Written Test to Be Held September 6, 2008
Applications MUST BE RECEIVED No Later Than August 6, 2008
EXAMINATION NUMBER: 69-594
TITLE: DISPATCHER
SALARY: $13.00/PT; $30,206/FT
PROCESSING FEE: $20.00
This examination is being held to establish a current eligible list for DISPATCHER. The resulting eligible list from this examination will be used to fill the current part-time and all future part-time of full-time vacancies in the CITY OF MIDDLETOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT.
If you have applied for other government examinations scheduled for the same date, you must take all examinations at one test center. Notify all government civil service agencies with whom you filed an application of the test site at which you wish to take your examination. If you are taking a State test, you must make arrangements to sit at the State site by calling 518-457-7022 no later than two weeks before the test date to make your seating arrangements.
APPLICATION FEES:
- A non-refundable application processing fee of twenty dollars ($20) is required of candidates for each separately numbered examination for which you apply.
- The fee must accompany your application.
- Send a money order payable to the Middletown Civil Service Commission. Do not submit cash or personal checks.
- Write the examination number(s) and your social security number on the money order.
- Application fees are not refundable. Therefore, we urge you to compare your qualifications carefully with the requirements for admission and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified.
- If you are disqualified from or fail to appear for the examination, your fee is not refundable.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must meet the following requirements on or before the last filing date:
Graduation from high school or possession of a GED
RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT: There is no residence requirement for an exam. Preference in appointment from open-competitive lists for City of Middletown positions (except the Middletown School District and housing authority) may be given to residents of the City of Middletown. In accordance with law or resolution, you will be required to become a resident to secure appointment in this municipality. Preference in appointment may be given to successful candidates who have been a legal resident of the City of Middletown for at least one month prior to the date of certification in order to be included in certification as a resident of such municipality, and at the time of certification and appointment. Proof of residency is required.
WHAT THE JOB IS LIKE: The work is primarily of routine nature and involves the performance of standardized clerical tasks. Although detailed instructions are given for new assignments, and practices are usually definitely fixed, employees must be able to exercise independent judgment in applying them to specific cases. The work is reviewed by immediate observation, by checking completed work by periodic or spot checks.
Subjects of examination: (Public Safety Dispatcher Series) Written test will cover knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in the following areas:
- CODING/DECODING INFORMATION: The questions test you ability to use written directions to code and decode information accurately. You will be asked to apply sets of coding rules to code information and to interpret coded information. Complete directions will be provided; no previous knowledge of or training in any coding system is required.
- FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS (MAPS): These questions test your ability to follow physical/geographic directions using street maps or building maps. You will have to read and understand a set of directions, then use them on a simple map.
- RETAINING AND COMPREHENDING SPOKEN INFORMATION FROM CALLS FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES: These questions test retention and comprehension of information in calls for emergency services. Some questions test retention of specifics, such as street addresses, or comprehension of the spoken information, such as determining the location of a site in relation to landmarks. Each of these questions is weighted 1.0. Other questions test comprehension and application of directions for filling in a form. Each of these questions is weighted 0.2. Several simulated 911 calls will be played on audio tape. After listening to each call, candidates will be asked from two to four questions about the information that was presented in the call. The time to answer them will be limited. The tape will keep track of the time and, at the end of each answer period, will automatically begin to play the next call. Note paper will be provided. Candidates will be permitted to take notes and to refer to them when answering the questions.
- NAME AND NUMBER CHECKING: These questions test you ability to distinguish between sets of words, letters, and/or numbers that are almost exactly alike. Material is usually presented in two or three columns, and you will have to determine how the entry in the first column compares with the entry in the second and possibly the third. You will be instructed to mark your answers according to a designated code provided in the directions.
- UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETING WRITTEN MATERIAL: These questions test how well you comprehend written material. You will be presented with brief reading selections and will be asked questions about the selections. All the information required to answer the questions will be presented in the selections; you will not be required to have any special knowledge relating to the subject areas of the selections.
NOTICE TO CANDIDATES: Your application for this test is part of the examination process. Applications must be completely filled out, with all pertinent information stated. The Civil Service Commission does not refer to other applications on file for additional information. Applications that do not show training and/or experience to meet minimum qualifications will be disapproved.
It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the Middletown Civil Service Commission in writing of any change in address or phone number.
All candidates are required to bring photo identification or employee badge. If you do not have a photo ID, you must provide two documents showing your signature.
PERFORMANCE TEST: A performance test will also be held at a later date, to be announced. The written test will be a ranking test and the performance test will be a qualifying (pass/fail) test. You must pass both the written and performance tests to be considered for appointment. You will not be called to the performance test unless you have passed the written test. Since the performance test is qualifying (pass/fail), if you pass the performance test your final score for the examination will be the score that you achieve on the written test.
APPLICATION FEE WAIVER: A waiver of application fee will be allowed if you are unemployed and primarily responsible for the support of a household. In addition, a waiver of application fee will be allowed if you are determined eligible for Medicaid, or receiving Supplemental Security Income payments, or Public Assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance) or are certified Job Training Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act eligible through a State or local social service agency. All claims for application fee waiver are subject to verification. If you can verify eligibility for application fee waiver, complete a "Request for Application Fee Waiver and Certification" form and submit it with your application by the close of business on the Application Deadline as listed on the Examination Announcement.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Joseph G. Masi, Civil Service Executive Administrator
Date of Issue: June 3, 2008
GENERAL INFORMATION
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
When the examination is prepared and rated by the New York State Department of Civil Service in accordance with Section 23.2 of the Civil Service Law, the administration of this examination, including rating and review, is governed by the provisions of the New York State Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations. The passing grade for this examination is 70.
APPLICATIONS: For an application, send a stamped, self-addressed business size #10 envelope to the Middletown Civil Service Commission, 16 James Street, Box 5, Middletown, NY 10940.
HOW TO APPLY:
- The application is part of the testing process: it must be completely filled out, with all pertinent information provided, or disapproval may result.
- The Civil Service Office does not acknowledge receipt of applications and does not accept responsibility for non-delivery or postal delay.
- The CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION DOES NOT REFER TO OTHER APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTATION ON FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. Applications which do not show training and/or experience to meet minimum qualifications will be disapproved.
- False or deliberately exaggerated statements may result in disqualification.
- Do not submit a resume in lieu of an application.
- Ambiguity and vagueness will not be resolved in your favor.
- If your application is disapproved, you will be so notified and given an opportunity to submit qualifying information.
- Failure to furnish such information or other requested information within the time frame specified may be cause for disapproval.
APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE: An application fee as specified on the front of this announcement must accompany your application. Send a money order, payable to the MIDDLETOWN CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION. Do not send cash or personal check. As application fees are not refundable, you are urged to compare your qualifications carefully with the requirements for admission and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified.
MULTIPLE EXAMINATIONS: If you have applied for another Civil Service examination with New York State or other local government jurisdiction scheduled for the same date as this exam, it is your responsibility to notify all civil service agencies involved of the dual candidacy. Provide each jurisdiction with a list of all jurisdictions where you have made an application; indicate by each jurisdiction, the number and title of its examination for which you have applied and note your preference of examination center. You must make arrangements to take all exams at one test site as soon as possible, in any event no later than two weeks before the exam date. The maximum time allowed for any combination of exams is eight hours.
SPECIAL REQUEST FOR MAKE-UP EXAM DUE TO ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY: A make-up test will be available for written, physical agility or any medical exams necessary to be placed on an eligible list for persons who are in the active military. A person eligible for a military make-up test does not have to wait until discharge from active duty to take the test. Applicant must submit to this office a copy of military order, DD 214, or other official military document that substantiates active military service PRIOR to the make-up test.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS/ALTERNATE TEST DATES/MILITARY PERSONNEL: If you require reasonable accommodations as a disabled person, or special testing arrangements as a Saturday Sabbath observer, alternate test date candidate (in accordance with Alternate Test Date Policy), or an active member of the military away for the area on the scheduled test data, clearly indicate this fact on the application. All such requests must be supported by appropriate documentation.
VERIFICATION OF QUALIFICATIONS: In reviewing applications, where a year or more of experience in minimally required, a tolerance of one month is allowed in meeting said experiential requirements. Full-time experience is based upon a thirty (30) hour work week. Part-time experience is pro-rated. Unpaid, verifiable volunteer experience may be substituted for an equivalent amount of the required experience unless the minimum qualifications state otherwise. To be credited as experience of the type specified in the qualifications, the major function and primary emphasis of the duties performed must be of that type. Duties incidental to a persons job may not be credited. The Middletown Civil Service Commission may refuse to examine an applicant or, after examination, to include a candidate on the eligible list, or may remove or restrict from the eligible list an applicant who is found to lack any of the established requirements for admission to the exam or for appointment from the resultant eligible list, or who has falsified or misrepresented any information submitted in the application.
CREDENTIALS: Photocopies of necessary licenses, certificates, etc. must be submitted to this office prior to the establishment of eligible list, whenever possession of such credentials is required. A photocopy of a degree is acceptable as proof of college education. When a degree has not been earned, or a photocopied diploma cannot be produced, or when a specific major or courses are required, verifiable transcripts are acceptable. Thirty (30) credit hours equal one year of college in evaluating a candidates qualification.
ADMISSION TO EXAM: Accepted candidates will be notified by letter approximately one week prior to the exam date when and where to appear for the exam. You should call this office if you do not receive a notice three days prior to the exam. You may not be admitted to the exam room without official notice, or more than one half hour after the exam has begun. Unless otherwise notified, candidates are permitted to use quiet, hand-held, solar or battery operated calculators. Devices with typewriter keyboards such as computers, spell checkers, personal digital assistants, address books, language translators, dictionaries, or any similar devices are prohibited.
ELIGIBLE LIST: Eligible lists will be established on the basis of passing grades received by the candidates in the competitive portions of the examination. Medical, physical and other appropriate non-competitive qualifying tests may be conducted as the need for certification from the eligible list may require. The resulting eligible list will be used to fill appropriate vacancies as they occur in the agencies listed on the front of this announcement. List resulting from promotional exams are certified first.
VETERANS: Non-disabled and disabled war veterans who are eligible for additional credits added to an earned passing score must SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR VERTERANS CREDITS WITH EACH APPLICATION FILED. IF A CANDIDATE WISHES TO CLAIM VETERANS CREDITS, HE/SHE SHOULD REQUEST AN APPLICATION FOR VETERANS CREDITS FROM THE MIDDLETOWN CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION. IT IS THE CANDIDATES RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE ALL PERTINENT INFORMATION, DOCUMENTATION AND PROOF OF WAR SERVICE (DD 214 FORM) IN ORDER TO RECEIVE VETERANS CREDITS. ALL COMPLETED FORMS, APPLICATIONS FOR VETERANS CREDITS AND YOUR DD 214 FORM MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ELIGIBLE LIST. If you claim credits as a disabled war veteran, you must be certified by the Veterans Administration as being entitled to receive payments for service-connected disability rate at ten (10) percent or more, incurred during a Time of War.
Effective January 1, 1998, the State Constitution was amended to permit a candidate currently in the armed forces to apply for and be conditionally granted veterans credit in examinations. Any candidate who applies for such credit must provide proof of military status to receive the conditional credit. NO CREDIT MAY BE GRANTED AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LIST. It is the responsibility of the candidate to provide appropriate documentary proof indicating that the service was in time of war as defined in Section 85 of the Civil Service Law, and that the candidate received an honorable discharge or was released under honorable conditions in order to be certified at a score including the veterans credit.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: It is the candidates responsibility to notify this office of any change of name and/or address. Please include the examination number on all correspondence.
ADDITIONAL CREDITS FOR CHILDREN OF FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY: In conformance with Section 85-a of the Civil Service Law, children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to receive an additional ten points in a competitive examination for original appointment in the same municipality in which his or her parent has served. If you are qualified to participate in this examination and are a child of a firefighter or police officer killed in the line of duty in this municipality, please inform this office of this matter when you submit your application for examination. A candidate claiming such credit has a minimum of two months from the application deadline to provide the necessary documentation to verify additional credit eligibility. However, no credit may be added after the eligible list has been established.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Federal and State law prohibits any discrimination in employment and promotion because of race, color, sex, national origin, marital status, religion, age, disability, arrest record or Vietnam era veteran status.
WARNING: Anyone found unlawfully possessing or disclosing questions or answers from civil service exams, or giving or taking test information from another candidate during the exam, or anyone found taking a civil service exam for someone else or enlisting another person to take an exam for another, will be subject to being disqualified from that exam and may be barred from taking any further exams with the Middletown Civil Service Commission and may be subject to other penalties as prescribed by law.
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