Job Details

The Communications Operator will be directed by the Communications Supervisor and Hospital Police Sergeant in the Police Services Department at the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

• Taking emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, medical and other related services over the telephone, 2911 line, radio and other communications media
• Classifying incidents and establish dispatch priorities
• Coordinating or transferring requests for emergency and non-emergency medical services with the County's Emergency Medical Dispatchers
• Providing information to support officers and fire fighters in the field using a variety of computerized and manual information systems; providing telecommunications support, using the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications system (CLETS) and other local, regional and national databases
• Maintaining appropriate record documentation verifying the validity of the information obtained via CLETS
• Entering, updating, modifying and clearing data inputted by DPS and other related information in CLETS and other computer systems and databases as required
• Utilizing the hospital's public address system to inform staff of emergency responses needed and emergency alerts
• Securing and recording accurate information as to the nature of reported problems and exact locations including maintaining a fire radio and activity log as well as the Department's daily activity and radio logs in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system
• Operating CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System) computer terminal to obtain and verify information and prepares reports as directed
• Receiving and calculating census counts
• Must be able to deal tactfully with all disciplines and possess the ability to prioritize work from different communications sources
• Practicing, following and knowing the policies and procedures related to job safety, including safety rules and regulations
• Be able to use hands and fingers for typing, touch screens, answering phones, computer keyboard and writing
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hand to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear ordinary phone and radio conversations with either ear; must be able to see well enough to view computer screens and look-up codes in required manuals; read maps and fine print

If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.

Click here to take the Communications Operator Exam .

Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
Our facility is a 24-hour, 7-day a week facility. Communications Operators can be required to work any shift, any day according to hospital need.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-500778

Position #(s):
455-###-####-009

Working Title:
Public Safety Dispatcher

Classification:
COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR $4,690.00 - $6,459.00 A
$5,307.00 - $7,306.00 B
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County

Telework:
In Office

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Facility:
DSH - Atascadero

Department Information
The Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.

Department Website:

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

Existing law requires that a thorough background investigation shall be conducted to verify the absence of past behavior indicative of unsuitability to perform public safety dispatcher duties. The background investigation shall include a check of Department of Motor Vehicles' records, and a search of local, State, and national criminal history files to disclose any criminal record. Persons unsuccessful in the investigation cannot be appointed to the Communications Operator series.

Existing law requires that a medical examination shall be conducted to verify the absence of any medical condition which would preclude the safe and efficient performance of dispatcher duties. Persons unsuccessful in the medical exam cannot be appointed to the Communications Operator series.

Penal Code Section 13510(c) requires that State agencies participating in the P.O.S.T. program shall evaluate oral communication skills to ensure skill levels commensurate with the satisfactory performance of dispatch duties.Penal Code Section 13510(c) requires that State agencies participating in the P.O.S.T. program shall require that the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course be the minimum basic training for all public safety dispatchers in the program. The course shall be completed within 12 months of hire or assignment to dispatcher duties. Failure to successfully complete the course shall be cause for termination based on failure to meet the required conditions of employment.

The Department of Justice requires a background Investigation for anyone accessing or anyone who will view any information that is obtained from the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS). Police Services Investigators conduct background investigations on any Communications Operator selected to fill a vacancy in the Department of Police Services. Information obtained via CLETS is confidential and may be used only for the purpose(s) for which it is authorized. Violation of confidentiality requirements or access authorization may be subject to disciplinary action, civil action and/or criminal charges.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 12/18/2025
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Postal
Attn: DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
PO Box 7005

Atascadero , CA 93423-7005

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Drop Off
DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
10333 El Camino Real

Atascadero , CA 93422
Building 105
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other - You must submit a copy of your high school diploma OR high school transcripts which include graduation date OR evidence of passing the California High School Proficiency test OR possession of a GED OR foreign high school diploma (must be translated and verified by an independent company) OR unofficial college transcripts showing completion of at least 12 units of college credits with your STD 678 State Application.
• Other - You must submit a valid typing certificate with a minimum NET speed of 35 WPM. Typing tests for certification must be 5 minutes in length and proctored either virtually or in person. Candidates that are current State employees in a typing classification do not need to submit a typing certificate.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Accurate typing at a speed of at least 35 words per minute.

Benefits There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
• Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually - specific accrual rates can be found here )
• Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
• Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• ScholarShare (college savings account)
• On-the-job training and professional development
• Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.

Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Hiring Unit Contact:
DSH-Atascadero Employment Office
(805) ###-####
...@dsh.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Pearl Melena
(805) ###-####
...@dsh.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-###-#### (TTY), 1-800-###-#### (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Information

• Please note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
• Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted. scanned, copied or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
• Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
• This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.

Typing Certificate
Candidates needing a proctored typing test may reach out to the Employment Office at (805) ###-#### to schedule one at our facility.

Some additional facilities that offer free, proctored typing tests:

Allen Hancock College

• (805) ###-#### ext. 3374

Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo Campus

• (805) ###-####

North County Campus

• (805) ###-####

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.