Communications Specialist

Georgetown University; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgetown University is seeking a Communications Specialist to answer emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch police and EMS, monitor alarm and CCTV systems, and assist at the customer service desk on campus.

The role requires calm under pressure, strong communication, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, with shifts including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) required.
• Must be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the U.S. for the past IO consecutive years.
• Must pass a written test, drug test, physical examination, and extensive background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatch police and EMS.
• Monitor fire alarm and CCTV systems and provide information at the customer service desk.

Skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Typing 35 wpm

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Email systems

Job description

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation's capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Job Overview

Communications Specialists are responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls for service, dispatching both police and EMS calls, monitoring alarm systems, and working the customer service desk. The incumbent may work shifts including days, nights, weekends and holidays. The job requires significant knowledge, skill and abilities in responding to citizens' needs and the dispatching of police officers in calls for service. The work can be fast paced, time critical, stressful and demanding, and requires good communication skills, the ability to multi-task, and resource management skills. When assisting callers, Communications Specialists must remain calm and collected while displaying good communications skills. They also need to prioritize calls, depending on the level of emergency. Communications Specialists are CPR, NCIC, and Public Safety Telecommunicator certified through APCO, and Incident Command certified through FEMA, at a minimum. The incumbent may be assigned to either the Hilltop or Capitol Campus.

Work Interactions

Communications Specialists work in the Georgetown University Police Department Communications Center which is a public safety answering point (PSAP) and serves the Georgetown Community. The incumbent performs a variety of communications and operational tasks in support of public safety, security, and law enforcement operations in accordance with existing university, state and federal guidelines. Duties include answering emergencytelephone lines, dispatching police officers, monitoring the universityfire alarm system, monitoring the university closed-circuit television (CCTV) security system, and providing information and customer service to the university community via both telephone and a walk-up window. This position reports to the Communications Manager or the on-dut Watch Commander and works independently with general supervision. The incumbent works with other communications dispatchers, patrol officers, security officers, investigators, and student guards. Also, interacts routinely with students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the neighboring community. The incumbent is one of the "faces" of the Georgetown University Police Department.

Requirements and Qualifications

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the U.S. for the past IO consecutive years.
• No felony convictions or convictions of misdemeanors involving crimes of moral turpitude or gross misconduct.
• Must not currently be wanted for any crime.
• Must not have been found guilty by reason of insanity for any crime (NGRI).
• All applicants are subject to a written test, drug test, physical examination by a medical doctor to University specifications, and extensive psychological testing. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Must become certified and maintain a NCIC/WALES certification.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and remain calm while performing complex operations under stress and emergency situations.
• Must be able to assist in tasks that include but are not limited to training new communications center staff.
• Must maintain required APCO certifications and current knowledge of police and communications methods and practices.
• Must work with minimal supervision.
• Must possess tact, patience, a professional and courteous demeanor, and be customer service-oriented in order to assist students, staff, faculty, visitors, and community members.
• Must have the ability to multitask and prioritize in a very busy police communications center.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively via telephone and radio.
• Must be able to type at least 35 words per minute.
• Must be comfortable using computers including Microsoft Word, email and/or the ability to learn these applications is essential

Preferred Qualifications

At least 1 year of general work experience is preferred.

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work-mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position's mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University's mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website