DISPATCHER

Village Center Community Development District•The Villages, FL

7h•$0 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Villages Community Development Districts (The District) is seeking a full-time Dispatcher to join their Community Watch Department. This role requires strong communication skills, accuracy, and a passion for excellence. The Dispatcher will act as the communications hub, providing response and assistance to Community Watch Patrol Drivers, individuals requesting services, and local law enforcement/public safety agencies. The position involves coordinating and monitoring response efforts using radio communications, telephones, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD). The District offers a supportive and engaging workplace with competitive compensation and benefits, and this position is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
One to three years related experience and/or training required
A valid Florida Driver’s License is required
Proof of Florida residency
CPR and AED certification (training provided)
All candidates and employees must successfully pass background screening and drug screening
Must maintain knowledge of local and regional geographical information relevant to the position
Ability to comprehend and proficiently utilize all required computer software/programs (i.e., Microsoft programs, CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch), Firehouse, AS400 databases, worksheets, etc.)
Ability to accurately type 25 words per minute while actively listening to the radio and/or using the telephone
Maintains appropriate confidentiality of all information encountered in the performance of assigned duties
Flexibility of schedule, as position supports uncovered hours, including District and Federal holidays
Must have the ability to work various shifts associated with a 24/7, 365-day operation, including holidays
Strong communication customer service and telephone skills experience required
Maintain ability to read and comprehend complex instructions and other correspondence
Must be able to actively listen to various communications and respond per department guidelines
Must be able to verbally express themselves in an appropriate, friendly and professional manner
Ability to assess a situation quickly and use good judgment while responding
Ability to use a radio/telephone and computer simultaneously and handle multiple tasks concurrently
Ability to remain calm in stressful or hectic situations, especially when call volumes are high

Nice To Haves

Dispatch or call-taking experience preferred

Responsibilities

Act as the communications hub by providing appropriate response and assistance to Community Watch Patrol Drivers, individuals requesting a wide variety of services, local law enforcement/public safety and other agencies.
Coordinate and monitor the status of response efforts using radio communications, telephones and computer aided dispatch (CAD).
Provide service to Residents, Guests, and Customers of The District through daily interaction with various District Departments and associated Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies.
Work independently within a team environment, requiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Serve in this capacity or in any other capacity, during emergency situations.
Answer phones in a calm, professional and friendly manner.
Receive and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls professionally and friendly via radios, telephones, computer e-mails and computer aided dispatch (CAD).
Process and evaluate information received, prioritize calls and dispatch required units/resources in accordance with established Community Watch procedures.
Monitor and maintain status, location and activities of Community Watch personnel/resources via radio communications, telephone and CAD.
Make calls for residents participating in the Adult Watch program and well-being checks.
Provide a wide variety of information for residents, guests and other callers.
Respond to and address citizen’s complaints per department guidelines, suspicious persons, solicitors, trespassing, etc.
Contact and schedule off duty personnel for emergency staffing.
Advise callers and Community Watch staff about traffic problems, weather conditions, hazards and other incidents.
Notify the chain of command of Community Watch as directed.
Make emergency phone calls and 911 calls as necessary.
Maintain appropriate confidentiality of all information encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
Assist in providing training to other staff members.
Provide directions over the phone for map reading.
Process and e-mail work orders and attachments to other departments.
Perform recordkeeping duties using Firehouse and CAD entries.
Utilize all required computer software/programs (i.e., data processing, CAD, AS400 database, worksheets, etc.).
Multi-task and perform all job duties, often under very high stress levels.
Provide after-hour resident assistance for various departments including Utilities/Water, Customer Service, Billing, Recreation and Community Standards.
Promptly address reported security issues with both District and Resident properties by immediately taking the proper steps with Law Enforcement and other agencies/departments to insure said properties are protected and appropriate reports, notifications and follow ups are generated 24/7 365 days per year.
Perform other duties as assigned.
May be expected to perform additional duties in an emergency.