Public Safety Dispatcher

Northeastern University; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Commuting benefits

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Northeastern University in Oakland is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher to join the Communications Center. You will answer calls for service, dispatch officers, monitor security systems, and support walk-in inquiries around the clock.

Qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED, 1+ year of experience, a valid driver’s license, POST dispatcher certification or completion within 6 months, APCO certification within six months, background check, and CPR certification.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• 1+ year of relevant experience
• Valid U.S. Driver's License
• POST Public Safety Dispatcher certification or completion within 6 months of hire
• APCO certification within six months of hire
• Must pass criminal background check
• Subject to drug test and psychological exam
• CPR (BLS/HCP) certification within first three months

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls
• Determine nature, location, and priority of requests and dispatch appropriate resources
• Enter, update, and retrieve information from computer systems
• Disseminate mass emergency notification alerts when necessary
• Monitor radio traffic, security alarms, fire alarms, and video security cameras
• Provide referral services and victim resources
• Research, collect, analyze, document, and disseminate public safety intelligence
• Undergo initial training and maintain knowledge through continuing education
• Monitor 24/7 public safety walk-in center and dispatch officers as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Multi-tasking

Staying calm under pressure

Verbal and written communication

Computer and typing skills

Interpersonal skills

Professional phone manner

Teamwork and goal orientation

Discretion with confidential info

Education

Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, communications, leadership, or related area

Job description

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Dispatch Supervisor, the Public Safety Dispatcher is responsible for the day-to-day communications function of the Communications Center for the Oakland Campus. The dispatcher will be responsible for answering all calls for service as well as the dispatching of officers to these calls. The dispatcher may also be responsible for monitoring the public safety walk-in center during non-business hours or as needed.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls
• Determine the nature, location, and priority of requests and dispatch appropriate resources in accordance with established procedure
• Enter, update, and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems
• Disseminate mass emergency notification alerts when necessary
• Monitor radio traffic, security alarms, fire alarms, and video security cameras
• Provide referral services and victim resources
• Research, collect, analyze, document, and disseminate public safety intelligence
• Undergo initial training and maintain knowledge through continuing education
• Monitor the 24/7 public safety walk-in center and dispatch officers as needed for walk-in reports
• Other duties as assigned

Mandatory Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• One or more years of relevant experience
• A valid U.S. Driver's License
• Certification in a POST Public Safety Dispatcher course or the successful completion of a qualifying course within 6 months of hire
• APCO certification within six months of hire
• Candidates must pass a criminal background check
• Candidates will be subject to a drug test and psychological exam
• Must currently possess, or must achieve within first three months; CPR (BLS/HCP) certification

Required Skills

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and quickly synthesize information
• Ability to remain calm, stay focused, and utilize sound judgement in rapidly evolving, stressful emergency situations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong computer skills, typing skills, and ability to learn new software
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people
• Has a professional phone manner and a service mentality
• Is team and goal oriented
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, communications, leadership, or other related area is preferred
• Former dispatch or law enforcement experience strongly preferred
• Call-taking experience preferred
• Experience in a higher education setting preferred
• Certifications in any applicable training and courses related to the dispatch function & emergency communications.

Position Type

Safety and Security

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Benefits

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Equal Opportunity

will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.