Communications Dispatcher II (UMPD Emergency Dispatcher)

The University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Communications Dispatcher II to join their dynamic team. This role is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the campus community by effectively managing emergency and non-emergency calls. As a dispatcher, you will be responsible for prioritizing and transmitting critical information while maintaining communication with law enforcement and emergency services. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, the ability to multi-task in high-pressure situations, and a commitment to confidentiality. Join a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and community safety, and make a significant impact in a vital role.

Qualifications

• High School graduate with strong communication and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to handle life-or-death situations with sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Receives and dispatches emergency calls for police, fire, and medical assistance.
• Documents all incidents and communicates with various departments.

Skills

Communication Skills

Multi-tasking

Judgment in High-Stress Situations

Confidentiality

Geographical Knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Genetec Security Desk

Language Link Interpreter Service

Job description

Communications Dispatcher II (UMPD Emergency Dispatcher)

Apply now Job no: 526809
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Police Operations
Union: AFSCME
Categories: Student Affairs & Services, Police, Public Safety, Security

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good.

Job Summary

Receives, prioritizes, and transmits first notification of calls for 24/7/365 service for police, fire and medical assistance from the campus community. Dispatches non-emergency and 911 calls for service to the campus community. Transmits messages by radio from the Communications Center to multiple mobile and portable units in accordance with strict rules and regulations. Communicates via state and national criminal databases to other police departments to report on criminal activity. Extensively documents actions and outcomes from all police, fire and medical incidents occurring on campus into a computer-aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

Essential Functions

• Receives, prioritizes, transmits and documents first notification of calls for service for police, fire, and medical assistance from the University community.
• Acknowledges, records and dispatches appropriate Police, EHS, and Amherst and Hadley Fire Departments to fire, intrusion and hold-up alarm calls received via the Simplex Tru-Site and GTRI systems, and outside alarm companies.
• Receives and disseminates information through various technologies, i.e., police radio broadcast system, teletype system, CJIS Web RMV and statewide police telecommunications, and Televent weather system.
• Disseminates information to appropriate department personnel on routine and emergency incidents, complaints, crimes-in-progress and medical emergencies via radio, telephone, and LAN technologies.
• Records and disseminates information to assist sworn personnel in the coordination of activities of law enforcement personnel who are engaged in significant, high-stress law enforcement and fire service actions.
• Provides campus-wide critical emergency notifications via RAVE email and text system and the ATI Outdoor Warning System (OWS), following established federal, state and Clery Act guidelines.
• Disseminates and records information provided by other law enforcement agencies relative to missing or wanted individuals, criminal history checks, stolen property and sensitive intelligence.
• Responds to requests for information from the public and other agencies, providing general, non-critical information concerning travel directions, general hazards, construction work, weather, and road conditions.
• Enters appropriate data records via Leaps/CJIS/NCIC systems to assure proper recording in compliance with State records retention standards.
• Responds to requests for, and disseminates, student information retrieved via the University’s records program (Spire) to appropriate department personnel.
• Uses the Genetec Security Desk and Live Viewer camera systems to open/close sally ports and lot/emergency gates.
• Receives, records and dispatches appropriate Police, EHS and Amherst fire units to all elevator, “Area of Refuge” and campus help phones.
• Maintains a working knowledge of the FVMS University wide camera system.
• Receives and coordinates requests for Life Flight transport for critical medical emergencies.
• Utilizes the Language Link interpreter service for the non-English speaking public.
• Serves as a liaison between University mental health staff (CCPH) and off-campus resources (ProtoCall, CSO) outside of normal business hours for people in crisis.
• Keeps abreast and complies with all Dispatch Center guidelines, directives, announcements, special orders, policies, and procedures.
• Completes mandatory annual training in handling callers experiencing mental health emergencies.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties, consistent with position, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Ability to successfully pass a thorough background investigation.
• Knowledge of geographical directions (north, south, east, west).
• Ability to read and speak the English language in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to multi-task to a high degree of efficiency and prioritization using multiple forms of technology.
• Ability to take charge and exercise sound judgment in real-time, life or death circumstances.
• Strong communications skills with the ability to read, write and comprehend the English language.
• Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, policies, procedures, and shift guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to operate video display terminals and keyboards.
• Ability to accurately type 45 words per minute.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to take direction and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to gather information through questioning individuals and by examining records and documents.
• Ability to deal tactfully and professionally with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Communications Dispatcher II positions are considered essential personnel for purposes of staffing.
• Required to work inverses (forced overtime) to maintain staffing minimums.
• Required to work holidays and weekends as needed.

Work Schedule

40 hours per week.

Salary Information

Grade 14

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services.