Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatcher

Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Full Time Staff

POSITION: Public Safety Dispatcher

DEPARTMENT: Public Safety

REPORTS TO: Sergeant

HOURLY RATE: $26.00/hour

PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Public Safety Dispatcher, as assigned, will provide emergency communications and records maintenance for the Department of Public Safety within the Dispatch Center. They will use computer-aided dispatch systems; receive emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, medical or other emergency services. Determine the nature and location of the emergency; determine priorities, and dispatch police, fire ambulance or other emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures. Receive and process 911 emergency calls, maintain contact with all units on assignment, maintain status and location of police and fire units. Monitor direct emergency alarms, answer non-emergency calls for assistance. Enter, update and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems. Receive requests for information regarding vehicle registration, driving records and warrants, and provides pertinent data. Monitor several complex public safety radio frequencies. Operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones and computer systems. This position is subject to random drug testing.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
• Working knowledge of procedures and techniques for receiving complaints and calls for service and for dispatching and communicating with university public safety field personnel;
• Knowledge of public safety-related agencies and the respective communication protocols;
• Ability to read maps and floor plans of the university campus and buildings, and provide directions to officers in the field;
• Ability to effectively use a phonetic alphabet, speak clearly and concisely, follow oral and written instructions, transfer information accurately, and learn the use of applicable automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases;
• Ability to provide clear and concise verbal directions and effectively converse using public safety radio systems;
• Ability to respond and act quickly, accurately evaluate information and situations, make appropriate decisions in emergency situations and present and summarize information in a variety of written formats, using clear and concise language;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, interact with all members of the campus community and general public, and maintain composure in highly stressful situations or when dealing with difficult individuals;
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information
• Knowledge of proper use and care of radio, radio equipment, telephone, computer, Fire-Access-CCTV monitoring systems;
• Ability to work overtime, on-call, weekends, evenings, and rotating shifts;
• High school diploma or its equivalent;
• Minimum 1 year dispatching experience in a Public Safety environment;
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• APCO certification
• Knowledge of C-Cure, Informant, and Metis Systems
• Knowledge of J-Net and CLEEN Systems