Communication Dispatcher I - Day Shift

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Taunton, MA

About The Position

Taunton State Hospital is seeking a Communication Dispatcher I for its Communications Department. The position uses telecommunications and radio systems to contact and dispatch emergency personnel, receive and forward information, respond to emergency incidents, and provide receptionist and general office support. The dispatcher must follow applicable emergency protocols and Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations. The schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week, on the day shift. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 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. It provides continuing inpatient care to adults with major mental illnesses and incorporates recovery principles and rehabilitation into its treatment model. After appointment, the selected candidate must obtain a valid Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's permit issued by the Federal Communications Commission. The position is subject to applicable COVID-19 and influenza vaccination or mitigation requirements.

Requirements

Ability to understand, explain, and apply laws, rules, policies, and procedures governing assigned console activities.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend English; use proper English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; and speak clearly and distinctly.
Ability to operate telecommunications equipment.
Ability to deal tactfully with others and establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.
Ability to give precise, understandable oral instructions and obtain information through inquiries with other departments and outside facilities.
Ability to make decisions and act quickly during emergencies.
Ability to work accurately with names, telephone numbers, codes, abbreviations, and symbols, and assemble information according to established procedures.
Ability to maintain accurate records and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information.
After appointment, obtain a valid Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's permit issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Operate a Cisco console for the telecommunications system.
Operate an emergency paging and/or beeper system and contact and dispatch emergency personnel according to emergency procedure protocols.
Transmit messages from a radio communications base station in accordance with Federal Communications Commission 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.
Respond to emergency incidents and support prompt and appropriate responses.
Greet and direct visitors, answer questions, and provide information or literature about agency rules, regulations, and operations.
Perform receptionist and miscellaneous office duties, including typing, filing, and record keeping.
Maintain accurate records and handle confidential information with discretion.