DISPATCHER (SAFETY AND SECURITY) - HOURLY

Dispatcher (Safety And Security)

The dispatcher will be responsible for maintaining operational control of communications for the Atlanta Public Schools Telecommunications Call Center. Responsible for operating various sophisticated technological equipment, monitoring life safety systems, processing and dispatching emergency & non-emergency calls, among other duties as assigned by management. Serves as a major artery to the APS body, as the alarm monitoring center is from where information is collected and disseminated District-wide. The call center is a manifold operation, serving as an emergency operations center, a technical support center, a monitoring center, and a customer service call center. The dispatcher is required to perform in each of those capacities while demonstrating optimal customer service skills. The call center 24/7, 365 days of the year; therefore, the dispatcher must be able to perform shift work, including holidays, weekends, mandatory overtime, and serve in an on-call rotations capacity.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate's degree preferred.
• Certification/License: Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification required within the first 6 months of employment. Must be able to maintain certifications required by standard operating procedures and state law.
• Work Experience: 3 years of call center work experience in law enforcement, security environment or customer service required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Public Safety Board of Education Radio System.
• Considerable knowledge of operations of governmental departments and procedures.
• Governmental and departmental policies, and applicable state and local rules and regulations.
• Strong understanding of factors relating to crisis intervention and calming techniques.
• Proficiency in working within deadlines and report preparation.
• Requires proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, utilization of internet search tools and Intranet, and other office equipment such as incident reporting software, fax, copiers, and scanners.
• Use a computer to analyze crime information; enter, compile, and maintain statistics; prepare a variety of reports; compose routine correspondence.
• Requires extensive communications (verbal and written) with internal stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively operate, by sight and sound. Must be able to work independently and be comfortable problem solving using sound judgment while not compromising the policies and procedures of the organization; actions will impact others directly and indirectly.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, evenings and staggered shifts, holidays and weekends and/or in emergency situations; required to work overtime including evenings and weekends as assigned by the Chief/supervisor to provide maximum security coverage.
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills in rendering solutions to various issues.
• Ability to communicate and interact well with school personnel, other law enforcement, emergency agencies and general public.

Essential Duties:

• Dispatches to Atlanta Public Schools' officers and other part-time law enforcement officers, contracted security and other civilians using an 800 MHz Public Safety Communications System.
• Dispatches emergency personnel to calls for service according to standard operating procedures.
• Interviews callers and process requests for service to include recording information with accuracy and completeness using the proper reporting system.
• Receives, assesses, and prioritizes incoming calls to include emergency calls to determine how best to meet the needs of the customers.
• Processes, enters, retrieves, and transmits accurately Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) entries and inquiries, abiding by policies and procedures mandated by NCIC and GCIC.
• Types and files reports as required.
• Continuously monitors life safety systems (fire and burglar alarms), and operates surveillance systems and security access control systems with proficiency.
• Assists with identifying and maintaining most current information in databases as required by the department.
• Reports inaccuracies identified or malfunctioning equipment in a timely manner.
• Creates trouble tickets for customers when needed.
• Maintains constant awareness of assigned units, locations, and status; conducts status checks to ensure safety of officers as often as ordered in the standard operating procedures manual.
• Maintains familiarity with all emergency procedures and notification processes; anticipate and prepare for activation of contingency plans due to unforeseen occurrences.
• Ensures that the supervisors and applicable resource officers and other District personnel are informed of all violations.
• Maintains a strong relationship with Atlanta Police Communications 9-1-1 Center other public safety personnel as needed.
• Assists in providing information to other law enforcement agencies with incidents involving local criminal activity that may impact the safety of students, employees or citizens.
• Maintains and submits log-sheets to supervisor related to activities that may include police reports, activity logs and time sheets and maintains all training hours.
• Contacts Principals, facilities services and other supervisors to report problems with buildings or communicate critical information as it relates to emergencies.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours and as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.

Compensation: Hourly: $19.60

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions: Must pass criminal history and background investigation and psychological test. Must not have any open administrative investigations. The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.