Public Safety Dispatch Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Harris-Stowe State University is a historically Black institution (HBCU) located in the heart of vibrant mid-town St. Louis, Missouri. Harris-Stowe’s beautiful campus is minutes from the renown Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art and History Museums, Forest Park and other cultural and educational institutions. Harris-Stowe’s diverse faculty and staff provide a wide range of academic programs to one of the most culturally diverse student bodies in the St. Louis region.

Job Summary

The Public Safety Dispatch Officer operates the Department of Public Safety Communications Center on the Harris-Stowe State University campus, receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone calls, after-hours maintenance requests, monitoring computerized alarm and access control systems, providing contact to police and EMS services, providing in-person customer service, monitoring a CCTV surveillance system and reporting inappropriate activities to zone officers, and making entries into automated record files. Some tasks may be life-safety related and thus place a critical emphasis on a successful outcome.

Dispatch Officers may be crossed trained to work as public safety patrol officers, required to walk and/or stand for extended periods of time, and to work overtime hours. Dispatch Officer candidates must successfully complete an in-house field training program.

Job Functions and Responsibilities

These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in this allocated position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Utilize proper telephone etiquette when answering the telephone.
• Multitasking capability and calm, efficient function under stressful conditions are essential (i.e. dispatch calls to Public Safety Officers,
• communicate on the telephone and monitor the video surveillance system).
• Takes emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance, dispatching appropriate units, and maintaining contact with responding units to gather and supply information.
• Make a notification to emergency services when requested (law enforcement, EMS, and fire personnel) and provide the exact address location where services are needed.
• Ensure that all communications equipment is working properly and report to the appropriate person when equipment is not functioning.
• Dispatch is a 24-hour, seven days a week operation and therefore, this position may require irregular hours. May also be required to work on call in an emergency.
• Monitor the CCTV video surveillance system and report inappropriate activity to Public Safety Officers and/or the on-duty supervisor.
• Capable of operating the Computer Aided Dispatch system (NaviGate) while simultaneously speaking on the telephone, radio, or both, ensuring that all activities are logged properly
• Develop and issue emergency campus-wide alerts when required
• Discretion and the ability to keep all records, communications, and other information in absolute confidence
• Know and understand the basic elements of criminal violations and be able to identify those calls for service that require the response of law enforcement.
• Know and understand the elements of campus code of conduct violations.
• Ability to write comprehensive incident reports, conduct investigations, take photos when necessary, and seize contraband when necessary.
• Will be required to work various shifts and days of the week, as well as holidays.
• Will be required to work overtime (both voluntary and mandatory) when deemed necessary by the Department of Public Safety.
• Must be able to react promptly and correctly in emergency situations.
• Must be able to defend against attack by use of force to subdue or control an individual or suspect.
• Must be able to enforce the university rules with firmness, fairness, and impartiality and to deal with the public in a professional manner.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Education & Experience

• Previous experience in law enforcement or security preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree or equivalent earned credit hours from an accredited institution preferred
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an armed security officer license, through the St. Louis County Police Department/St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Private Security Licensing Unit, within 30 days of employment.
• Current licensed to carry a firearm preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license upon the effective start date.
• Current or past certification in the State of Missouri as a police officer under POST standards preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• At least 21 years of age
• U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
• No felony convictions
• Free of any type of chemical dependency
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational ability, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to use a computer and type a minimum of 25 words per minute
• Must have the ability to respond effectively to the needs of a diverse and demanding student and parent population.
• Must be a self-starter who works well in a fast-paced, dynamic, team-oriented, and culturally diverse environment.
• Must be perceptive and patient, with strong people skills and a willingness to assist others.
• Ability to react promptly and correctly in emergency situations.
• Ability to make independent decisions that are permitted with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers, university staff and faculty, and members of the public that may visit the university.
• Ability to accurately communicate required information in a timely manner.
• Ability to stay aware and alert to the surrounding conditions and situations.
• Ability to become proficient in the use and operation of the NaviGate C.A.D. system.
• Ability to become proficient in the use and operation of the RAVE emergency alert system 
• Basic computer proficiency including keyboarding, data entry, data retrieval, electronic forms completion, and proficiency with Windows 7, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, program designs, and development
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to demonstrate ownership, accountability, and teamwork.
• Ability to focus on results and to commit to excellence.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within all the divisions of the University.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
• Develop working knowledge regarding the proper operation of all assigned equipment.
• Ability to take charge and give clear directions during all incidents of serious nature.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, evenings, weekends, holidays, and after-hours work is required. May be required to report for duty at any time, including during states of emergency and university closings.
• Ability to work overtime, both scheduled and unscheduled.
• May include occasional exposure to normal environmental conditions such as sunlight, heat, cold, and rain. Also includes risk of exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as noise, solvents, odors, slippery or uneven surfaces, heights, machinery, adverse weather conditions, and traffic hazards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hear, retain, and document information received via radio transmissions.
• Requires complete mobility of all limbs. May require walking, standing, running, kneeling, bending, and stooping.
• May be required to climb obstructions and crawl under obstructions.
• Must be able to run extended distances and may be required to apprehend fleeing suspects.

"Please No Phone Calls"

Due to the large number of applications submitted and the high volume of applicant inquiries we receive regarding the status of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or walk-in inquiries regarding applicant status. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

EOE Statement

Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and assigned for this position. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it limited to all duties and responsibilities associated with the position. HSSU management reserves the right to amend and change the responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.