Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Description

Under direction, provides direct shift supervision in dispatching emergency law enforcement, fire, medical, and other public safety personnel and equipment maintained by the County's Public Safety Communications Center; to operate various complex communications equipment.

This is a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) position. Candidates must successfully pass a complete background investigation including fingerprints, polygraph, psychological and medical examinations. Applicants with a felony conviction and/or a conviction outside of California that would be considered a felony in this state will be disqualified. Current dispatchers with County Communications do not need to undergo a background.

Typical Tasks

• Supervises employees receiving incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and transmission of radio traffic in response to complaints and inquiries from the public and from law enforcement, fire, medical and other agencies;
• Observes and inspects the work of Communications Dispatchers on a shift;
• Insures training of all lower level Communications Dispatchers in 9-1-1 call answering and dispatching service to all functional areas;
• Determines priority in cases where two agencies wish to utilize resources at the same time;
• Ensures that standard operational procedures are followed;
• Reports the need for repair of radio and other communications equipment;
• Ensures that off duty personnel are called in response to emergencies and the delivery of critical public safety services;
• Maintains records and prepares detailed reports on shift activities and performance;
• Maintains knowledge of the cities, highways, main streets, major buildings and geography of Santa Clara County;
• Operates two-way radio, telephone and other related equipment commonly used in public safety dispatching;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient communications dispatching experience that demonstrates the possession and application of knowledge and abilities listed below.

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are normally acquired by one (1) year of work experience equivalent to a Senior Communications Dispatcher with Santa Clara County or one (1) year experience as lead communications or public safety dispatcher in another public safety communications center.

Special Requirements

Possession of the California Basic Certificate from Peace Officers Standards and Training for Public Safety Dispatchers within the probationary period.

Knowledge of:

• Thorough knowledge of methods, policies, procedures and operations of public safety communications center;
• Public safety communications as it relates to the operation of radio, telephone and other complex equipment;
• The regulations of the Federal Communications Commission regarding radio telephone operation;
• Supervisory practices and techniques.

Ability to:

• Rapidly acquire a thorough knowledge of methods, policies, procedures and operations of Santa Clara County's Public Safety Communications Center;
• Learn law, fire and medical (Tri-Community) dispatch operations within the probationary period.
• Learn cities, highways, main streets, major buildings and geography of Santa Clara County;
• Provide supervision over Communications Dispatchers on an assigned shift;
• Manage the accurate dispatch of public safety personnel and equipment in a quick and efficient manner;
• Ensure subordinate staff operate computer aided dispatch (CAD), radio, telephone and other communication systems appropriately;
• React quickly, efficiently and calmly under emergency situations and implement an effective course of action;
• Train and instruct subordinate employees;
• Interpret rules and regulations to others;
• Prepare written reports;
• Ensure oral and written directions are carried out;
• Supervise and evaluate the work of others;
• Make assignments as workload needs dictate;
• React quickly and calmly in emergency situations;
• Write and speak clearly and concisely in English;
• Use a keyboard with moderate speed and a high level of accuracy;
• Work on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and at odd or irregular hours.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits

The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector’s 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family’s long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account

The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D

The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness

The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement

A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.