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Employment Opportunities
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.
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.
Minimum Requirements
High School Graduate / GED equivalent
Minimum 1 year of public contact, customer service and/or clerical work
Ability to accurately type a minimum of 35 Net WPM
Computer knowledge using Windows based programs
Ability to spell accurately
Ability to sit or stand while on the telephone and using multiple computer monitors for 12-16 hours per day
Ability to multi-task using the telephone, radio and computer systems
Ability to react under time-sensitive, stressful and critical situations
Ability to accurately follow directions in a fast-paced environment
Work nights, weekends, holidays
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive Salary
Telecommunication Officer - $18.35 hourly / $38,168 annually + available overtime
Fully Paid Training
Eligible for College Credits
Night Shift Differential Pay
Medical Coverage (after training program)
Life Insurance (after training program)
Westmoreland County Retirement Plan (after training program)
Vacation and Sick Leave
Holiday Pay
Military Leave Time
Training Process
Telecommunication Officer Trainees will spend approximately 8 weeks in a combined classroom and communications center environment. During classroom training, the focus of study will be:
• Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety policy, procedure and department standards
• Extensive Westmoreland County Geography and coverage of our 65 Municipalities
• Nationally certified through International Academy of Emergency Dispatch to include Emergency Medical, Fire and Police Dispatch, in addition to CTO Training and certification.
• Intensive CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) technology
• Call taking and customer service skills
• NCIC/CLEAN operations
• CPR Certification
• Insight to the NIMS (National Incident Management System)
• Police, Fire and EMS dispatching and radio communications
You will take several tests during this training period and will be expected to achieve a level of proficiency that allows you to move forward with training. Periodic reviews are given to gauge the progress of the employee. Classroom training hours run 0800-1600 hours Monday through Friday.
Once the initial classroom training ends, the official on the job training begins. Trainees are teamed up with Certified Training Officers (CTO’s) who will support and walk you through the live process of 911 call handling, followed by specific console training for Police, Fire and EMS.
The next phase of training will be shadowing the CTO’s during the mentor process. You will work their same shift assignments, rotating through many shifts to experience various console responsibilities and tasks involved in becoming a 911 Telecommunications Officer.
A career as a Westmoreland County 911 Telecommunications Officer provides an invaluable service to the citizens of Westmoreland County. We strive for excellence and welcome individuals willing to make that commitment.
Shifts (upon completion of all training, you will be assigned one of the following listed shifts) and be placed on a 2-2-3 day rotation.
• 2330 - 1130
• 0330 - 1530
• 0730 - 1930
• 1130 - 2330
• 1530 - 0330
• 1930 - 0730
Week 1: Works Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday
Week 2: Works Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday
Week 3: Start over with Week 1, etc.
Contact Us
-
Hours
Monday-Friday
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Phone:
724-600-7303
Email
Location
911 Public Safety Road
Greensburg, PA 15601
- When should I call 9-1-1?
- What if I call 9-1-1 for something that is not an emergency?
- Why do I have to give my location when calling? Don't you know where I am?
- Why does the operator keep asking me questions? If they just sent the police, they would find out all they need to know.
- Can a disconnected cell phone call 911?
- What should I do if I call 9-1-1 by mistake?
- When I call 9-1-1, why do I get someone different every time?