Dispatcher - Communications

Washington University in St. Louis

6d • $21 - $33 • Onsite

About The Position

Assist in coordinating operations of the Communications Center while maintaining responsibility for performing regular duties as a Dispatcher. Will coordinate efforts with Communications Center Supervisor to develop and implement training materials, ensure proper staffing and properly maintain Communications Center systems.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.
• Regional Justice Information System (REJIS) - St Louis Police Academy
• No specific work experience is required for this position.
• Not Applicable
• A driver's license is not required for this position.
• Successful completion of any required training to be a state certified Telecommunicator.
• Pass a drug screen and criminal background investigation.
• Considerable knowledge of communications equipment; considerable knowledge of and ability to operate a computer.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a Dispatcher.
• Ability to work all shifts.
• Ability to function effectively in a potentially stressful environment.
• Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute with accuracy.
• Ability to listen and effectively communicate via telephone, police radio and in person.
• Considerable knowledge of the geography of the campus and surrounding area.
• Considerable knowledge of Departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures and operating guidelines of NCIC, MULES, REJIS and the FCC.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to interact successfully and courteously with the public in person and/or by telephone.
• Ability to make emergency decisions under stress and assign priorities based on available information.
• Ability to write legibly and concisely.
• Police/Fire Communications Center (2 Years)
• Analyze Information
• Deadline Management
• Decision Making
• Emergency Dispatch
• Enhanced 911
• Impartiality
• Listening Effectively
• Multitasking
• Objective Thinking
• Oral Communications
• Police Dispatching
• Prioritization
• Problem Solving
• Radio Systems
• Scheduling
• Speak Effectively
• Speaking Clearly
• Stress Management
• Teamwork
• Working Independently
• Work Relationships
• Written Communication

Responsibilities

• Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and in-person complaints from the public.
• Refers non-emergency calls to the appropriate service provider by phone call, written message, or in-person referral.
• Dispatches police personnel using radio system in response to calls for service. This involves assessing and assigning the proper number of units after obtaining critical information from the service requestor.
• Records all police activity on proper forms and/or by entering data in the Department’s CAD system. This activity is conducted concurrently with other Dispatcher tasks.
• Maintains constant contact, by police radio, with police personnel in the field and remains alert for potential problems or threats to personnel safety.
• Maintains an on-going assessment of personnel availability through active listening to radio traffic.
• Monitors alarm panels by watching or listening and dispatches units to the appropriate alarm. This requires geographic familiarity with the Campus as well as constant monitoring of personnel availability. The Dispatcher must react quickly in contacting personnel at the source of the alarm to determine if the alarm is false or bona fide.
• Monitoring of campus CCTV feeds by viewing monitors in the dispatch center and dispatching appropriate personnel when activity requiring follow-up is observed.
• Monitors by listening to and comprehending several other radio frequencies such as Parking, Bear Patrol, and surrounding jurisdictions.
• Dispatches the Emergency Support Team.
• Monitors and dispatches units in response to calls received on the Emergency “Blue Light” Telephone system.
• Using police telecommunication system, notifies and dispatches appropriate personnel in response to specific incidents requiring investigation.
• Conducts computer inquiries and makes computer entries of stolen property, missing persons, license registrations, etc. Must constantly monitor computer for receipt of messages regarding commission of crimes, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, etc.
• Receives and processes emergency calls for other University departments when they are closed.
• Maintains a constantly updated log of towed vehicles.
• Maintains computerized files of bicycle registrations, telephone contacts, etc.
• Greets and assists visitors at the public window.
• Responds to inquiries from the public regarding police related services and makes referrals for members of the news media.
• Maintain Department recording equipment so that telephone and radio traffic can be recorded and reviewed periodically changing discs and checking machines for proper adjustment.
• Reviews "Dispatcher" email on a daily basis; shares pertinent information with on-coming Dispatcher.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED