JOB SUMMARY**$2000 Signing Allowance*** Candidates who are hired as 911 Emergency Communications Specialists and achieve the 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator state certification will be given a $2,000 Signing Allowance. Rehired Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Emergency Communications Specialists and current OCSO employees are not eligible for a signing allowance.
Emergency Communications Specialists respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, using a computer aided dispatch terminal for entering call data. They must train and certify in at least two positions: Call Taker, Radio Dispatcher, and Teletype Operator. Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.
Processing
CritiCall testing: This is a computerized technical test that measures the following skills and abilities: typing speed, data entry, memory recall, map reading, spelling, multitasking and reading comprehension. We recommend you practice typing to prepare, including using the number pad. There are several free practice tests offered online that are similar to what you will be taking.
Job Shadow
Panel Interview
Voice Stress Analysis (truth verification)
Complete Background Investigation
Medical exam & drug screen (after conditional job offer)
Psychological evaluation (after conditional offer)
Processing time on average is 3-5 months.
Training:
Candidates hired as Emergency Communications Specialists receive some of the best training in the industry. Upon employment, new hires attend six weeks of classroom training at the Communications Center. After successful completion of the academy phase, candidates are prepared to take their state certification test and move on to the hands-on phase of their training. This phase consists of 480 hours of hands-on training, working directly with a Communications Training Officer. After successful completion of training, candidates are placed on a shift (typically nights) and begin their work as a Emergency Communications Specialist I – the direct connection between our citizens and deputies.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and work on the computer for long periods of time, talk, hear, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, use repetitive motion, and utilize coordination and dexterity abilities. The employee must have bilateral hearing. For instance, the employee must have the ability to hear with both ears while wearing a headset on one ear and also listening to coworkers/trainers/supervisors with the other ear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and peripheral vision.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an open setting environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Depending on assignment the employee may be required to work holiday, evening, midnight, and/or weekend shifts. Shift times may vary.
