Communications Officer, University Police

Wake Forest University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University seeks a dispatcher for the Police Communications Center. The role involves operating the radio system, dispatching calls to officers, and coordinating with local and campus emergency services.

The position requires alert decision-making and strict adherence to university and state regulations. Qualified applicants will have a high school diploma or GED with related experience and strong interpersonal, organizational, and multitasking abilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with three years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and time management skills.
• Proficiency with the operation of multiple line telephones and multi-channel radio equipment.
• Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, the internet, and other relevant software.
• Ability to think quickly, make sound logical decisions, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to organize workflow and coordinate activities.
• Must qualify under state law to participate in and become certified in the NC State DCI computer network and other required courses.
• Ability to complete First Aid, CPR and Blood-borne Pathogen Training.
• Ability to utilize hazardous material resources provided by the department.
• Ability to meet the University’s automobile insurance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operates the department’s radio communications system and dispatches all calls for assistance to officers in a proper and professional manner.
• Responds to emergency situations which may involve contacting local police, fire departments, EMS, rescue squads, and on-campus teams.
• Notifies the Supervisor of Police Communications of all service difficulties, complaints, console or equipment problems and major emergencies as soon as possible.
• Utilizes DCI computer terminal hardware and data within security regulations.
• Monitors SFI card access system, dispatching appropriate personnel when necessary.
• Maintains necessary liaisons to keep system functional and reports all defects/problems.
• Issues temporary access cards and cancels cards when stolen or lost.
• Monitors fire and burglar alarm systems and takes appropriate actions when necessary.
• Monitors student location records system and keeps information up-to-date.
• Issues bicycle registrations and maintains related paperwork.
• Monitors video cameras and changes tapes as needed.
• Accurately records events and activities during each shift per laws, policies and rules.

Skills

Emergency communications

Radio operation

Microsoft Office

Confidential handling

multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Telephone systems

Education

High school diploma or GED

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

Job Description Summary

Operates the WFU Police department communication systems. Works rotating shifts; days, nights, weekends and holidays and is subject to hours beyond or outside normal scheduled shift. Subject to short notice or emergency call-in. *This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Job Description Essential Functions

• Operates the department’s radio communications system and dispatches all calls for assistance to officers in a proper and professional manner.
• Responds to emergency situations which may involve contacting the Winston-Salem Police Department, Fire Department, Forsyth County Emergency Medical Services, Rescue Squads, on-campus emergency teams and other departments and agencies.
• Notifies the Supervisor of Police Communications of all service difficulties, complaints, console or equipment problems and major emergencies as soon as possible.
• Utilizes DCI computer terminal hardware and data within security regulations prescribed by North Carolina State Law.
• Monitors SFI card access system, dispatching appropriate personnel when necessary.
• Maintains necessary liaisons to keep system functional and reports all defects/problems.
• Issues temporary access cards to appropriate individuals and cancels cards when reported stolen or lost.
• Monitors University fire and burglar alarm systems and takes appropriate actions when necessary.
• Monitors student location records system, keeping all information up-to-date.
• Issues bicycle registrations; maintains and files necessary forms/paperwork.
• Monitors video cameras and changes tapes as necessary.
• Accurately records all events and activities during each shift utilizing appropriate forms and computer-aided dispatch in accordance with Federal/State laws, University Policies and Departmental rules and regulations.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• High school diploma or G.E.D with three years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and time management skills.
• Proficiency with the operation of multiple line telephones and multi-channel radio equipment.
• Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, the internet, and other relevant software.
• Ability to think quickly, make sound logical decisions, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to organize workflow and coordinate activities.
• Must qualify under state law to participate in and become certified in the North Carolina State DCI computer network and any other courses required by the department.
• Ability to successfully complete First Aid, CPR and Blood-borne Pathogen Training.
• Ability to utilize hazardous material resources provided by the department.
• Ability to meet the requirements of the University’s automobile insurance.

Physical Requirements

light work; standing, walking, talking, hearing, and close visual acuity.

Subject to inside environmental conditions.

Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; exposure to infectious diseases; required to function around prisoners or mental patients.

Must be able to sit at a desk/console for long periods of time.

Must be able to work alone in the communications Center for long periods of time.

Must be drug free and pass random drug tests as scheduled.

Must be able to meet the North Carolina Standards and Training Commission minimum standards for sight and hearing.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Three years related experience in police/emergency communications.

Additional Job Description Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor. In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] or [phone].

About WFU

Wake Forest University, formed in 1834, has experienced decades of growth and innovation. WFU is a distinctive university that combines a liberal arts core with graduate and professional schools and innovative research programs. The University embraces the teacher-scholar ideal, which prizes the personal interaction between students and faculty. It is a place where exceptional teaching, fundamental research and discovery, and the engagement of faculty and students in the classroom and the laboratory are paramount. Wake Forest University is a community that seeks the enlightenment and freedom which come through diligent study and learning. Its higher goal, however, is to give life to the University motto "Pro Humanitate," as members translate a passion for knowledge into compassionate service. The community shares a tradition that embraces freedom and integrity and acknowledges the worth of the individual. The heritage, established by the school's founders and nurtured by succeeding generations, promotes a democratic spirit arising from open-mindedness and discourse. Wake Forest fosters compassion and caring for others. Its collective strength and character are derived from the values and distinctive experiences of each individual; therefore, it affirms the richness of human intellect and culture and its contribution to knowledge, faith, reason, and dialogue. Furthermore, it strives toward a society in which good will, respect, and equality prevail. To that end, Wake Forest University rejects hatred and bigotry in any form and promotes justice, honor, and mutual trust. The University is comprised of: the undergraduate college, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Divinity, School of Law, and School of Medicine (located on the Bowman Gray campus with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center) and today enrolls about 4,846 undergraduates and 2,823 students in graduate programs at its principal location, the Reynolda campus. Students at Wake Forest University enjoy a great deal of access to and interaction with world‑class faculty both in and out of the classroom setting with a student‑faculty ratio of 11:1. Wake Forest employs approximately 2,772 full and part‑time faculty and staff. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the fifteen‑team Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the university has adopted the motto “pro humanitate,” which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world. Wake Forest has a strong commitment to holistic, eight‑dimensional well‑being for students, faculty and staff as evidenced in the Thrive initiative. Winston‑Salem, North Carolina Wake Forest is located in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, a beautiful, mid‑sized city centrally located in the Piedmont‑Triad region of North Carolina. Winston‑Salem residents enjoy close proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains (1.5 hours) and Atlantic beaches (4 hours), a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, a very reasonable cost of living, and an eclectic variety of restaurants, wine bars, and breweries for dining with friends and family. Winston‑Salem offers many of the amenities of a large city but with the sense of community and quality of life of a smaller town.