Dispatcher - Communications

Washington University in St. Louis; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a Dispatcher to assist in coordinating the operations of the Communications Center, handling both emergency and non-emergency calls, and dispatching police personnel as needed.

The role includes maintaining CAD records and CCTV monitoring on campus with close coordination with the Communications Center Supervisor. The position requires quick decision-making, strong knowledge of campus geography, and the ability to work varying shifts.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience preferred in Police/Fire Communications Center.
• Ability to type and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and in-person complaints from the public; dispatches police units.
• Maintains logs and enters data in the CAD system; coordinates with supervisor.
• Monitors CCTV feeds and radio communications; responds to alarms and incidents.
• Assists in developing training materials and ensuring proper staffing.

Skills

Emergency Dispatch

Police Dispatching

Radio Systems

Multitasking

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD system

Job description

Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63105 Scheduled Hours 40

Position Summary

Assist in coordinating operations of the Communications Center while maintaining responsibility for performing regular duties as a Dispatcher. Will coordinate efforts with Communications Center Supervisor to develop and implement training materials, ensure proper staffing and properly maintain Communications Center systems.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and in-person complaints from the public. Refers non-emergency calls to the appropriate service provider by phone call, written message, or in-person referral. Dispatches police personnel using radio system in response to calls for service. This involves assessing and assigning the proper number of units after obtaining critical information from the service requestor. Records all police activity on proper forms and/or by entering data in the Department’s CAD system. This activity is conducted concurrently with other Dispatcher tasks. Maintains constant contact, by police radio, with police personnel in the field and remains alert for potential problems or threats to personnel safety. Maintains an on-going assessment of personnel availability through active listening to radio traffic. Monitors alarm panels by watching or listening and dispatches units to the appropriate alarm. This requires geographic familiarity with the Campus as well as constant monitoring of personnel availability. The Dispatcher must react quickly in contacting personnel at the source of the alarm to determine if the alarm is false or bona fide. Monitors campus CCTV feeds by viewing monitors in the dispatch center and dispatching appropriate personnel when activity requiring follow-up is observed. Monitors by listening to and comprehending several other radio frequencies such as Parking, Bear Patrol, and surrounding jurisdictions. Dispatches the Emergency Support Team. Monitors and dispatches units in response to calls received on the Emergency “Blue Light” Telephone system. Using police telecommunication system, notifies and dispatches appropriate personnel in response to specific incidents requiring investigation. Conducts computer inquiries and makes computer entries of stolen property, missing persons, license registrations, etc. Must constantly monitor computer for receipt of messages regarding commission of crimes, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, etc. Receives and processes emergency calls for other University departments when they are closed. Maintains a constantly updated log of towed vehicles. Maintains computerized files of bicycle registrations, telephone contacts, etc. Greets and assists visitors at the public window. Responds to inquiries from the public regarding police related services and makes referrals for members of the news media. Maintains Department recording equipment so that telephone and radio traffic can be recorded and reviewed periodically changing discs and checking machines for proper adjustment. Reviews “Dispatcher” email on a daily basis; shares pertinent information with on-coming Dispatcher. Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Job Location/Working Conditions Ability to work in an environment that is fast-paced and is exposed simultaneously to multiple audio and visual signals. Employee may be required to work any shift and to occasionally remain on duty beyond normal shift. Employee may occasionally be required to report for duty without prior notice due to emergencies or staffing shortages. Physical Effort Employee is required to sit for extended periods of time. Equipment E‐911 Communications, computer aided dispatch, multi-disciplined radio, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Normal office equipment. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications/Professional Licenses

The list below may include all acceptable certifications, professional licenses and issuers. More than one credential, certification or professional license may be required depending on the role. Regional Justice Information System (REJIS) - St Louis Police Academy

Work Experience

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills

Not Applicable

Driver's License

A driver's license is not required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience as a Dispatcher. Ability to work all shifts. Ability to function effectively in a potentially stressful environment. Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute with accuracy. Ability to listen and effectively communicate via telephone, police radio and in person. Considerable knowledge of the geography of the campus and surrounding area. Considerable knowledge of Departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures and operating guidelines of NCIC, MULES, REJIS and the FCC. Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations. Ability to interact successfully and courteously with the public in person and/or by telephone. Ability to make emergency decisions under stress and assign priorities based on available information. Ability to write legibly and concisely.

Preferred Qualifications Education

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Preferred Qualifications Certifications/Professional Licenses

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Preferred Qualifications Work Experience

Police/Fire Communications Center (2 Years)

Preferred Qualifications Skills

• Analyze Information
• Deadline Management
• Decision Making
• Emergency Dispatch
• Enhanced 911
• Impartiality
• Listening Effectively
• Multitasking
• Objective Thinking
• Oral Communications
• Police Dispatching
• Prioritization
• Problem Solving
• Radio Systems
• Scheduling
• Speak Effectively
• Speaking Clearly
• Stress Management
• Teamwork
• Working Independently
• Work Relationships
• Written Communication

Grade

G08-H Salary Range $21.17 - $32.85 / Hourly

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time. Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance. Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%. Wellness Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more! Family We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered. WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us. For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity or shared ancestry, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.