical-need 24/7 public safety agency that operates in all weather and emergency conditions. Kitsap 911 values our community's diversity and strives to reflect that diversity within our staff.
Kitsap 911 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, HIV status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring any information in an alternative format may contact Human Resources at 360-307-5821 directly or utilize the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6368.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class.)
Essential Job Functions
Important Information About Criminal Convictions And Drug Use
HIRING STANDARDS APPLY
Kitsap 911 is a consolidated 911/public safety dispatch center. As such, all Kitsap 911 employees have access to sensitive law enforcement information, critical public safety infrastructure, or both. Further, employees assigned to Kitsap 911's Operations (dispatch), Information Technology, and Administrative divisions who have access to the National Criminal Information Computer System must meet minimum criminal history standards established by the FBI and Washington State Patrol. Because of the sensitive nature of these positions and responsibility placed on the personnel, a thorough background investigation is completed. The background investigation includes reference checks, interviews, criminal history, driving history, drug screening, and other miscellaneous categories. Any attempt to conceal or misrepresent information solicited during the selection process will result in disqualification.
Criminal Conviction Standards
The following convictions disqualify the individual for employment, unless the Kitsap 911 Director determines that extenuating circumstances exist where the severity of the offense and the time that has passed would support a variance.
Drug Possession/Usage
The following drug possession/use disqualifies the individual for employment, unless the Kitsap 911 Director determines that extenuating circumstances exist that would support a variance, considering the severity of the offense and the time that has passed.
"Possession" is defined as having actual physical control of any illegal (non-prescribed) drug for personal use or otherwise.
"Use" is defined as: trying, testing, or experimenting, which includes, but is not limited to tasting, smoking, injecting, absorbing, sniffing, or inhaling.
This standard applies to synthetic versions of Schedule 1-5 drugs:
Schedule 1 (RCW 69.50.204) - Examples could include: Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Ecstasy, LSD, Peyote, GHB, Methaqualone, etc.
Schedule 2 (RCW 69.50.206) - Examples could include: Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinogenic substances, etc.
Schedule 3 (RCW 69.50.208) - Examples could include: Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Hallucinogenic substances, etc.
Schedule 4 (RCW 69.50.210) - Examples could include: Barbital, Diazepam, Fludiazepam, Halazepam,Lorazepan, Phenobarbital, etc.
Schedule 5 (RCW 69.50.212) – Examples could include: Pyrovalerone, Lacosamid, Pregabalin and compounds containing limited amounts of narcotic drugs.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The following is a detailed description of the hiring process.
Kitsap 911 does not allow later arrivals to any part of the hiring process. If an applicant is late they may be disqualified.
The effectiveness of the Kitsap 911 hinges on the quality of the personnel it employs and the level of public trust in those personnel.
Emergency Communications work is a personal service of the highest order requiring dedication and professionalism in those individuals who are employed in this career field. Mistakes in judgment could cause irreparable harm to the citizens of Kitsap County and the law enforcement, fire and medical response personnel Kitsap 911 serves. In order to achieve this goal our recruitment process is lengthy and thorough and lasts approximately 4 months from job opening to start date.
In order to qualify for a position with Kitsap 911 or to be placed on the hiring register, an applicant must successfully pass each phase before being able to proceed to the next process.
Candidates may reapply after six (6) months if they do not pass testing, unless disqualified from further consideration for providing false or misleading information, withholding information, testing positive for illegal substances, cheating, or disruptive behavior. Candidates who do not pass the typing test can apply again at the next position posting, unless they are disqualified for any of the reasons stated above. CALEA standard 4.2.4c: Candidates May Reapply Unless Disqualified for Cause.
PHASE 1: SCREENING - Candidates are screened on the minimum qualifications and hiring standards after they apply. Candidates MUST meet the minimum qualifications and pass the hiring standards to be eligible to be considered for the position. Candidates that do not meet the minimum requirements will be sent notification.
PHASE 2: CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK AND REFERENCE CHECK -A search of State and National Law Enforcement Databases which contain records of driver's license/history, arrests, convictions, warrants, restraining orders, sex offender registration and similar data. Candidates who do not meet Kitsap 911's "Background Standards" are disqualified from further consideration and may not reapply until within the timeline established for their violation. Kitsap 911 requires employment and personal references at the start of the hiring process. A standardized reference check form may be sent to each listed reference at any time during the process. Only include references you want us to contact early in the process on your reference form. Final candidates will be asked to provide additional references later in the process.
PHASE 3: TESTING - Tests are given to qualified candidates only. Cutoff scores are predetermined.
Please make sure to enter an accurate telephone number and email on your application. Check your email and on-line account on daily basis during the above time frames. We will primarily be communicating by email.
Additional Data
Organizational
To learn more, visit our benefits page.
01
All Telecommunicators are required to work a variety of shifts (day, swing, graveyard and relief) on a rotation basis. You will also be required to work weekends, holidays, and overtime. Are you willing and able to meet these requirements?
Telecommunicators are considered "essential employees". It is expected that you report to duty on time and remain on your shift even if an inclement weather event or emergency is declared. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement ?
Can you type 35 or more words-per-minute?
Do you have 2 years of recent (within last five years) experience as a dispatcher in a high-volume police, fire or emergency medical dispatch facility with enhanced 911 and computer-aided dispatch?
Have you worked as an Telecommunicator doing 911 DISPATCH at any of the following: 911 CONSOLIDATED DISPATCH CENTER (COUNTY, CITY), POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT, EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH. If yes, provide your experience below
06
If you answered YES to the previous question please include the county & agency size and average calls per day.
07
I understand that use or possession of Cannabis/hashish after submitting an application for employment at Kitsap 911 will disqualify me from employment and that a drug test will be administered to me upon conditional offer of employment.
Kitsap 911 offers a generous benefits package, including:
Paid Vacation (80 Hours) and Sick Leave (96 Hours)
Free Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage for employees and dependents
Guaranteed Time Off
PSERS State Retirement Plan
For detailed information on the benefits we offer, go to www.kitsap911.org/benefits
Overview
JOB DESCRIPTION
Have you ever considered a career in public safety? Kitsap 911 in beautiful Bremerton, WA is searching for Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainees. This position is the first step to becoming a 911 Dispatcher. Our high-performing agency offers employees continued learning opportunities and clear career advancement paths. Kitsap 911 is an award winning emergency dispatch center, providing exceptional public safety emergency communications services every day to our community. Kitsap 911 offers a generous benefit package including a competitive salary, medical, dental, vision, paid sick/vacation, PSERS retirement, and more!
Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainees learn to perform telecommunications work at Kitsap 911 facility in Bremerton, Washington. Public Safety Telecommunicators learn about reception and transmission of E9-1-1 (Enhanced 911 system) telephone and radio emergency medical, fire, and law enforcement service calls, as well as calls and complaints from the public. Training time occurs in both the classroom and on the dispatch floor.
Kitsap 911 is a critical-need 24/7 public safety agency that operates in all weather and emergency conditions. Kitsap 911 values our community's diversity and strives to reflect that diversity within our staff.
Kitsap 911 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, HIV status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring any information in an alternative format may contact Human Resources at 360-307-5821 directly or utilize the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6368.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class.)
Essential Job Functions
- Study the Standard Operations Procedures (S.O.P.) and appropriate manuals to acquire thorough knowledge of Kitsap 911 operations and procedures.
- Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing. Public
- Quickly make accurate decisions affecting life and/or property.
- Run license plate numbers and names as requested by officers.
- Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
- Learn to answer and respond to E9-1-1 phone lines, numerous other phone lines, and text messages that deal with both emergency and routine events, obtain information for and assign priorities to calls for service, and refer calls to proper authority.
- Listen effectively, with the ability to distinguish voices and other sounds through a computer system headset, and respond verbally in a clear concise manner.
- Learn to operate computer aided dispatch system (CAD).
- Maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, hospitals, schools, churches, buildings and other landmarks in Kitsap County.
- Learn to operate Law Enforcement and Fire consoles, monitor, and dispatch and maintain location and status on all in-service and on-call law enforcement, fire, medical personnel and equipment. Handle off duty call-up and multiple responses.
- Learn to respond to telephone requests and relay information between various public agencies using a variety of equipment including the WACIC/NCIC system.
- Learn to answer all law enforcement officers' radio requests for warrant, vehicles, driver and records check information.
- Learn to record information and maintain required logs, event cards and other forms during periods of computer aided dispatch down time.
- Assign emergency response priority by determining whether immediate response could save lives or prevent crimes. Route calls for assistance to the correct Dispatcher or appropriate agency. Communicate with emergency agencies.
- Learn to operate emergency TDD for hearing-impaired caller.
- Appear promptly for work as scheduled.
- Develop effective working relationships with peers, other staff, and user agencies.
- Be organized, proficient at multi-tasking, and handle work assignments effectively and accurately despite interruptions and/or short timelines or deadlines.
- Work a variety of rotating shifts. Kitsap 911 has day shifts, swing shifts, graveyard shifts and other variations that include irregular hours, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime.
Important Information About Criminal Convictions And Drug Use
HIRING STANDARDS APPLY
Kitsap 911 is a consolidated 911/public safety dispatch center. As such, all Kitsap 911 employees have access to sensitive law enforcement information, critical public safety infrastructure, or both. Further, employees assigned to Kitsap 911's Operations (dispatch), Information Technology, and Administrative divisions who have access to the National Criminal Information Computer System must meet minimum criminal history standards established by the FBI and Washington State Patrol. Because of the sensitive nature of these positions and responsibility placed on the personnel, a thorough background investigation is completed. The background investigation includes reference checks, interviews, criminal history, driving history, drug screening, and other miscellaneous categories. Any attempt to conceal or misrepresent information solicited during the selection process will result in disqualification.
Criminal Conviction Standards
The following convictions disqualify the individual for employment, unless the Kitsap 911 Director determines that extenuating circumstances exist where the severity of the offense and the time that has passed would support a variance.
- Felony conviction of any kind.
- Misdemeanor conviction over the age of 21 involving use or possession of firearms in the commission of a crime, crime of violence (for example assault and domestic violence), sex offense, fraud.
- Other than those identified above, misdemeanor convictions over the age of 21 may be considered on a case-by-case basis provided they did not occur within the last seven (7) years.
- Misdemeanor convictions under the age of 21 may be considered on a case-by-case basis provided they did not occur within the last five (5) years.
Drug Possession/Usage
The following drug possession/use disqualifies the individual for employment, unless the Kitsap 911 Director determines that extenuating circumstances exist that would support a variance, considering the severity of the offense and the time that has passed.
"Possession" is defined as having actual physical control of any illegal (non-prescribed) drug for personal use or otherwise.
"Use" is defined as: trying, testing, or experimenting, which includes, but is not limited to tasting, smoking, injecting, absorbing, sniffing, or inhaling.
This standard applies to synthetic versions of Schedule 1-5 drugs:
- Trafficking, selling, offering to sell, or transporting for sale of any illegal drugs, regardless of time frame.
- Use or possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (except use or possession of Cannabis/Hashish) over five (5) times combined.
- Use or possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1 – 5 drugs (except use or possession of Cannabis/Hashish) in the last three (3) years.
- Use or possession of Opiates or Heroin, regardless of time frame.
- Injection of any non-prescribed drugs, regardless of time frame.
- A pre-employment drug test positive for cannabis/hashish.
- Drug use or possession of any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs after submitting a application, while employed, or after having been employed by a law enforcement agency, (including military law enforcement), regardless of time frame.
- Intentional inhalation (huffed) of any aerosol or substance (nitrous oxide, whippets, paint, glue, DXM, etc) in the last three (3) years.
Schedule 1 (RCW 69.50.204) - Examples could include: Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Ecstasy, LSD, Peyote, GHB, Methaqualone, etc.
Schedule 2 (RCW 69.50.206) - Examples could include: Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinogenic substances, etc.
Schedule 3 (RCW 69.50.208) - Examples could include: Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Hallucinogenic substances, etc.
Schedule 4 (RCW 69.50.210) - Examples could include: Barbital, Diazepam, Fludiazepam, Halazepam,Lorazepan, Phenobarbital, etc.
Schedule 5 (RCW 69.50.212) – Examples could include: Pyrovalerone, Lacosamid, Pregabalin and compounds containing limited amounts of narcotic drugs.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The following is a detailed description of the hiring process.
Kitsap 911 does not allow later arrivals to any part of the hiring process. If an applicant is late they may be disqualified.
The effectiveness of the Kitsap 911 hinges on the quality of the personnel it employs and the level of public trust in those personnel.
Emergency Communications work is a personal service of the highest order requiring dedication and professionalism in those individuals who are employed in this career field. Mistakes in judgment could cause irreparable harm to the citizens of Kitsap County and the law enforcement, fire and medical response personnel Kitsap 911 serves. In order to achieve this goal our recruitment process is lengthy and thorough and lasts approximately 4 months from job opening to start date.
In order to qualify for a position with Kitsap 911 or to be placed on the hiring register, an applicant must successfully pass each phase before being able to proceed to the next process.
Candidates may reapply after six (6) months if they do not pass testing, unless disqualified from further consideration for providing false or misleading information, withholding information, testing positive for illegal substances, cheating, or disruptive behavior. Candidates who do not pass the typing test can apply again at the next position posting, unless they are disqualified for any of the reasons stated above. CALEA standard 4.2.4c: Candidates May Reapply Unless Disqualified for Cause.
PHASE 1: SCREENING - Candidates are screened on the minimum qualifications and hiring standards after they apply. Candidates MUST meet the minimum qualifications and pass the hiring standards to be eligible to be considered for the position. Candidates that do not meet the minimum requirements will be sent notification.
PHASE 2: CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK AND REFERENCE CHECK -A search of State and National Law Enforcement Databases which contain records of driver's license/history, arrests, convictions, warrants, restraining orders, sex offender registration and similar data. Candidates who do not meet Kitsap 911's "Background Standards" are disqualified from further consideration and may not reapply until within the timeline established for their violation. Kitsap 911 requires employment and personal references at the start of the hiring process. A standardized reference check form may be sent to each listed reference at any time during the process. Only include references you want us to contact early in the process on your reference form. Final candidates will be asked to provide additional references later in the process.
PHASE 3: TESTING - Tests are given to qualified candidates only. Cutoff scores are predetermined.
- Typing Test - A link to an online typing test will be sent to qualified applicants. Candidates must score a minimum of 35 WPM, including speed and accuracy, for Public Safety Telecommunicator positions, and email a PDF of their result to HR@kitsap911.org. Once a candidate provides proof of a passing score to Kitsap 911 HR, they will be invited to continue the online testing process.
- National Testing Network (NTN) - Applicants will receive notification via email to schedule their tests with NTN. Typing Test – Candidates will take a second typing test to confirm their typing speed and accuracy. Ergometrics Test - The Ergometrics test is used to evaluate whether a candidate possesses the knowledge, skills, abilities, traits, and characteristics necessary to be successful in the position. This test will be proctored online or in person at a NTN testing site. Kitsap 911 provides one free test per applicant, if you reschedule for any reason you will be charged for the exam.
- Select Advantage - Applicants who have successfully passed NTN testing will receive a notification via email with a link to take the test. The Select Advantage test identifies the key elements and work behaviors to be successful on the job.
- PHASE 4: ORAL BOARD/PANEL INTERVIEWS/ASSESSMENT CENTER - In a virtual or in person panel interview, each candidate will be asked a set of standardized questions focused on job related competencies. Although cut off scores are established in advance of the oral board, only the top candidates will be contacted to advance to the next phase. Candidates that are not selected will receive written notification.
- PHASE 5: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION - The Background Investigator will verify applicants' credentials, criminal record and verification of at least three employment and personal references. To assist the Background Investigator the candidate will be required to complete a Personal History packet; complete virtual interviews and inquires, phone or mail inquiries; and documentation requests, reviews and certifications.
- PHASE 6: JOB PREVIEW – Final candidates may participate in a job preview to gain a more detailed understanding of job duties and requirements. The job preview may include orientation meetings, group questions and answer sessions or job shadowing with trained Kitsap 911 employees. Candidate participation in job shadowing sessions will be evaluated.
- PHASE 8: JOB RELATED MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS - Final candidates will be required to pass all job related medical examinations, which include a vision examination, hearing examination, drug screen and psychological evaluation. Vision Examination: A qualified medical professional will determine if your hearing is adequate to perform the essential functions of this position. Hearing Examinations: A qualified medical professional will determine if your hearing is adequate to perform the essential functions of this position. Drug Screening: Kitsap 911 policy is to test all final candidates to determine the presence of any substances noted in the Drug Possession/Usage section above. Drug screens will be conducted and evaluated by certified technicians. Candidates, who test positive for any substances noted in the Drug Possession/Usage section above, will not be eligible for employment with Kitsap 911. Psychological Screening: An emotional stability and psychological fitness examination conducted by licensed mental health professionals using standardized criteria specifically developed for public safety communications positions. The psychological fitness examination may be conducted virtually or in person, one at a time.
- PHASE 9: FINGERPRINT CHECK - Successful candidates are required to submit a fingerprint card which is used to search State and National Law Enforcement Databases. Because this search usually takes more than one month to complete it may be conducted post-employment. Successful completion of the fingerprint search including timely submission of a fingerprint card is required either pre-employment or as a condition of continued employment. Candidates will schedule a time to submit a fingerprint card at the designated location.
Please make sure to enter an accurate telephone number and email on your application. Check your email and on-line account on daily basis during the above time frames. We will primarily be communicating by email.
Additional Data
Organizational
- Classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Kitsap 911 participates in E-Verify
- Kitsap 911 is an Equal Opportunity Employer (CALEA 4.1.4 c)
To learn more, visit our benefits page.
01
All Telecommunicators are required to work a variety of shifts (day, swing, graveyard and relief) on a rotation basis. You will also be required to work weekends, holidays, and overtime. Are you willing and able to meet these requirements?
- Yes
- No
Telecommunicators are considered "essential employees". It is expected that you report to duty on time and remain on your shift even if an inclement weather event or emergency is declared. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement ?
- Yes
- No
Can you type 35 or more words-per-minute?
- yes
- No
Do you have 2 years of recent (within last five years) experience as a dispatcher in a high-volume police, fire or emergency medical dispatch facility with enhanced 911 and computer-aided dispatch?
- Yes
- No
Have you worked as an Telecommunicator doing 911 DISPATCH at any of the following: 911 CONSOLIDATED DISPATCH CENTER (COUNTY, CITY), POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT, EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH. If yes, provide your experience below
06
If you answered YES to the previous question please include the county & agency size and average calls per day.
07
I understand that use or possession of Cannabis/hashish after submitting an application for employment at Kitsap 911 will disqualify me from employment and that a drug test will be administered to me upon conditional offer of employment.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question