Position Summary

The Dispatcher is a non-sworn position responsible for receiving telephone and in-person complaints and requests for police service from the campus community.

The Dispatcher dispatches all calls for police services, transmits necessary information to police units and makes entries into the (CAD) Departmentâ™s Computer Aided Dispatch System. The Dispatcher monitors the Universityâ™s card-access, CCTV, burglar and fire alarm systems and dispatches the appropriate agency in response to the alarms.

In addition, the Dispatcher dispatches the Emergency Support Team (EST) on medical calls. The Dispatcher is responsible for implementing all duties in accordance with Departmental policies and procedures and must often perform two or more telecommunication functions at once or in rapid succession.

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 Departmentâ™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/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.
• Monitoring of 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 âœBlue Light❠Telephone system.
• Using police telecommunication system to notify and dispatch 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 by periodically changing discs and checking machines for proper adjustment.
• Reviews âœDispatcher❠e-mail on a daily basis; shares pertinent information with on-coming Dispatcher.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Employee is required to have considerable knowledge of communications equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to operate a computer.
• 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 analyze situations objectively and impartially; 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 handle several tasks at one time.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely.
• Ability to write legibly and concisely; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to successfully complete and maintain REJIS certification.
• Employee is required to sit for extended periods of time.
• 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.

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.
• Good problem solving skills.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent high school certification.
• Successfully pass a drug screen and criminal background investigation.

Grade

G05-H

Salary Range

$16.70 - $23.89 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

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

This position is not eligible to receive benefits. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view eligibility criteria.

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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