Employment Opportunities

Dispatcher-flag

Between the thin Red, White and Blue lines of Public Safety, lies the thinnest Gold Line, representing those who are rarely seen but mostly heard.

The Calm Voice in the Dark Night.

DISPATCHERS.

The golden glue that holds it all together.

UNSEEN HEROES WANTED.
Apply today and join our team!

How Do I Become a Westmoreland County 911 Telecommunication Officer?

Browse through the tabbed information on the hiring process, requirements, compensation and training or print our recruitment brochure.

Printable Brochure

Sample Recruitment brochure
  1. Hiring Process
  2. Requirements
  3. Compensation
  4. Training

STEP 1: Apply

Apply online at https://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/94/Job-Opportunities
Complete the required information and submit in one attachment:
•    Cover Letter
•    Resume

STEP 2: Typing Speed Certification

A certification of typing speed is required to advance as a Telecommunication Officer.  Failure of typing 35 WPM (words per minute) will disqualify you from the employment process.  All typing tests taken MUST be taken at an approved Westmoreland County testing site (HR or 911 facility).  Generally the test is administered once you arrive for your panel interview.  If a separate appointment is necessary, arrangements must be requested prior to the interview.  Practice testing is available at www.typingtest.com and you will have the opportunity prior to official testing for a practice round.  The official testing will be a 5 minute typing test that MUST achieve 35 words per minute to advance to the next step in the hiring process.

STEP 3:  Computer Simulated Test – CritiCall

***Effective 06/01/2019

CritiCall is computerized simulator software that test the applicant's skills and abilities in data entry and multi-tasking. Applicants will wear headphones and be tested on areas such as:

•    Multitasking
•    Prioritization
•    Memory recall
•    Comprehension
•    Data Entry
•    Decision-making 

The test takes about an hour and 15 minutes to complete.  To take this exam, setup an appointment by calling 724-600-7303 or email.  Once passed, you will continue to step 4 once the official class date has been presented.

STEP 4:  Panel Interview

Panel interview will be members of senior staff and will review general interview questions and basic County knowledge.  This is an opportunity for our staff to get to know you and your accomplishments.

STEP 5:  Background Process

The Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety background investigation will be completed by those who successfully complete each of the first four steps in the Telecommunication Officer hiring process. Successful applicants will be notified when they have advanced to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s office background check. 

Background Investigation: Applicants will be contacted by a background detective after the background packet has been received from the Department of Public Safety

Note: Process takes 2 to 4 weeks from time the background packet is turned in

General Disqualifiers
Please consider the following general disqualifiers before applying for the position:

•    Felonies: Conviction of a felony throughout lifetime (NO EXCEPTIONS)
•    Misdemeanors: Conviction of job-related misdemeanor within the last 3 years.
•    Drug Use: Illegal marijuana use occurring within the last 12 months
•    Other Illegal drug use occurring within the last 5 years
•    Financial: Job-related negative financial history occurring within the last 5 years
•    Driving: Job-related negative driving history occurring within the last 5 years

This is not an all-inclusive list. Exceptions may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Step 6: Controlled Substance Screening 

Applicants will be required to submit to a urinalysis at some point in the hiring process.