Department:    FIRE

 Course #:    113

 Credits:    2

 Variable:     No

 Course Description  

Develop an understanding of the employment requirements of public safety organizations in hiring entry-level employees. Through comprehensive reading topics, research, discussion and role-playing, students will strengthen career entry skills in the competitive public safety employment market.

 Prerequisite  

None

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 22

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Have a working understanding of public safety employment systems as it relates to marketing, application, the testing process, and post-employment probation.
2. Be proficient in preparing an application package through the creation of a cover letter, resume, application, and supporting documentation for their entry into public safety careers.
3. Be proficient in communicating by written, verbal and non-verbal means while in low and high-stress environments.
4. Have a working knowledge and value in physical, medical, and psychological wellness as it relates to entrance into a public safety career.
5. Demonstrate good judgment, decision-making skills, and master stressful situations in a challenging environment.
6. Develop an appreciation for and foster strong networks of social and job-related relationships that will support desirable employment backgrounds.
7. Understand the challenges of a new workplace and possess the skills and values to be successful in probationary employment.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

3. Communication

Definition: Understanding and producing effective written, spoken, visual, and non-verbal communication.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
3.2 Recognize, produce and demonstrate appropriate interpersonal, group, and public speaking skills.
3.3 Demonstrate effective listening skills.
3.5 Recognize, comprehend, and use non-verbal behaviors appropriate to a given context.
3.7 Adapt communication to diverse audiences and media.

6. Individual Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding, managing, and taking responsibility for one’s learning and behavior in varied and changing environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
6.2 Demonstrate standards of professionalism in manner, appearance, and setting appropriate to the context, including the classroom, workplace, and community.
6.5 Develop self-monitoring and self-advocacy skills to effect positive life changes.

Course Contents

1. Employment market.
2. Application package.
3. Written testing.
4. Physical agility testing.
5. Medical screening.
6. Psychological screening.
7. Interview skills.
8. Background investigation.
9. Executive review.
10. Probation.