Public Safety Dispatcher/Officer

Simmons University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Simmons University Dispatcher/Public Safety Officers play a critical role in protecting the campus community by handling emergency and routine calls, dispatching resources, and coordinating with local agencies.

They work 24/7 in a team-based environment, monitoring CCTV and safety systems, and supporting residential and student life operations as needed. A high school diploma is required along with comprehensive background and health screenings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Successful completion of pre-employment background, medical, drug and psychological evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Take emergency and routine calls, record details, dispatch appropriate resources.
• Follow SOPs and emergency response protocols.
• Interact with and monitor databases and systems as end users (CJIS, Workday, ARMS).
• Support university departments and communicate with local agencies for campus safety.
• Provide emergency and routine notifications to university staff and officials.
• Monitor life safety and security systems and respond as needed.
• Patrol campus for hazards and assist police operations when directed.

Skills

Call taking

Dispatch

Public safety communications

Data entry

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CJIS

Workday

ARMS

Job description

Overview

Simmons University Dispatchers/Public Safety Officers (PSO) work in a team-based environment to support the mission and objectives of Simmons University and the Public Safety Department. PSOs are non-sworn departmental members assigned to dispatcher functions.

Essential Job Functions

• Take emergency and routine calls for service, record call details, dispatch appropriate public safety or other resources, and provide call details to responding officers.
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of relevant Rules and Procedures, Standard Operating Procedures, and Emergency Response Protocols relevant to dispatcher duties.
• Interact with and monitor various electronic databases as end users, including Computer Aided Dispatch, IP video surveillance, Cameras, ARMS, CJIS, Workday, and related systems.
• Support all University departments, particularly Residential and Student Life and Buildings and Grounds.
• Communicate with the Boston Police Department, Boston Fire Department, Boston Emergency Medical Services, and other relevant agencies to provide campus safety coverage.
• Responsible for emergency and routine notifications to university and outside officials, including Public Safety command staff and other campus staff.
• Monitor security and life safety systems on campus and respond as needed.

Event Support & Shift Coverage

• Provide shift coverage and work additional hours when needed.
• Support campus events and campus-wide activities.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrol Simmons University residential and academic campuses to deter crime and report abnormalities or hazards.
• Assist police operations as directed and act as general public safety agents of the University, addressing hazards and safety violations.
• Respond to calls for service as needed.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Successful completion of a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation, medical exam, drug testing, and psychological evaluation.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR/First Aid/AED certification and other licenses and certifications as prescribed by the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or designee.
• Campus Public Safety experience and APCO Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) and Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) training or other Public Safety/Law Enforcement dispatch training desirable.

Competencies

• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality of information encountered during dispatch and related duties in line with laws and policies.
• Customer Service: Provide professional service to the Simmons University community and resolve issues or direct to appropriate contacts.
• Adaptability: Work in a dynamic public safety environment and respond to varying calls for service.
• Communication: Effective oral and written communication using two-way radio, telephone, and face-to-face contacts.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Shift availability for a 24/7 department operation, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stand, kneel, walk, lift light items, and climb stairs; tolerate varying outdoor weather conditions.

Salary and benefits information: The hourly range is $16.73 – $26.73. This is a benefits-eligible position. Compensation will be based on experience, education, and skills. The university provides a comprehensive package including pay, health benefits, retirement savings, and work-life initiatives.

EEO and Diversity

Simmons University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of the community experience. Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups and maintains inclusive hiring practices to ensure diverse talent pools and a positive candidate experience.