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This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process. It is recommended to apply immediately. The review of applications received will occur at the end of each month.  

**To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must meet the below minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; 

AND

 

• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or

OR

• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; 

OR

• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION: Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience. Please upload a copy of your certificate. 

The City
The City of Santa Clara is a "full service" city – one of only a few communities in the Bay Area that has its own police, fire, library, recreation, and electric, water, and sewer utilities, as well as all of the other departments and civic amenities expected in a thriving community. Santa Clara is a family-oriented and business-friendly city, led by a city government that has developed an award-winning ethics program and a commitment to fostering public trust. Located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay, about 45 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Clara is a strategic regional hub, convenient to freeways, airports, railroads, expressways, light rail, and other public transportation.

The Department
The men and women of the Santa Clara Police Department take tremendous pride in providing the community with outstanding service through the "Santa Clara Way" of service.  In partnership with the citizens, the team provides law enforcement services with professional and dedicated staff. The team will always identify and resolve problems utilizing all available resources and perform services professionally and with a high level of integrity. To learn more visit our website.   

The Position 
As a Public Safety Dispatcher II, this non-sworn classification dispatches public safety, fire, and emergency medical services out into the community. The successful incumbent will be responsible for receiving incoming calls for police, fire, or medical assistance and dispatch necessary units. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher I by a broader range of responsibility due to a higher level of experience and training.  

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment. 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESDIES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey-level classification in the non-sworn flexibility staffed Public Safety Dispatcher I/II series. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the class of Public Safety Dispatcher I in that the latter is the entry level class where incumbents are trained on full range of dispatch functions under immediate supervision. This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter has full responsibility for supervising a shift of Public Safety Dispatchers I/II.

 

 

Typical Duties

 

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all the duties that may be performed.

• Operates base radio console equipment, transmitting and receiving routine and emergency messages
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines
• Dispatches appropriate emergency vehicles, equipment and personnel in response to those requests, in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Coordinates emergency operations between various departmental personnel and equipment
• Operates data terminals for information pertaining to daily public safety operations, and general emergency services
• Maintains written logs, files, and computer information in the prescribed manner
• Updates computer files and performs other clerical functions and tasks as directed
• Performs other related duties as assigned

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS

• Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Classroom education involving fire science or law enforcement related studies.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate and a valid Medical Priorities Dispatching System (MPDS) Certificate are required prior to the completion of the probationary period.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment. All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and may include polygraph and/or psychological testing.

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS
Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to his/her final score. 

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. 
 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

Knowledge of:

• General public safety radio and telephone communications systems
• Police and fire emergency procedures
• Primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings, and public facilities within the City's boundaries

Skill in:

• Reading and interpreting maps; and maintaining accurate records

Ability to:

• Read, write, spell, and speak in clear, concise English
• Learn correct telephone answering techniques, policies and procedures
• Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with sufficient speed and accuracy to document field activity and create calls for service within response criteria guidelines
• Analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safety
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipment
• Maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situations
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including the general public
• Work in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work area
• Accurately enter information into the CAD system while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio
• Retrieve data from CAD terminal or other keyboard device, maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details, and conversations
• Work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record
• Handle multiple priorities and organize workload
• Extract information or data from other computer systems
• View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditions
• Distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals
• Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources
• Work continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibility
• Use emergency medical questioning techniques and provide medical instructions via telephone when required
• Type at a net rate of 35 wpm on a computer keyboard

Additional Information: 
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a complete City Application and meet the below minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION: Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience. Please upload a copy of your certificate. 

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov.  This position is continuous: Applications will be reviewed at the end of each month for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Per the City’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all new hires to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical or religious exemption. “Fully vaccinated” means the employee has received two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Please let us know immediately if you believe that you have a medical and/or religious exemption so you can be provided information on how to submit an exemption request and commence the interactive process.  Please be advised that if you are eligible and have not been vaccinated but plan to do so, you will need to provide proof of vaccination prior to your start date. If you have any questions regarding the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination policy, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at employee.relations@sanjoseca.gov.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at http://www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers.

The total salary range for the Mayor’s Speech Writer (classification is Senior Council Assistant - Unclassified) is $81,424.98 - $129,285.00. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan is seeking a talented and experienced writer to join our communications team. As the Mayor's Speech Writer & Communications Specialist, you will play a crucial role in shaping impactful messaging that effectively communicates the Mayor's vision, policies, and key messages to a diverse range of audiences. Your exceptional writing skills, political acumen, and ability to capture the Mayor's voice will be essential in creating compelling speeches that inspire, inform, and engage the public.

Responsibilities for this position may include, but are not limited to the following: 

• • Collaborate closely with the Mayor, Chief of Staff and Chief Communications Officer to understand their vision, policy initiatives, and strategic priorities.
  • Write compelling and persuasive speeches, op-eds, talking points and social media posts that align with the Mayor's goals and resonate with diverse audiences, including residents, stakeholders, community groups, and the media.
  • Craft messaging that incorporates storytelling techniques, statistics, and real-life examples to captivate and connect with the audience on an emotional level.
  • Ensure messaging adheres to the Mayor's preferred tone, voice, and messaging, while maintaining consistency across all communication platforms.
  • Collaborate with other members of the Mayor's communications team to coordinate messaging and align speech content with broader communication strategies.
  • Review and edit drafted talking points to ensure accuracy, clarity, and grammatical correctness.
  • Stay up-to-date with local, regional, and national issues, policy developments, and public sentiment to inform the creation of relevant and timely communications.
  • Assist in preparing briefing materials, talking points, and presentations for the Mayor's public appearances, press conferences, and community events.
  • Work within tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail. 
  • Other duties of a similar nature of level.

Employees in this classification are not members of the classified civil service and appointment would be on a contract “at-will” basis and is for a specified period of time to be determined by the appointing elected official and does not extend past the end of the elected official's or appointing authority's term.  Candidates must be willing to work frequent evenings and weekends, and as exempt management employees, are not eligible for overtime compensation. This unclassified position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income and business positions.

Per the City’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all new hires to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical or religious exemption. “Fully vaccinated” means the employee has received two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Please let us know immediately if you believe that you have a medical and/or religious exemption so you can be provided information on how to submit an exemption request and commence the interactive process.  Please be advised that if you are eligible and have not been vaccinated but plan to do so, you will need to provide proof of vaccination prior to your start date. If you have any questions regarding the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination policy, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at employee.relations@sanjoseca.gov.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at http://www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers.

The total salary range for the Media Relations and Communications Specialist/Manager (classification is Council Community Relations Director) is $68,619.98 - $109,791.76. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan is seeking an organized, creative, and energetic individual who is passionate about serving the community of San José and committed to advancing the Mayor’s vision for the City. The individual will join a dynamic team led by the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer that is responsible for carrying out a comprehensive and multi-faceted media relations and communications operation.

Responsibilities for this position may include, but are not limited to the following: 

• • Writing and editing press releases, media advisories, speeches, opinion pieces, mayoral correspondence, news and feature articles and a wide variety of other communications materials.
  • Assisting with scheduling and drafting content for a multi-faceted social media strategy to effectively engage the community and constituents with the Mayor's policies, positions, and goals.
  • Conduct a range of media outreach strategies, including placing stories in media outlets; coordinating operations, such as scheduling, for media requests and interview preparation; pitching media, and managing media lists.
  • Conduct research and prepare information for media interviews, media memos, strategy sessions, and to advise on policy decisions.
  • Proactively review media sources and outlets, scroll through news sites and social media to stay current on local, regional, and national topics that affect San José and the Mayor’s policies. 
  • Analyzing earned and owned media metrics as well as larger external trends.
  • Day-to-day administration of the office’s communication tools and schedule.
  • Other duties of a similar nature of level.

Employees in this classification are not members of the classified civil service and appointment would be on a contract “at-will” basis and is for a specified period of time to be determined by the appointing elected official and does not extend past the end of the elected official's or appointing authority's term.  Candidates must be willing to work frequent evenings and weekends, and as exempt management employees, are not eligible for overtime compensation. This unclassified position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income and business positions.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Join our team!

We are seeking experienced 9-1-1 Police Dispatchers with a passion for public safety and effective communication skills to join our fast-paced Police department providing essential and impactful service to our community. Ability to hire above starting pay based on relevant experience. This is a demanding yet rewarding position which performs a variety of dispatching duties for emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatches police officers to calls for services, and operates a variety of communication equipment including radio, telephone, and computer systems.

Working shifts for this position consist of a 4/10 (varied) work schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. Schedules rotate every four months and may change to a 3/12 when needed.

Pay range for this position is $29.09 - $37.12 hourly, plus additional night shift pay, and amazing benefits!

Our Minimum Qualifications for consideration are:

Education:  Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in communications or a related field is desirable. 

Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible communications or dispatch experience; or two years of law enforcement support experience utilizing one or more of the following systems: California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (CLETS), Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and/or Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). 

License/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate within one year of employment.

Testing Process:

• Oral Interview.
• A thorough background investigation, which includes a medical, psychological, polygraph, and drug/alcohol screening. 

A full Job Description is available for review utilizing the link below:

The Position

The Police Communications Call Taker (Per Diem) receives emergency and non-emergency call for service, performs technical support duties in police department communications, and performs related duties as required. The position requires excellent customer service and communication skills.

Examples of Job Duties

• Determines priority of calls for service and forwards information to the appropriate dispatcher for dissemination to field units.
• Receives, monitors and transmits messages over a variety of communication networks.
• Receives information, questions and requests for service from the public.
• Types and records activity and status reports.
• Records, classifies and maintains records of all communications.
• Answers or refers to others for answers to questions and requests for information.
• Provides information to field units, other agencies and the public.
• Sends and receives printed information via computer terminals.
• Monitors closed circuit television system.
• Receives and routes a variety of law enforcement reports, warrants and other materials.
• Performs a variety of other duties in support of the police department information and communications functions as required.
• Additional information can be viewed in the job classification.

The Ideal Candidate 

The successful candidate will possess excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and department staff. Dispatcher and/or Call Taker work experience in a public safety department/agency is highly desirable.

Minimum Qualifications 

Education: High school degree or equivalent

Experience: Some public contact experience

Special Requirements: Must be 18 years of age. The selected candidate must be without functional color blindness. Ability to type at least 45 net words per minute is required. Online application must include typing certificate administered by a professional (online certificates will not be accepted).

Per the City’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all employees starting on or after February 11, 2022 to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent a documented medical and/or religious exemption.  Proof of vaccination means that employees are required to be “up-to-date” with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine. Consistent with the Santa Clara County Public Health Order issued on December 28, 2021, "up-to-date" means that employees are required to be vaccinated with the entire recommended initial series of a COVID-19 vaccine (two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine).   

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at http://www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers. 

The total salary range for the Media Relations and Communications Specialist/Manager position (classification could be Council Community Relations Coordinator or Council Community Relations Director – Unclassified commensurate with experience) is $58,631.04 - $109,791.76. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience. 

The Mayor serves as the political leader in San José, and under the City Charter, is responsible for recommending policy, program, and budget priorities for the City. The Office of Mayor-Elect Matt Mahan is seeking an organized, creative, and energetic individual who is passionate about serving the community of San José and committed to advancing the Mayor’s vision for the City. The individual will join a dynamic team led by the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer that is responsible for carrying out a comprehensive and multi-faceted media relations and communications operation.   

Responsibilities for this position may include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Writing and editing press releases, media advisories, speeches, opinion pieces, mayoral correspondence, news and feature articles and a wide variety of other communications materials. 
• Assisting with scheduling and drafting content for a multi-faceted social media strategy to effectively engage the community and constituents with the Mayor's policies, positions, and goals. 
• Conduct a range of media outreach strategies, including placing stories in media outlets; coordinating operations, such as scheduling, for media requests and interview preparation; pitching media, and managing media lists. 
• Conduct research and prepare information for media interviews, media memos, strategy sessions, and to advise on policy decisions. 
• Proactively review media sources and outlets, scroll through news sites and social media to stay current on local, regional, and national topics that affect San José and the Mayor’s policies.  
• Analyzing earned and owned media metrics as well as larger external trends. 
• Day-to-day administration of the office’s communication tools and schedule. 

Employees in this classification are not members of the classified civil service and appointment would be on a contract “at-will” basis and is for a specified period of time to be determined by the appointing elected official and does not extend past the end of the elected official's or appointing authority's term. Candidates must be willing to work evenings and weekends on occasion, and as exempt management employees, are not eligible for overtime compensation. This unclassified position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income and business positions. 

The Position

Under the direction of the Youth and Family Services Administrator, the Senior Program Coordinator plays a unique role overseeing the early childhood mental health program, providing direct counseling services and supervising several staff counselors and interns.

The Senior Program Coordinator typically has specialized experience, training and qualifications that enable the position to work effectively with children 0-8 years, parents and youth caregivers.

The Senior Program Coordinator works closely with the division’s Clinical Supervisors and Quality Assurance Specialist to ensure that clinical services comply with all policies, procedures and legal regulations, and that client services are delivered at the highest standards. The position also coordinates with other key positions in the Human Services Department to help clients have easy and timely access to coordinated services throughout the Human Services Department and/or with other partner agencies.

Examples of Duties

- Oversee and coordinate the direct services under the early childhood mental health program, working closely with the counselors and interns assigned to the program.
- Provide administrative and clinical supervision and consultation to YFS counselors and interns/trainees who are providing direct counseling services to children 0-8 years, parents, and family members, while maintaining close cooperation with the Youth and Family Services Division’s Clinical Supervisors and Quality Assurance Specialist.
- Provide direct counseling and early childhood consultation services to children 0-8 years, parents, and family members.
- Together with the YFS Administrator, understand policies and trends related to the provision of early childhood mental health services; and represent the division at County and/or school district meetings.
- Ensure direct service staff and interns are familiar with and fully utilize client Electronic Health Record System and becomes a key user representative on system implementation team.
- Oversee clinical documentation and compliance with State Medi-Cal documentation standards in partnership with Clinical Supervisors and Quality Assurance Specialist.
- Manage the client intake and referral process for the early childhood mental health program.
- Ensure that staff meet contractual and quality assurance goals and audit requirements.
- In partnership with YFS Administrator, Clinical Supervisors, and the Human Services Department’s Fund Development Officer respond to requests for proposals, develop grant work plans, narratives, and budgets.
- Oversee early childhood grant deliverables and reporting for the division.