DATE: June 21, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chief of Police
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt Resolutions Authorizing the City Manager to Establish a Communications Operator Lateral & Entry Level (COLE) Hiring Bonus Program in the Amount of $10,000 per Qualified Candidate and Authorizing the Establishment of a Hiring Incentive Referral Program (HIRP) in the Amount of $2,000 to Be Paid to Qualifying City of Hayward Employees Who Successfully Refer Communications Operator Candidates
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) authorizing the City Manager to establish a Communications Operator Lateral & Entry Level (COLE) Hiring Bonus Program and a resolution (Attachment III) authorizing the City Manager to establish a Communications Operator Hiring Incentive Referral Program (HIRP). The COLE Hiring Bonus Program will offer bonuses in the amount of $10,000 per Qualified Candidate hired. The HIRP will offer current City of Hayward employees a $2,000 incentive for referring qualified candidates who achieve full-time, permanent positions as Communications Operators.
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SUMMARY
The City of Hayward Communications Operation Center has experienced a significantly diminished pool of well-qualified Communications Operator applicants. This is partially due to the competitive market, factors related to COVID, increasing flexibility to work remotely, and the heightened demands and expectations of those who work in public safety. To attract more qualified applicants, and to keep pace with industry standards, staff recommends the permanent establishment of the Communications Operator Lateral & Entry Level (COLE) Hiring Bonus Program in the amount of $10,000 per qualified candidate. The bonus awards for the COLE Hiring Bonus Program would be distributed over a three to four-year period based on the candidate being hired as a Lateral or Entry-level Communications Operator. To further increase the recruitment of qualified candidates, staff also recommends that a Hiring Referral Incentive Program (HIRP) in the amount of $2,000 be extended to City of Hayward Employees who successfully refer Communication Operator Candidates that achieve full-time employment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II COLE Bonus Program Resolution
Attachment III Communications Operator HIRP Resolution
Attachment IV COLE Bonus Program Agreement
Attachment V Communications Operator HIRP Referral Application