Telecommunications Dispatcher (Office/On-site)

State of Connecticut; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State employee benefits

Professional development opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

The State of Connecticut seeks a Telecommunications Dispatcher to support emergency communications at the Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown. You will coordinate police, fire, medical, and other emergency responses, operate CAD/NCIC/COLLECT, and maintain logs and communications under pressure.

Applicants should have at least one year of dispatch experience and be able to work a second shift. A comprehensive state benefits package and professional development opportunities are offered by

Qualifications

• One year of dispatching experience.
• Experience with CAD systems.
• Experience coordinating multi-agency responses.

Responsibilities

• Receives, transmits and relays police, fire, medical and other emergency information to and from appropriate personnel.
• Provides appropriate dispatch responses to calls such as traffic accidents and emergencies.
• Determines and evaluates emergency situations, prioritizes and acts accordingly.
• Operates communications equipment (computer, radio, telephone).
• Uses CAD, NCIC and COLLECT systems for dispatch tasks.
• Monitors cameras, alarms, and radio frequencies; maintains situational awareness.
• Logs communications and maintains records for rapid reference.
• Coordinates with State Police and local public safety agencies during incidents.
• Responds independently to calls from the public and refers to proper personnel.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication

Computer keyboarding

Tools

CAD

NCIC

COLLECT

Job description

Introduction

Seeking a skilled dispatcher interested in supporting complex emergency communications within a healthcare system. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has an opening for a full‑time Telecommunications Dispatcher (PCN 125995) for the Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) in Middletown as a critical part of DMHAS' Division of Safety Services (DSS).

Schedule

• Second shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Full‑time, 40 hours per week
• Every other weekend on/off

What We Can Offer You

• Comprehensive state employee benefits
• Access the State Employee Benefits Overview page to explore available options
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance

Position Highlights

• Coordinate police, fire, medical, and other emergency communications with accuracy and urgency
• Operate CAD, NCIC, COLLECT, radio, telephone, and related communications systems to support critical operations
• Interpret and relay time‑sensitive information to offsite personnel, often making independent decisions under pressure
• Monitor agency cameras, alarms, and multiple radio frequencies to maintain situational awareness
• Maintain detailed communication logs and records for accurate documentation and rapid reference
• Collaborate with State Police, local public safety agencies, and internal units during multi‑agency incidents

A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required following a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must comply with Connecticut’s Drug‑Free Workplace Policy.

About Us

DMHAS is dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through an integrated, holistic network of services that foster dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency.

CVH provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric, addiction, and specialized services across its Middletown and Hartford campuses, including programs for dual diagnoses and traumatic brain injury recovery.

DSS works to maintain a safe and secure environment across our recovery‑oriented healthcare system. Our team includes sworn police officers, building and grounds patrol staff, dispatchers, and other support personnel. The division provides essential safety, security, and law enforcement services that support compliance with Joint Commission (JCAHO) and other regulatory standards.

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

At the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System, Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services, Connecticut Valley Hospital and UConn Health this class is accountable for providing a communications link between agency units and/or divisions, other public safety agencies and the public.

Examples of Duties

• Receives, transmits and relays police, fire, medical and other emergency information to and from appropriate personnel;
• Provides appropriate dispatch responses to calls such as traffic accidents and injuries on state property and police, fire and medical emergencies;
• Determines and evaluates emergency or non-emergency situations, prioritizes and takes appropriate action including interpreting and relaying information to offsite personnel;
• Operates communications equipment such as computer, radio, telephone and related communications equipment;
• Operates computer assisted dispatch (CAD), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Connecticut On-Line Law Enforcement Communications Teleprocessing (COLLECT) systems;
• Operates voter system to determine radio transmission capability;
• Monitors various cameras and alarm systems within the agency complex;
• Logs communications received during shift and maintains records for purpose of ready identification;
• Advices other agencies on incidents of special concern;
• Contacts and may coordinate with agency units and/or outside agencies such as State Police and local public safety agencies;
• Independently responds to calls from the general public and refers to appropriate personnel;
• May monitor other state and local police, fire and medical radio frequencies;
• May perform varied clerical and statistical work;
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

Knowledge of

and ability to operate and monitor communications equipment;

terminology and coding used in radio communications;

and ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and procedural guidelines relating to communications;

Skills

• interpersonal skills;
• oral and written communication skills;
• computer keyboarding skills;

Ability to

• listen and communicate calmly, effectively and courteously in emergency and non-emergency situations;
• speak proper English and enunciate clearly;
• function and react calmly, effectively and efficiently under stress;
• think and act quickly in emergency situations with judgment and discretion;
• exercise discretion in handling confidential information;
• follow oral and written instructions;
• maintain records.

Minimum Qualifications - General Experience

One (1) year of experience in dispatching and operation of communication equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in performing dispatching and record keeping functions for an organized Police Department
• Experience with Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems

Special Requirements

• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain certification as a Telecommunicator.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to receive within three (3) months of appointment and retain certification in National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Connecticut On-Line Law Enforcement Communications Teleprocessing (COLLECT) systems.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to work a schedule that includes weekends, evenings and holidays.

Character Requirements

In addition to the checking of references and facts stated in the application a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for permanent appointment.

Physical Requirements

A physical examination may be required by the appointing authority. Applicants for this class must possess normal hearing and vision.

Working Conditions

Incumbents in this class may be required to work in tiring positions for long periods of time.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.