Job Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in WCCCA as an employer. Read the frequently asked questions.
Working at WCCCA
Here is some general information about employment at WCCCA and Washington County.
The County
Washington County, Oregon is a developing community with a 460,000 person population located within the Portland metropolitan area. The largest cities in the County are Beaverton and Hillsboro. With easy access to mountains, rivers and ocean beaches, the region offers abundant recreational and cultural opportunities. The livability is high and the cost of living is medium. Check out www.co.washington.or.us.
WCCCA Benefits
WCCCA provides generous benefits packages that are responsive to the needs of employees. Employees may choose from several employer-subsidized health plans, including medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage. WCCCA participates in the state's Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Other savings and retirement options include Credit Union eligibility and a deferred compensation plan. Other benefit programs include confidential counseling for employees and their families, life insurance, generous vacation, holiday, sick days, and other programs. WCCCA also provides a longevity incentive program for 5- and 10-year employees. A cash bonus of $500 (5-9 years) and $750 (10+ years) is awarded each December.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of WCCCA to recruit and select the most qualified person for positions. Recruitment and selection is conducted in an affirmative manner to insure 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 any other non-merit factors.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of educational background and previous job experience should I have to work at WCCCA?
The minimum education requirements are a high school education or GED with some job experience, preferably employment where you have had some direct customer contact (example: restaurant, customer service, or a retail store).
How would you describe this job?
As a start, here are some phrases provided by our Dispatches: "Every day provides new challenges"—"Lots of variety"—"Many times, exciting and exhilarating"—"Great team environment"—"Personally satisfying"—"I feel good about what I do here".
Am I expected to already know how to run all the electronic dispatch equipment?
No. We have a comprehensive training program to teach you all you need to know about how to use the equipment and how to interact with the 9-1-1 caller. Our program teaches you many new skills and, at the same time, helps you become better at skills you already have.
Your dispatchers and call takers work in shifts, right?
Yes. We are open all the time, 24 hours a day, all year. Since the citizens of Washington County expect us to be there when they have an emergency, we expect our employees to be at the dispatch console for their shift. Shift work is required and, after training is complete, schedules are selected based on seniority.
How long is your training program?
It depends on your skill and experience level but normally 6 to 8 months.
Do you have a good pay and benefits package?
Absolutely. The starting salary and the salary after training are excellent. Regarding benefits, we provide a generous benefits package.
I have worked for another Emergency Service Agency. May I apply?
Absolutely!
I have a strong work ethic and love to have a lot of things going on at the same time. Are you looking for people with these skills? What other skills should I have?
Yes, those are important skills for a 9-1-1 Dispatcher. In addition, good short term memory and good old common sense are other important attributes.
I would think that this job would be stressful. Is that correct?
Yes, at times. But you will be taught how to handle 9-1-1 emergency calls . . . calls from the "citizen" (who needs help) and calls to the "responder" (fire, police, medical services). Once these skills are developed and you gain experience using them, stress is greatly reduced.
I am bilingual. Is this required?
No, it is not required but if you have the other skills mentioned above and are bilingual, you should definitely apply.
Do you do a background check with law enforcement agencies on applicants?
Yes. Unfortunately, individuals with a felony on their record will not be eligible for employment.
How do I get an application?
Fill out an interest card, placing your name and contact information on file with our Agency. When we are accepting applications for our eligibility list you will be contacted via the information you supplied on the interest card. We do not accept unsolicited applications at this time.