Emergency Communications Dispatcher, Trainee

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Emergency Communications Dispatcher, Trainee

Salary

$23.62 - $27.36 Hourly

Location

9911 SE Bush St, OR

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

2020-00027

Bureau

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Opening Date

01/06/2020

Closing Date

1/27/2020 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position

 


The City of Portland, Bureau of Emergency Communications is seeking Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainees to become Senior Emergency Communications Dispatchers for Portland / Multnomah County 9-1-1. Senior Emergency Communications Dispatchers answer/process emergency and non-emergency calls; and dispatch police, fire and medical responders on emergencies. The work is fast paced and rewarding, but often performed under stressful demands for speed and accuracy due to the nature of the work.

Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainees participate in a comprehensive paid training program that includes classroom learning, extensive on-the-job training with experienced employees and directed self-study. The training program prepares Dispatcher Trainees to use critical thinking skills during quickly changing situations; to utilize computer, radio and phone systems required to complete the work; and to develop communication skills necessary to ensure public/responder safety.

At entry, the employee works under close supervision until able to demonstrate proficiency in all required aspects of the position. Work is reviewed for the quality of service provided to the public and partner agencies, through the examination of records and on-the-job observation. Experienced employees are required to perform with minimal supervision and may assist in training new employees. The ability to work any shift, on any day of the week, and to work overtime is an essential function of the job. Typical shift configurations for experienced employees are four – 10 hour days. Employees are not required to report to work on their days off.

WHY JOIN THE CITY OF PORTLAND?
The City of Portland workforce serves a population of over 650,000. We are culture- and solutions-driven, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and share our expertise. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to resources, access, and opportunity. The City is a believer in ALL people and continues to actively recruit and retain diverse top talent every day. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, basic life, short- and long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families. If you are open-minded, motivated, community-focused, and self-aware, please apply yourself at the City of Portland today.

To Qualify

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:
  1. Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  2. Be at least 18 years old at time of hire.
  3. Proof of typing speed (online test) of at least 40 Net Words Per Minutes (WPM).
  4. Meet all the requirements indicated in the supplemental questions.
  5. Provide thoughtful responses to Supplemental Questions 4-8.
  6. Pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Prior to submitting an application, you must pass an online typing test using Typing Test Pro. There is no charge for this test. Follow this link: Typing Test (SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW)

The Recruitment Process

The recruitment process will consist of a Pass/Fail review of the Supplemental Questions (No. 4-24) which will be reviewed for all complete applications. Only those applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, listed in the "To qualify" section will be placed on an equally ranked eligible list which will be forwarded to the bureau for hiring purposes. You have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with your results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. Additional evaluation may be required prior to the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

TYPING TEST DIRECTIONS
 
Prior to submitting an application, you must pass an online typing test using Typing Test Pro. There is no charge for this test. Follow this link: Typing Test

To pass, applicants must have a net typing speed of at least 40 words per minute with 90% accuracy. Before starting the actual test, utilize the "practice" feature and familiarize yourself with the entire keyboard. The test is 3 minutes and there are 4 opportunities to pass.  Applicants will be disqualified from the hiring process for creating additional profiles using different email addresses.
 
After you pass, click Next to be directed to the City of Portland job website.  Your results are automatically sent to the administrator, so you do not need to send a separate confirmation email with your application. Previous typing certificates from this program or from other sources will not be accepted.

Essay Questionnaire (911 Dispatcher Trainee Questionnaire Nos. 4-8) 
Your responses must fully and clearly demonstrate your qualifications. These responses will be a basis for your evaluation. Incomplete or inappropriate responses may result in disqualification. Please note: A cover letter or resume is not required and will not be used during our evaluation process. Your responses to the essay questions are sufficient.

Screening Questionnaire (911 Dispatcher Trainee Supplemental Questionnaire Nos. 9-24) 
The job of a Senior Emergency Communications Dispatcher is an exciting and challenging career. However, many applicants focus only on the positive aspects of the work without carefully considering some of the less desirable aspects. As a result, when new employees encounter negative job features, they sometimes react by leaving the job well before training is completed. These early resignations, due to a lack of accurate job knowledge, can be avoided. Therefore, the screening questions are provided to assist potential applicants in evaluating their interest and fitness for Emergency Communications work.

All the job features listed in the screening questions are requirements for the position of Emergency Communications Dispatch Trainee. You must be willing to comply with THESE requirements to be considered for the position. Answering "NO" to any of the screening questions will result in elimination from further consideration. You must answer each question.

RECRUITMENT ACTIVITY SCHEDULE:

Recruitment Opens January 6, 2020
Recruitment Closes no later than January 27, 2020
Notices Sent Week of  February 3, 2020
 
ABOUT THE HIRING PROCESS: 
Candidates placed on the eligible list will be invited to a Pass/Fail CritiCall Test, Pass/Fail Oral Interviews and a Pass/Fail Employment Reference Check/Background Investigation. A conditional offer of employment is subject to the results of a background investigation, psychological assessment, a drug screen, and a vision/hearing test.

CritiCall Testing: Feb 19-25, 2020
1st Interview:  March 9-12, 2020
2nd Interview: March 23-25, 2020
Background Investigations Completed by: May 25, 2020
Psychological Assessment: June 8-11, 2020
Academy Start Date: July 6, 2020

Additional Information

Application Instructions 
All completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm, on the closing date of this recruitment. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
 
Work Status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
 
Veterans' Preference: If you are requesting Veterans' Preference, attach a copy of your DD214/DD215 and/or Veterans Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veterans' Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment to which you apply. Veterans' Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.
 
ADA Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, please contact the Recruiter below for assistance.
 
Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.

 
Questions? 
Terrol Johnson, Senior Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
Terrol.Johnson@portlandoregon.gov
(503) 823-3172
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 
 

OPTIONAL INFORMATION SESSION

To assist you in understanding this position and the recruitment process, we will offer an Optional Information Session that will provide you with details about the position and about the application process. You are not required to attend to apply for this job but attending will help you with the application process. You are welcome to join us for this optional information session:
 

01/08/2020
WorkSource Portland Metro SE
7916 SE Foster Rd.
Portland, OR 97206
3:00pm – 4:30pm

01/15/2020
WorkSource Portland Metro N-NE
30 N. Webster St.
Portland, OR 97217
3:00pm – 4:30pm

01/22/2020
WorkSource Portland Metro - Gresham
19421 SE Stark St.
Portland, OR 97233
3:00pm – 4:30pm
 


 

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits
 
This summary outlines the benefit programs, actual benefts may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

The City of Portland offers a comprehensive benefit package that is competitive with other private and public sector employers.

More detailed information can be obtained by calling the Benefits & Wellness Office at 503-823-6031.
 
  • A choice of two medical/vision plans and two dental plans.
  • Coverage is available to benefits-eligible employees, their spouse/domestic partner and eligible dependent children up to age 26.
  • For full time employees, the City pays 95% of the cost of coverage, you pay 5%.
  • The part-time employees' cost is pro-rated based on the number of hours in the employee's regular work schedule.
  • We offer many on-site fitness center locations and classes, stretching,
  • discounts to local fitness clubs,
  • smoking cessation benefits,
  • chronic care coaching programs,
  • worksite wellness screenings and flu shots.
  • Basic life insurance at no cost to full time employees.
  • Levels of coverage are based on bargaining units, employment status and/or annual salaries.
    • Supplemental life insurance - employees may purchase up to $500,000 for themselves
    • up to $300,000 for their spouse or domestic partner.
    • up to $25,000 for dependent children.
    • This coverage is portable upon retirement or separation. There are some limitations on coverage level.
  • Depending on your bargaining unit, you may be eligible for Basic Long Term disability coverage which will pay up to 40% of your basic monthly earnings up to $3,333 per month.
  • The benefit is available 60 days from the onset of the approved disability, or exhaustion of sick leave, whichever is later.
  • Preexisting condition limitations do apply.
  • Employees may also purchase an additional 20% (of your basic monthly earnings up to $1,667 per month) coverage.
Short-Term Disability
  • Depending on your bargaining unit, you may be eligible for Basic Short-Term disability coverage which will pay up to 40% of pre-disability earnings for eligible employees
  • The benefit is available after a 14-day waiting period, and can continue for 90 days.
  • Pre-existing condition limitations do apply.
  • Employees may also purchase an additional 20% benefit (of your basic monthly earnings up to $1,667 per month) coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) provides confidential counseling services for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Effective July 1, 2013, the plan provides up to five free visits per year.
  • Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) allows you to make pre-tax contributions to your account to pay for eligible medical/dental/vision expenses which are not paid by your health insurance (deductibles, co-pays, etc.)
  • Dependent Care Account Program (DCAP) allows you to pay for your eligible dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. The maximum allowable you may contribute to this plan is $5,000. 
  • Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
    • The City currently pays the employee's share of the retirement contribution.
    • Employees who are OPSRP members are vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65 (age 60 for police and fire.)
  • Option to contribute a portion of your earnings on a pre-tax basis to the City's Deferred Compensation Program.
Paid Leave
  • 112 hours of vacation each year initially. This accrual will increase over time.
  • Sick leave typically accrues up to a maximim rate of 40 hours per calendar year
  • 10 paid holidays each year
  • Three personal days accrue each year
Family Medical Leave

In accordance with federal and state law, and the City policy for family medical leave, the City grants family and medical leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical related reasons.
 
  • City's TRIP Reduction Incentive Program (for transportation options)

01
Thank you for your interest in joining the team at the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.

The following supplemental questions are an important step in the examination and selection process to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the posted vacancy.

A lack of a complete and thorough response to each of the supplemental questions in the space provided may result in disqualification from the examination. In addition, the selections you make and responses you provide in the questionnaire must accurately reflect what is documented in your work history.

All of the supplemental questions below that are specifically listed in the "To Qualify" section are required for this position. Please provide unique responses for each question that specifically address the qualification(s). Answering "No", "See resume", or entering "N/A" in the open text field to any of the minimum qualifications may result in elimination from further consideration.

If you are requesting veterans preference, please be sure to not only select that you are a veteran, but also upload a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's administration letter stating your disability. Veteran's preference documentation must be submitted by the closing time of this announcement.

Have you read and understood all of the information listed above?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)
03
The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate:
  • My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.
  • You may release my application, I am waiving confidentiality.
04
Please provide examples from your background or work experience that required you to communicate complex information in a more simplified manner in order to explain it to someone else.
05
Rate your interpersonal communication skills for effectiveness, tact/diplomacy and ability to interact with a variety of people (unskilled, skilled, or highly skilled). Please provide examples to support your rating.
06
Please provide an example of any projects or work experience that required a high degree of accuracy, memory recall, and/or attention to detail.
07
Please describe your experience reading, understanding and applying rules, regulations, ordinances, and/or policies.
08
Please provide examples of your experience to adjust priorities, and remain focused within a fast-paced changing environment; or when faced with situations that may be upsetting.
09
Will you have a High School Diploma or equivalent at the time of hire?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Are you willing and able to be confined to your work area for extended periods?
  • Yes
  • No
11
Are you willing and able to treat all people with respect and dignity?
  • Yes
  • No
12
Are you willing and able to make quick decisions on which one or more person's safety depends?
  • Yes
  • No
13
Are you willing and able to tell someone who expects police, fire or medical service that his/her problem does not require and will not receive police, fire or medical response?
  • Yes
  • No
14
Are you willing and able to work within a highly structured and controlled environment where work productivity and quality is frequently evaluated and critiqued?
  • Yes
  • No
15
Are you willing and able to wear a headset and be confined to your work area for extended periods?
  • Yes
  • No
16
Are you willing and able to work regularly assigned shifts, which include evenings, nights, Saturdays and Sundays? This may also include Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and/or all religious holidays?
  • Yes
  • No
17
Are you willing and able to be courteous to callers who scream or direct obscene language atyou; or callers who are drunk, irrational or confused?
  • Yes
  • No
18
Are you willing and able to remain on the telephone and provide caller with instructions or relay additional information, which may necessitate listening while the caller is being attacked, victimized, trapped in a fire, or other life threatening events?
  • Yes
  • No
19
Will you be 18 years old at time of hire?
  • Yes
  • No
20
Are you willing and able to demonstrate ethical behavior, honesty, and integrity?
  • Yes
  • No
21
Are you willing and able to maintain intense concentration and attention for extended periods of time?
  • Yes
  • No
22
Are you willing and able to work overtime on a short notice?
  • Yes
  • No
23
Is your record clear of adult felony convictions?
  • Yes
  • No
24
Are you willing to participate in a comprehensive background investigation?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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