Have you always wanted a job that really makes a difference? There are few jobs more important than being a 9-1-1 Dispatcher. In an emergency, your voice is the first heard by somebody in need, and your skills save lives. The Seattle Police Department is actively recruiting highly motivated, positive, people-oriented candidates for our state-of-the-art 9-1-1 call center. If you have excellent computer skills, can multi-task in a multi-media environment and have a stable work history the Seattle Police Department wants you to “Take the Call!”
Entry-level dispatchers start at over $47,000 per year plus an excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision. Upon successful completion of an extensive and intensive training program, employees in this classification may compete for promotional opportunities to Police Communications Dispatcher II (up to $64,000), Dispatcher III (up to $71,000), Chief Dispatcher (up to $78,000) and then Police Dispatcher Supervisor (up to $83,000). Must work rotating shifts (day, swing, and graveyard) weekends, and holidays. Must be available to work mandatory overtime assignments as required. Applicants must pass a comprehensive background check.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
To find out if you would be right for this career, ask yourself the following:
►Would you be able to handle a high-volume of calls and make important decisions quickly and accurately?
►Do you have good communication skills and the ability to treat callers courteously and tactfully?
►Could you use questioning and inquiry skills to draw out specific information from callers who are upset, frightened, abusive, or hurt while remaining calm and emotionally detached?
►Are you willing to work the shifts a structured 24/7 workplace requires?
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Equivalent of one-year customer service, call center communications, dispatching or related background. Must work rotating shifts (day, swing, and graveyard), weekends and holidays. Must be available to work mandatory overtime assignments as required. Applicants must pass a Seattle Police Department keyboarding test at 40 words per minute, a work related multi-media performance test, and a comprehensive background investigation including a psychological evaluation. Candidates must pass a hearing and vision screening by a City approved doctor. The most competitive candidates will be asked to present a typing certificate passing at 40 WPM in order to be considered for an interview.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate’s Degree, certification or college credits in communications, computer technology, public relations or other related fields. The most competitive candidates will have a stable work history that involves communicating with the public in fast-paced surroundings and under difficult conditions. Ability to successfully demonstrate techniques in conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation, working in a high-pressured and structured environment. Exemplary oral and written communication skills, and deal tactfully and courteously with callers.
Please click here and here for more information about becoming an SPD dispatcher.