311, How May I Help You?

February 10, 2012 9:39 PM

Have you ever applied for, or been hired as, a 311 operator? If so I have questions below. There are search results for 911 selection processes, selection software and training but almost nothing that describes how 311 operators are selected or trained.

Specifically I would like to know about the screening process. Do they use the same software as in 911 testing for focus and comprehension; i.e. CritiCall or EComm? Something else? And what kind of interview is done - something similar to the STAR method, or one with a stress-testing approach?

Bonus question: I'm in my mid-forties. If you are in this field, would you say that being older poses any sort of disadvantage either to hiring or advancing?

Any and all anecdotes and advice would be appreciated. Posting as anon because applying might have effects while I'm still in my current role.

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (1 answer total)

The 311 operator jobs are generally funded/administered through local county government. I think your best bet is to check your county government job site regularly ... and maybe set up an alert for those jobs. This is a job that allows mostly on the job training since you're handling only non-emergency calls. I can't imagine it would require more than two or three weeks of training.
posted by nubianinthedesert at 8:15 PM on February 11, 2012