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The process for a
position as a Communications Dispatcher has several
steps. The examination process is designed to test and
select the most qualified applicants for the job. This
is an overview of the examination and selection process.
Applicants must pass each component to move to the next
phase in the process. If you are successful in the
department selection interview, a conditional job offer
will be given contingent on passing the
background investigation,
psychological and medical evaluation.
HIRING PROCESS
FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
DISPATCHER I
1.
Application
Screening: Entry-level
position – no experience necessary.
Requires: typing of 25 (net) wpm, high school diploma or
equivalent. All applications are reviewed for
completeness and the required typing certificate. All
applicants with completed applications are invited to
take the written examination.
2.
POST Written Examination: This
examination is designed by the State of California,
Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)
and is specifically designed to test entry level
Dispatchers and measure abilities identified in a
statewide job analysis for successful performance. The
written exam consists of eleven timed sections, which
are conducted through a combination of audiotape and
paper-pencil media. The exam is administered in a group
setting and takes approximately three and half-hours to
complete. Scoring is done by POST in Sacramento. The
Department determines the pass point after a review of
the scores. Those applicants successful in the written
exam are scheduled to participate in the oral
examination process.
3. Oral
Examination: This component enables us to
further assess the applicant’s ability to perform
Dispatcher duties. The oral exam consists of role-play
situations as well as hypothetical and general
questions. The exam panel is comprised of three members
who are knowledgeable and understand the role of a
Dispatcher, typically members of law enforcement from
outside the department. The panel members trained on
general guidelines and procedures including how to
evaluate applicants in a fair, consistent and objective
manner.
Overview
of the oral exam structure: The first six
questions are role-play situations simulating 9-1-1
emergency calls. Applicant is placed in a room with a
telephone and is given a note pad and pencils to take
notes. The exam panel is in a separate room using a
speakerphone. Applicants are instructed to answer the
phone “Emergency Center” and play the role of a
Communications Dispatcher. In each of the situations,
the applicant’s job is to get enough information in
order to determine what kind of help is needed and where
to send that help. A maximum of one and a half minutes
in each situation is allowed to obtain the necessary
information. At the end of each minute and a half, the
oral exam panel hangs-up the phone and continues with
the next scenario. The panel’s first impression of the
applicant is only through their voice over the
speakerphone. The panel meets the applicant face-to-face
after role play scenarios and the panel will now
continue to ask a series of structured, job-related
questions for the remainder of the interview.
4. Department
Selection Interview: All applicants who were
successful in passing the oral examination is invited to
participate in the final selection interview with the
department. The interview is conducted by the Human
Resources Manager and the Deputy Director. This
interview is more specific to the position and questions
are structured and gear towards getting to know you
better to determine if you are the most suited applicant
for the position.
5. Mandatory
Sit-A-Long: All applicants that are successful
in the final selection interview are invited to a 2-hour
sit-a-long. The applicant is assigned to a dispatcher
and is given a headset to listen to the calls. This
component gives an applicant an opportunity to have a
better understanding of the job duties, the work
environment, and the ability to ask questions to a
“subject matter expert”.
6. Conditional
Job Offer: All applicants passing all
components of the examination process including
the sit-a-long is given a conditional job offer
contingent on passing the background investigation,
psychological and medical evaluation. An official job
offer confirmed once all components are successfully
completed.
You may apply online, just visit
the Monterey County Jobs web site!
MONTEREY
COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER HIRING PROCESS OUTLINE
You may apply
online, just visit the Monterey County Jobs web site!
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