• Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center

Covington – Newton County 9-1-1
Communications Center
Background/Informational Booklet
Background/Informational Page 1 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page (s)
Table of Contents ................................................................ 2
Introductory Letter ................................................................ 3
Job Description .......................................................................... 4
Notices .......................................................................... 5
Hiring Process ...……………………………………….. 6-7
Instructions .......................................................................... 8
Authorization to Release Information ................................. 9
Work Schedule, Acknowledgement & Understanding ………. 10
Personal History Statement ............................................ 11-12
Applicant Information ..................................................... 11
Contact Information ..................................................... 11
Residences ………....................................................... 12
Educational History ..................................................... 12-13
Military Service ……………............................................... 13
Personal References ..................................................... 14
Work History ……………………………………........... 14-15
Arrests, Detention, & Litigation ..................................................... 16
Traffic Record ………………………………………....... 16-17
Membership in Organizations ….................................. 17
Personal Declarations (general) ….................................. 17
Personal Declarations (controlled substances/illegal substances)........ 18-19
Miscellaneous Questions ..................................................... 19
Required Proof of Identification/Qualifications ......................... 19
Candidate Certification ...................................................... 19
Background/Informational Page 2 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington - Newton County 911 Communications Center
8146 Carlton Trail, NW
Covington, GA 30014
(678) 342-8790 Fax (770) 385-2106
Mike Smith
Director
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for applying for a position as a Communications Officer with the Covington –
Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center. The Covington – Newton County 9-1-1
Communications Center takes pride in the professional service it provides for the citizens of
Newton County including the municipalities of: Covington, Mansfield, Newborn, Oxford, and
Porterdale.
There are several phases an applicant must complete and pass before they can be considered for
employment. This process assists the Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications
Center in making sure we select the most qualified people to become part of our Center. The
selection process can take up to three (3) months from the application date.
Once you have properly completed and turned in your application to the Personnel Department
(including the Background/Informational Booklet & 3-Year Driver’s History), the first phase
will begin. You must pass each phase, in order to proceed to the next phase. Your failure to
accurately complete the Background/Informational Booklet would automatically disqualify you
to proceed in the hiring process. Please see page 8 for a full description of the selection process.
Thank you.
Background/Informational Page 3 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington - Newton County 911 Communications Center
8146 Carlton Trail, NW
Covington, GA 30014
(678) 342-8790 Fax (770) 385-2106
Mike Smith
Director
APPLICANTS – KEEP THIS PAGE FOR YOUR REFERENCE
AN “ELIGIBILITY LIST” WILL BE CREATED TO FILL VACANCIES FOR UP TO ONE (1) YEAR.
JOB DUTIES
Covington-Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center is recruiting individuals who want an exciting, lifesaving
and fulfilling career in 9-1-1 Communications. We will train successful candidates to respond to emergency calls
and dispatch police, fire and medical personnel and resources.
9-1-1 Communications Dispatchers:
• Handle emergency and non-emergency phone calls, complaints and inquires from the public.
• Assess a caller’s emotional state and prioritize calls based on request urgency.
• Respond to public safety responders’ needs and requests from the field.
• Operate 2-way radios, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and other communication tools.
• Remember and accurately follow complex instructions and protocols while working in a busy, loud,
stressful and multi-tasking environment.
• Memorize and accurately recall Newton County geography, including the location of major roads,
neighborhoods, schools, parks, key landmarks and buildings and the overall addressing system.
PLEASE NOTE:
SHIFT WORK IS MANDATORY. Covington-Newton County 9-1-1 runs 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. Shifts
assignments are determined at time of employment.
QUALIFICATIONS – Successful 9-1-1 Dispatcher candidates come with a variety of experience, education and
training that demonstrates knowledge and skills to perform intensive work in a multi-tasking, multi-sensory,
stressful work environment. 9-1-1 Dispatcher candidates must:
1. Have a High School diploma or GED certification. • Have excellent interpersonal communication skills.
2. Be at least 18 years of age prior to hire. • Take direct orders as well as constructive criticism
3. Have at least one (1) year of recent, stable and reliable and feedback without being defensive.
work experience. • React quickly and correctly to emergency situations.
4. Pass an extensive background investigation. • Perform extensive data entry with speed and accuracy
5. Have no felony convictions. based on written and/or verbal sources.
6. Have reliable transportation to get to / from work at • Learn, retain and apply complex and detailed
all hours of day or night (e.g. 9pm or 3am, etc.). procedures, such as police and fire dispatching.
7. Have a working telephone.
A Dispatcher must be able and willing to:
• Work mandatory overtime as needed and assigned.
• Demonstrate reliable and predictable attendance.
• Study, learn and practice job skills throughout the training and on-the-floor rotations.
• Train and work under pressure in a loud, multi-tasking environment.
Background/Informational Page 4 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington - Newton County 911 Communications Center
8146 Carlton Trail, NW
Covington, GA 30014
(678) 342-8790 Fax (770) 385-2106
Mike Smith
Director
APPLICANTS – KEEP THIS PAGE FOR YOUR REFERENCE
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications
Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity and
access regardless of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, veteran status, disabled
veteran status, or physical, mental or sensory disability. Recruitment processes are conducted to
ensure open competition, provide equal employment opportunity and prohibit discrimination
based on race, political views, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, mental or
physical disability, or other non-merit factors. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with
disabilities are encouraged to apply.
IMMIGRATION LAW NOTICE – Only U.S. Citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the
United States will be hired. All new employees will be required to complete and sign an
Employment Eligibility Verification form and present documentation verifying identity and
employment eligibility.
Reapplication – All applicants that are excluded during the selection process will be required to
wait one year from the date of exclusion to reapply for the position of Communications
Technician.
NOTE: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is
subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or an implied contract.
Background/Informational Page 5 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington - Newton County 911 Communications Center
8146 Carlton Trail, NW
Covington, GA 30014
(678) 342-8790 Fax (770) 385-2106
Mike Smith
Director
SELECTION PROCESS
APPLICANTS – KEEP THIS PAGE FOR YOUR REFERENCE
Step 1
The Personnel Officer for the City of Covington shall review all applications for positions in the 9-1-1 Center. This
review will consider only the candidate’s ability to meet standards for employment. The Personnel Officer shall
have the responsibility of forwarding all qualified applications to the Director of Communications.
Step 2
All eligible candidates will be notified by mail and telephone of an upcoming date for a Profile Examinations Inc.,
assessment. Testing will be conducted in groups and all candidates will be tested on the same date and time, failure
to attend the assessment will result in the candidate’s ineligibility.
Step 3
The following information, once gathered, shall be forwarded to the selection panel for review.
1. Applicant’s background form
2. Initial application
The 9-1-1 Center selection panel will then review the applications; this review will consider only the candidate’s
ability to meet standards for employment. The selection panel will comprise a list of qualified applicants and
forward to the administrative assistant. The administrative assistant will then schedule interviews for those
applicants with the selection panel.
Step 4
Applicants will then be assessed during an oral interview by the selection panel. Candidates will be asked questions
concerning:
1. Experience
2. Knowledge and Perception of the Position
3. Personal Characteristics
4. Mental ability
5. Ability to communicate
6. Personal goals and objectives
Applicants will also be required to perform a written exercise. The applicant will be judged on their ability to
completely and appropriately answer the questions provided in an acceptable written format.
Each selection panel member shall rate the candidate on a scoring sheet based on the gathered information and
review.
Step 5
A background and record check will be performed after completion of the background reports received by the
Director of Communications; they will be forwarded to the Covington-Newton County 9-1-1 Team Leaders for
verification. The background investigation will include:
1. Check of criminal record, if any
2. Check of driving records, if any
3. Verifications of applicant’s credentials (education experience)
4. Verification of past employment
5. Verification of five (5) personal references
The Team Leader conducting a background check shall attach a written report of findings and recommendations to
the background report. All records pertaining to an applicant’s background will be forwarded to the Director of
Communications upon completion of the selection process, to be later returned to the City of Covington Personnel
Department for storage in secure files. Covington-Newton County 9-1-1 personnel trained in collecting background
information will conduct backgrounds.
Background/Informational Page 6 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington - Newton County 911 Communications Center
8146 Carlton Trail, NW
Covington, GA 30014
(678) 342-8790 Fax (770) 385-2106
Mike Smith
Director
SELECTION PROCESS
APPLICANTS – KEEP THIS PAGE FOR YOUR REFERENCE
CONTINUED
Step 6
A final list of eligible candidates will be made, according to the results of the assessment, and maintained by the
Director of Communications. When a position becomes available, the Director of Communications shall schedule
candidates for the final interview. The Director of Communications should have at least two (2) candidates to
choose.
Step 7
The Director of Communications and the Personnel Director will conduct an oral interview with the applicant;
during the interview, qualified applicants will be given a conditional job offer on the condition that the applicant
passes steps 8, 9, and 10.
Step 8
An investigator shall conduct a voice stress analyzer test on the applicant. Candidates shall be provided with a list
of areas from which the voice stress analyzer test questions will be drawn from, prior to the test. Only personnel
who are trained in voice stress analyzer techniques and procedures will conduct the test. Tests will be conducted at
the Covington Police Department or other approved testing sites, and results will be included in the applicant’s
background report. No applicant will be disqualified from appointment based solely on the results of the voice
stress analyzer test.
Step 9
The applicant is required to complete a psychological test. The results of this test will forward to Psychological
Research, Inc. for evaluation. The results will be placed in the applicant’s background report and later in the
personnel file if the applicant is hired.
Step 10
Applicants who are accepted for hiring will be required pass a medical examination and drug screen before they are
officially hired. A medical exam is also necessary for Georgia P.O.S.T. requirements. A licensed physician will
conduct medical examinations. The results will be placed in the applicant’s background report and later in the
personnel file if the applicant is hired.
Step 11
The Director of Communications shall submit a written appointment recommendation to the Personnel Director in
accordance with personnel policy.
Background/Informational Page 7 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington - Newton County 911 Communications Center
8146 Carlton Trail, NW
Covington, GA 30014
(678) 342-8790 Fax (770) 385-2106
Mike Smith
Director
Instructions (Read carefully before proceeding)
These instructions are provided as a guide to assist you in properly completing your Background/Informational
Booklet. It is essential that the information be accurate in all respects. It will be used as the basis for a background
investigation that will determine your eligibility for employment.
1. Make sure your booklet is legibly printed in ink or typewritten.
2. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. If a question is not applicable to you, enter N/A in the
space.
3. Read all section directions carefully before making any entries on the form. Be sure your
information is correct and in the proper sequence before you begin.
4. You are responsible for obtaining correct contact information (addresses and/or phone numbers). If
you are not sure of an address or phone number, check it by personal verification. Your local library
may have a directory service or copies of local phone directories.
5. An accurate, thorough, and complete form will help expedite your investigation. Deliberate
omissions or falsifications may result in disqualification.
6. If there is insufficient space on the form for you to include all information required, attach extra
sheets to the booklet. Reference the relevant section and question number before continuing your
answer.
7. As you complete the questionnaire, if you are uncertain about how to answer a particular question,
answer the question to the best of your ability and attach a statement regarding the question(s) and the
problems you may have in answering the question(s).
8. Take the necessary time to be accurate and truthful. Do not be afraid to answer questions that may
involve criminal sanctions, such as smoking marijuana, as no criminal charge can be filed from this
questionnaire. In addition, your answers to this questionnaire will not necessarily disqualify you from
the position you seek.
9. The confidentiality of background information is strict and can be shared with only the top
administrators of the Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center.
10. If you have any question regarding the questionnaire or the background investigation, please contact
the Personnel Director at (770) 385-2025.
11. Complete background investigations are kept in a locked cabinet and/or secure facility to ensure
confidentiality.
12. You must submit a three (3)-year driver’s history, when you submit your application and
background/informational booklet. If the driver’s history is not turned in at the time of application,
your application will be disqualified.
13. Return this Background/Informational Booklet in person to City of Covington, City Hall along
with your application during regular business hours (8 AM – 5 PM, M-F) or via US Mail to City of
Covington, Personnel Department; Attention Personnel Director; 2194 S Emory Street; Covington, GA
30014.
14. Do not fax or email your Background/Informational Booklet.
Background/Informational Page 8 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington - Newton County 911 Communications Center
8146 Carlton Trail, NW
Covington, GA 30014
(678) 342-8790 Fax (770) 385-2106
Mike Smith
Director
AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION
Applicant Name:
(last, first middle)
Applicant Identifier:
Applicant Date of Birth: (last 4 digits of SSN)
(month/day/year)
I, , hereby authorize the review and full disclosure of
all records and information concerning myself, including any partial records, whether said records are public,
private, or confidential in nature. This authorization is explicitly granted to any duly authorized agent of The
Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center and/or the Covington Police Department,
including authorized contract agents working for these agencies.
The intent of this authorization is to give my consent for full and complete disclosure of the records of
educational institutions; employment and pre-employment records, including background reports, efficiency ratings,
performance evaluations, complaints or grievances filed by or against me, and salary records; records of complaint,
arrest, trial, and/or convictions for alleged or actual violations of law, including criminal, civil, and/or traffic
records; and/or records of complaints of a civil nature made by or against me, wherever located.
Additionally, I also authorize and consent to a complete and full disclosure of Internal Affairs records (or
other internal disciplinary records regardless of their title) including, but not limited to, Internal Affairs complaints,
investigations, findings, records of disciplinary action, and disciplinary hearings. I hereby authorize the full and
complete disclosure of these records whether they are unsealed, sealed, purged, or otherwise confidential due to
previous agreements between me and the entity holding the records.
I reiterate and emphasize that the intent of this authorization is to provide full and free access to the
background and history of my personal life, for the specific purpose of pursuing a background investigation,
which may provide pertinent date for the Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center to consider in
determining my suitability for employment by that agency. It is my specific intent to provide access t personal
information, including all personnel files and documents and the sources of information specifically identified
herein.
I understand that any information obtained by a personal history background investigation which is
developed directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, upon this release authorization will be considered in
determining my suitability for employment by The Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center. I
understand that all materials pertaining to this background investigation become the property of The Covington –
Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center, and will not be returned to me.
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the person to whom this request is presented and his agents and
employees, from and against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising
out of or by reason of complying with this request. I further understand that in the event of my application is
disapproved; the sources of confidential information cannot be revealed to me.
A photocopy of this release form will be valid as an original, hereof, even though the photocopy does not
contain an original writing of my signature.
Applicant Signature Date:
Must be signed in the presence of a Notary:
Subscribed and sworn before me this
day of 20
My commission expires 20
Notary:
Background/Informational Page 9 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington - Newton County 911 Communications Center
8146 Carlton Trail, NW
Covington, GA 30014
(678) 342-8790 Fax (770) 385-2106
Mike Smith
Director
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & UNDERSTANDING
WORK SCHEDULE
I understand that if I am hired for the position of Communications Technician, for the
Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center, it will involve my working any of
numerous shifts. I understand that I may be assigned to any shift and that at the discretion of my
supervisor, I may be rotated to another shift with little or no notice.
The 9-1-1 Center operates two (2) shifts. Each shift is twelve (12) hours and fifteen (15) minutes long. They are as
follows:
1. Day Watch 0545 – 1800
2. Night Watch 1745 – 0600
The 9-1-1 Center has four (4) teams. Each team is labeled: A Team, B Team, C Team, or D Team. The 9-1-1
Center operates on a two (2) week (14 day), work period. The teams alternate days working, where each team has
one three (3) day weekend in a work period. Example (Teams A and B work Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday of the first week, then only Wednesday and Thursday of the second week. Teams C and D work the
opposite days from Teams A and B, being: Wednesday and Thursday of the first week and Monday, Tuesday,
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the second week.)
The teams also rotate from day watch to night watch. Teams A and C are “sister teams” and they work the same
rotation; while, Teams B and D are “sister teams” and they work the same rotation opposite of Teams A and C.
Example (Monday and Tuesday, Team A works day watch, while Team B works night watch. Wednesday and
Thursday of that same week, Team C works day watch, while Team D works night watch.) This rotation changes
after the team’s last three (3) day weekend in every 90-day period.
I understand that these hours can change at any time with little or no notice and shifts/hours are
not negotiable.
I understand the above conditions and have no objections to them.
Printed Name of Applicant
Signature of Applicant
Date
Notary Public
Background/Informational Page 10 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center
Personal History Statement
Part I – Applicant Identification
1. Full Name
First Middle Last
2. Other Names Used a) Dates when
(E.g. maiden name, married b) these names
name (s), changes for were used:
c)
adoption or other legal name
change, any pseudonym, d) (E.g. From 1989 to
alias, etc.) 1994; from 1997
e)
to present)
3. Nicknames Used a) d)
(E.g. Robert, Rob, Bob, b) e)
Bobby, Bubba, Slick, etc.)
c) f)
4. Height 6. Eye Color 8. Scars, tattoos &/or
5. Weight 7. Hair Color other distinguishing
marks
9. Date of Birth 12. City of Birth
Mo/day/yr
10. Social Security # 13. State of Birth
11. US Citizen (yes/no) 14. County of Birth
Required for all communications technicians by Peace Officer Standard
Training, for certification
Part II – Contact Information (Phone)
1. List the phone numbers a) Home Phone
where you can be reached. b) Cell Phone
c) Work Phone*
(Area Code) Phone Number *Is it okay to contact you at this number? (Yes/No)
d) Other Phone
2. In Case of Emergency?
Name Number Address Relationship
a)
b)
Background/Informational Page 11 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center
Personal History Statement continued
Part III – Residences. Beginning with your current address, list all addresses where you have
lived during the past 10 years and the dates you lived there (E.g. Aug 2003-Jan 2005). Attach
extra pages if necessary.
1. Current Address
From: Street (Apt #) City State Zip
To:
Prior Address(es)
2. From:
To: Street (Apt #) City State Zip
3. From:
To: Street (Apt #) City State Zip
4. From:
To: Street (Apt #) City State Zip
5. From:
To: Street (Apt #) City State Zip
6. From:
To: Street (Apt #) City State Zip
7. From:
To: Street (Apt #) City State Zip
8. From:
To: Street (Apt #) City State Zip
9. From:
To: Street (Apt #) City State Zip
10. From:
To: Street (Apt #) City State Zip
Part IV – Educational History
1. Did you receive: a) High School Diploma yes/no b) GED Certification yes/no
a) High School(s) Attended c) City/State
b) Dates Attended d) Graduated?
University/College: List all colleges and/or universities you attended.
2. University or 3. University or
College attended College attended
City/State: City/State:
Degree received: Units Degree received: Units
(E.g. AA, BS, MBA) completed: (E.g. AA, BS, MBA) completed:
Major/Minor: Major/Minor:
Dates Attended: Dates Attended:
Background/Informational Page 12 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center
Personal History Statement continued
Part IV – Educational History continued
University/College: List all colleges and/or universities you attended.
4. University or 5. University or
College attended College attended
City/State: City/State:
Degree received: Units Degree received: Units
(E.g. AA, BS, MBA) completed: (E.g. AA, BS, MBA) completed:
Major/Minor: Major/Minor:
Dates Attended: Dates Attended:
Other Schools: List other schools attended (trade, vocational, business, etc.) including any pertinent information...
6. Name of 7. Name of
School School
City/State: City/State:
Certificates: Licenses: Certificates: Licenses:
Course of Study: Course of Study:
Dates Attended: Dates Attended:
Special Qualifications & Skills
8. List any special licenses or permits you hold, such as pilot license, radio operator, scuba, etc., showing licensing
authority, original date of issue and date of expiration:
9. List any special certifications you hold, such as CPR, First Aid, NAED, ACCESS, showing certifying agency and
state, original date of issue and date of expiration:
10. List any specialized machinery, equipment, or technology that you are qualified to operate:
11. Foreign Languages: If you are fluent in a foreign language, indicate your degree of fluency (excellent, good, fair)
Language (Indicate Speaking Understanding Reading Writing
fluency)
a)
b)
c)
Part V – Military Service
1. Have you ever served in the Armed Forces, National Guard, or military reserves? (yes/no)
If “yes,” please supply the following information:
Branch of Service: Service ID Number:
Dates of Service: (From) (To)
Type of Discharge: Military Job Description:
Past commanding officers or military acquaintances can be sources of relevant information about your background. List the
individuals from your military career who know you well enough to provide accurate information about you.
2. Name 3. Name
Contact Phone: Contact Phone:
Address: Address:
City, State, Zip City, State, Zip
Years Known: Years Known:
(E.g. 1987 to 1999) (E.g. 1987 to 1999)
Background/Informational Page 13 of 19 Created: July 1, 2006
Revised: August 4, 2006
 Covington – Newton County 9-1-1 Communications Center
Personal History Statement continued
Part VI – Personal References. List five persons who know you well enough to provide current information
about you. DO NOT list relatives or former employers.
1. Name Home Phone:
Address Cell Phone
City, When and how did you meet
State, Zip this person?
2. Name Home Phone:
Address Cell Phone
City, When and how did you meet
State, Zip this person?
3. Name Home Phone:
Address Cell Phone
City, When and how did you meet
State, Zip this person?
4. Name Home Phone:
Address Cell Phone
City, When and how did you meet
State, Zip