Communication Dispatcher II - Split Shift

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Taunton (MA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking a Communication Dispatcher II at Taunton State Hospital to operate the campus switchboard, dispatch emergencies, and provide information and guidance on site.

The role includes supervising staff, maintaining accurate records, and performing related office duties, with a 40-hour full-time schedule and a rotating shift pattern. A FCC Radiotelephone permit is required.

Qualifications

• Understand and apply laws, rules, and procedures for console activities.
• Read, write, and comprehend English.
• Use proper English grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Operate telecommunication equipment.
• Speak clearly and distinctly.
• Deal tactfully with others.
• Give oral instructions precisely.
• Obtain information from other departments and facilities.
• Make quick decisions during emergencies.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Establish harmonious working relationships.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Discretion with confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Operate Cisco console for telecommunications system.
• Dispatch emergency personnel per protocol.
• Transmit messages via radio base station per FCC rules.
• Monitor radio frequencies and forward information.
• Greet visitors and provide information about agency rules.
• Maintain logs and staff/patient information records.
• Coordinate and train switchboard staff.
• Supervise Communications Dispatcher I.

Skills

Emergency dispatch

Telecommunications equipment

FCC regulations

Record keeping

Customer service

Supervisory training

Tools

Cisco equipment

Job description

Job Title: Communication Dispatcher II

Taunton State Hospital is seeking a Communication Dispatcher II for the hospital campus switchboard. The selected candidate operates telecommunications system; contacts and dispatches emergency incidences in accordance with rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission; functions as receptionist; responds to all emergency incidences; performs miscellaneous office duties (i.e., typing, filing & record keeping); supervises and provides training to subordinates; and performs other duties assigned.

Schedule

The incumbent will work 40 hours per week on a split schedule as follows: Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 3-11 p.m.; and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Days off are Sunday and Monday.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates a Cisco console for telecommunications system.
• Operates Emergency paging and/or beeper system. Contacts and dispatches emergency personnel to incidences as needed according to emergency procedure protocol to provide prompt & appropriate response.
• Transmit messages from a radio communications base station in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.
• Monitors radio frequencies to receive, evaluate and forward information.
• Operates radio transmitting and receiving equipment comprising a system of fixed stations and mobile units.
• Greets and directs visitors to the individuals and/or agency, answers question, listens to complaints and provides information and/or literature pertaining to agency rules, regulations and/or operation.
• Maintains records and logs of information such as all messages received and transmitted, for individuals or authorities to contact in emergency situations.
• Does miscellaneous typing, filing and recordkeeping. Maintains accurate lists of staff and patient information.
• Sorts all incoming and outgoing mail.
• Reports systems malfunction (cell phones, consoles, fire alarm, walkie talkies, radio dispatcher, etc.), directory changes and phone problems to appropriate responsible staff.
• Establishes and maintains harmonious working relationships with others.
• Secures coverage and prepares a draft of the monthly switchboard schedule for approval.
• Coordinates, implements and maintains on-going, on-the-job employee training for switchboard staff.
• Provides direct supervision, assigns work to, and evaluates the performance of Communications Dispatcher I's.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules and policy & procedures governing assigned console activities
• Ability to read, write & comprehend the English language
• Ability to use proper English grammar, punctuation and spelling
• Ability to operate telecommunication equipment
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly
• Ability to deal tactfully with others
• Ability to give oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner
• Ability to obtain information by inquiries with other departments & outside facilities
• Ability to make decisions & act quickly during emergency situations
• Ability to work accurately with names, telephone numbers, codes, abbreviations, and/or symbols
• Ability to assemble pieces of information according to established procedures
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to follow oral & written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to exercise sound judgment

Ability to exercise discretion when dealing with confidential information

Preferred Qualifications

Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

License and/or Certification Requirements

• Based on assignment, appointee must obtain a valid Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s permit issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

About Taunton State Hospital

Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 62-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses. The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients’ discharge back to the community.

DMH Mission Statement

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori .

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at1-800-510-4122, Option 4.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the operation of radio receiving and transmitting equipment.

Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's permit issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Aff… Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Communication Dispatcher II

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Taunton-60 Hodges Avenue

Job

Administrative Services

Agency

Department of Mental Health

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Multiple

Job Posting

Aug 4, 2026, 1:19:29 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

51,234.82 - 68,643.90 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Aff… or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Christina Hyppolite / [e-mail] - 8572835830

Bargaining Unit : 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No