Communication Dispatcher I - Split Shift

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Taunton, MA

11h

About The Position

Taunton State Hospital is seeking a Communication Dispatcher I for its Communications Department. The position uses telecommunications systems to contact and dispatch emergency personnel in accordance with applicable procedures and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. The dispatcher also monitors radio frequencies, responds to emergency incidents, serves as a receptionist, and performs office duties such as typing, filing, and record keeping. The position operates a Cisco telecommunications console, emergency paging or beeper systems, and radio transmitting and receiving equipment. It also involves greeting and directing visitors, answering questions, and providing information or literature about agency rules, regulations, and operations. The schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week, on a split shift: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Days off are Monday and Tuesday. Taunton State Hospital is a 62-bed inpatient facility operated by the Department of Mental Health, providing continuing inpatient care to adults with major mental illnesses. The hospital incorporates recovery principles and rehabilitation into its treatment model and works with inpatient treatment teams to support patients’ discharge back to the community. After appointment, the employee must obtain a valid Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s permit issued by the FCC.

Requirements

Understand, explain, and apply the laws, rules, policies, and procedures governing assigned console activities.
Read, write, and comprehend English; use proper English grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Operate telecommunications equipment and speak clearly and distinctly.
Deal tactfully with others and give precise, understandable oral instructions.
Obtain information through inquiries with other departments and outside facilities.
Make decisions and act quickly during emergency situations.
Work accurately with names, telephone numbers, codes, abbreviations, and symbols.
Assemble information according to established procedures and maintain accurate records.
Follow oral and written instructions.
Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.
Work independently, exercise sound judgment, and use discretion with confidential information.
After appointment, obtain a valid Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s permit issued by the FCC.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in a second or additional language, given the population served.
Prior experience in code calling, dispatch, or communications.

Responsibilities

Operate the Cisco console for the telecommunications system.
Operate emergency paging and/or beeper systems and contact and dispatch emergency personnel according to emergency procedures.
Transmit messages from a radio communications base station in accordance with FCC rules and regulations.
Monitor radio frequencies to receive, evaluate, and forward information.
Operate radio transmitting and receiving equipment used by fixed stations and mobile units.
Greet and direct visitors, answer questions, and provide information or literature about agency rules, regulations, and operations.
Respond to emergency incidents.
Perform miscellaneous office duties, including typing, filing, and record keeping.