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- Description
- NOTICE OF CHANGE
CLOSES 4/30/24 at 5:00 PM
For more information about the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office,visit our website atTO APPLY,
We are accepting applications to fill current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara with the Sheriff's Office.
Approved SALARY INCREASES are as follows:6/24/2024 - 7.5% increase
6/23/2025- 2.5% increase
POSITIONUnder direct supervision, answers calls received in the Sheriff's Office Public Safety Dispatch Center or the Fire Department's Regional Fire Communications Center (RFCC), determines the emergency or non-emergency nature of the call, and routes it to the appropriate dispatcher or provides the appropriate assistance; performs related duties as required.
This position is distinguished from the Communications Dispatcher I job class in that the Call Taker does not dispatch any appropriate routine or emergency personnel or equipment via radio or other electronic communications equipment, nor is this an on-the-job training job class where the incumbent is expected to move to the position of Communications Dispatcher after completion of their on-the-job training.
Work Environment:
The Dispatch Center is a countywide answering point for the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system. Public safety agencies that directly use the Dispatch Center are the County Sheriff's Office, the County Fire Department, the County Contract ambulance company, local cities, and federal agencies. The Dispatch Center is a 24-hour / 365-day facility and is administered by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.
The Dispatch Center receives approximately 160 calls daily for service on the 9-1-1 emergency system. In addition to 9-1-1 calls, the center answers approximately 840 calls daily on many other emergency lines. This equals approximately 324,000 calls per year; staff includes 24 Dispatchers, 5 Call Takers, 6 Dispatch Supervisors, a civilian Operations Manager and a Sheriff's Commander. As a new Dispatch Call Taker, you will have the opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience.
A Dispatch Call Taker plays a vital role in the delivery of public safety and functions as a nexus between the community, law enforcement and allied agencies, and public safety field personnel. Their role is largely one of information processing - obtaining, evaluating, and disseminating information regarding crimes, emergencies, and requests for public safety services - information that is often critical to the safety of both the public and law enforcement personnel. The conditions under which this role is carried out are often quite demanding with respect to both cognitive and non-cognitive skills and qualities.
Memorization: Remembering the details of a recent incident or related incidents; remembering procedures for handling various types of complaints and incidents; remembering various codes and abbreviations (e.g. radio, legal); and remembering geographical boundaries and significant common locations.
Speed of closure: Evaluating initial information and quickly determining whether an incident is an emergency; and taking several calls reporting different parts of the same incident and quickly combining the information to gain an overall picture of what happened.
Perceptual Speed: Quickly comparing and verifying names, locations and descriptions received by telephone, or in written form (e.g. checking a detainee's description against a wanted list or data base inquiry); and quickly comparing incident information to determine if different calls are related.
Selective Attention: Taking calls within a noisy, distracting work environment (e.g. taking a complaint from a citizen while other phone lines are ringing, other dispatchers are receiving emergency calls, teletype messages are printing).
Multi-tasking: Handling multiple calls for assistance at the same time; taking a complaint while monitoring teletypes.
Using Resources & Equipment: Uses appropriate automated data bases (e.g. vehicle, criminal history, driver's license, wants and warrants, stolen property, gun, and various specialized data bases) and reference material (codes, wanted lists, directories, manuals, etc.) to obtain or accurately update information. Uses telephone system and related equipment, and/or computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system properly when receiving calls for service.
Training can last anywhere from 3- 6 months, depending on many factors including the rate at which the new employee learns and retains information. Classroom instruction, practical application in the form of on-the-job-training, field trips, projects, tests, and self-study methods are all used in order to facilitate the new employee's learning process. Throughout the Training Program, both the Dispatch Training Officer and the Trainee are expected to maintain a daily log of activities documenting concepts presented successes and achievements for each day, and areas in need of improvement. During the probationary period, the new employee will also receive quarterly evaluations as required by the Department and the County.Highlighted Benefits* & Compensation:
- Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment. Applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.
- Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
- Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward medical premiums.
- On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 15.
- Shift Differential Pay: 75 cents to $1.50 per hour for regularly assigned specific night shift hours.
- Emergency Medical Dispatcher: $150.00 bi-weekly incentive
- Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, 1937 Act plans, and more.
- For more information on our retirement plans, please visit:
To learn more about County benefits, please visit these links:
Health Benefits and Wellness:
Compensation Summary:*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
Ideal Candidate possess:
* Ability to communicate effectively in potentially high stress intervals
* A reputation for honesty and trustworthiness
* Good moral character
* Credibility
* Integrity
* Dependability
* Good judgment under pressure
Disqualifiers
* An adult felony conviction in California, or with a conviction for an offense in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
* Currently on Probation or Parole
* Adult felony and/or misdemeanor conviction(s) may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and how recent
* Conviction of/or sustained petitions for any sex crime
* Recent drug use; failure to reveal prior use will be disqualifying
* Unfavorable work history
* History of committing domestic violence - Examples of Duties
- Answers all incoming calls lines, both emergency and non-emergency.
- Collects all pertinent information from the caller and records details of calls and messages.
- Properly assess calls to determine whether they are of an emergency or non-emergency nature.
- Routes the call to the appropriate Dispatcher or other agency.
- Enters all call information into the CAD system.
- Performs clerical, filing and routing recordkeeping duties as required.
- Could be expected to testify in court.
- Utilizes established Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols to provide pre-arrival medical instructions to callers and follows established protocols for the Priority Medical Dispatch program. (Fire Department Only)
- Utilizes CLETS to determine and confirm information and enters and removes information. (Sheriff's Office Only)
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- Employment Standards
- Possession of a High School Diploma or GED and any combination of experience, education and/or training, which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and abilities listed below.
Additional Requirements:
Incumbents must be able to type 35 wpm; work rotating shifts including nights and weekends; work overtime as required to ensure operational stability of the communications center; must be able to pass a work-simulated, computer-based performance test, a background investigation (including a polygraph examination and credit check for the Sheriff's Office), psychological evaluation, and medical exam. Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding, operation of a mouse, wearing of a headset, and working in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
Additional Requirements for Sheriff's Office:
Successful completion of a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified Basic Complaint/Dispatch Course during the one-year probationary period.
Knowledge of: English language; basic customer service practices; basic office computer applications such as Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to: Learn to retain and relay information received under stressful conditions; hear, understand, and speak the English language; respond to calls quickly and calmly and make sound decisions under pressure; learn to observe, receive, and otherwise obtain information from all relevant sources; learn to analyze information, evaluate results, and choose the best solution; solve problems; learn Federal, State, and local laws, and also local agency policies and procedures, terminology, jurisdictional boundaries, and available types of emergency services; to read maps and provide directions; clearly speak and communicate effectively over the telephone; remain calm in stressful situations; perform multiple tasks simultaneously; learn use of multiple computer and telephone systems; communicate with people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds; follow written and oral instructions; establish and maintain working relationships with other agencies; and operate a telephone, computer, mouse, and keyboard.
Desirable Qualifications: Multilingual in languages spoken in the County such as Spanish, Mixtec, Hmong or other relevant languages.
- Supplemental Information
SELECTION PROCESS
- Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
- Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Qualified candidates will be notified by email to complete a Personal History Questionnaire. Upon passing your PHQ, you will advance to the CritiCall exam.
- Online Skill Keyboarding Assessment: Qualified candidates will be notified by email with instructions to complete the online Keyboarding assessment. The deadline to complete the assessment will be clearly stated in the invitation. Candidates must complete and pass the keyboarding assessment to advance in the recruitment process.
4. CritiCall Computerized Exam (Online): Candidates who pass the keyboarding assessment will be invited by email to the online CritiCall exam. The CritiCall exam is a computerized software testing program that tests job-related skills and multi-tasking abilities required in the complex dispatching environment. In person exam date(s) will be offered for those who prefer to use a computer lab by visiting the dispatcher centers. Candidates are required to pass the exam to be placed on the employment list.
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Disaster Service Worker: The County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS:
The Sheriff's Office conducts a polygraph examination and in-depth background investigation. If you feel your past may hinder your future from working for the Sheriff's Office, please contact Human Resources at (805) 681-4270, for assistance on determining your employment eligibility.
Appointee must successfully pass the following:
Polygraph Examination will measure the accuracy of information disclosed during the background investigation process.
Background Investigation includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal and virtual character check, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.
The following shall commence upon accepting a conditional offer of employment:
1. Psychological Examination is given by a licensed psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of a dispatcher and to otherwise ensure that the candidate is capable of withstanding the psychological demands of the position.
2. Physical Examination is conducted by a licensed physician. The medical evaluation or examination shall commence once you accept a conditional offer of employment. You will be evaluated on the physical factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the physically demanding job.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 4/30/24 at 5:00 PM; Postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
For recruitment questions, please contact HR Recruiter Colleen Ryan at .