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Department:
Time Type:
Full timeWork Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The University Police Dispatcher performs responsible telecommunications work under frequent stressful conditions. This position receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public, law enforcement, and fire and rescue communities, as well as maintenance of radio communications with American University Police Officers. The Dispatcher uses a computer-aided dispatching system to manage service calls, two-way radio dispatching, and information collection. This position also monitors the university security system including alarms and closed-circuit television cameras throughout campus. The incumbent gathers and analyzes information quickly and exercises judgment in dispatching patrol officers to incidents.
Essential Functions:
The University Police Dispatcher reports directly to the Supervisor of Police Communications.
University Police Dispatchers will also be required to work all three shifts during their training period.
They will be assigned a shift based on the needs of the department. University Police Dispatchers can be reassigned to a different shift dependent upon department needs and in accordance with agency mission.
Receives emergency request for service by radio and telephone, determines appropriate response according to location and nature of problem and procedures of the department; receives non-emergency requests for service and provides appropriate response to callers; enters, records, tracks and updates service calls and police activity in the computer-aided dispatch system.
Monitors and operates the university security system, dispatches officers to reset all active alarms.
Monitors and operates fire alarm monitoring system, dispatches officers to reset all active trouble and fire alarms.
Monitors University wide closed circuit television cameras, assesses camera events and relays information to officers.
Provides information to police officers, such as criminal histories, wanted checks, vehicle registration status; conducts emergency notifications upon approval from the Senior Director; provides information to the public and university community as requested.
Maintains and updates access control records, authorization lists, emergency contact numbers, alarm codes.
Tracks restricted keys issued for temporary use.
Assists with training programs; other duties as assigned.
Salary Range:
$24.04 - $28.85 per hour.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
The Public Safety Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Work periods may have permanent or rotating days off, frequently requiring the employee to work holidays, evenings, or nights.
Required Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least one year of work experience involving public contact, preferably with an emergency response agency or dispatch center.
General knowledge of the methods of operation of telecommunication equipment and systems; proficiency with records management systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), e-mail, word processing and data entry; ability to work well in emergency situations; ability to work well in a stressful environment, ability to work shift work.
Ability to work well with the public, responder agencies and co-workers; general knowledge of the geography, street and road systems and location of landmarks in the District of Columbia.
Ability to speak distinctly; courtesy; tact; ability to type 35 wpm; ability to satisfactorily complete the University Police Dispatcher training program; ability to obtain and maintain WALES/National Crime Information Center and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid Certifications; ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Experience operating a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera system; experience operating an alarm monitoring system; knowledge of emergency response protocols.
Additional Information about the Position:
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.
Once hired, must be able to pass an initial drug screen and additional random or scheduled drug screens.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.