Communications Officer

Responsibilities

• Answers all incoming radio and telephone calls to the department; screens and prioritizes requests for assistance and information. Maintains ongoing dialogue with callers for information. Maintains calm during emergency or stressful situations. Documents each call for assistance or information using departmental incident reporting system. Transfers telephone calls as appropriate. Process walk-in requests for services.
• Prioritizes calls and incidents, directs departmental resources to resolve in-progress incidents. Communicates and dispatches on-duty facilities personnel to maintenance issues on campus. Dispatches Villanova Emergency Medical Service ( VEMS ). Communicates with outside emergency response agencies (911, Radnor Police, Fire Departments) during emergency situations by phone and radio.
• Sends emergency messages using the University’s mass notification system ( NOVA Alert).
• Operates and maintains the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (PA CLEAN ), PA Justice Network ( JNET ), National Crime Information Center ( NCIC ) and other record management systems as directed for validation of drivers’ licenses, vehicle registrations, criminal histories, wanted information and other vital information for officers in the field. Operates Mobile Data Terminal software feeding information on in-progress calls directly from the Delaware County 911 Center.
• Maintains knowledge of all vehicle and officer assignments; keeps shift supervisors(s) informed of all appropriate incidents.
• Process walk-in requests for services.
• Prepares Daily Summary Sheet and other pertinent computer aided dispatch ( CAD ) paperwork/programs for supervisory approval; lists all incidents and their resolution, notes unusual occurrences, accounts for all members of the shift and their assignment.
• Issues keys to University passenger vans and logs outgoing and incoming vans into fleet management software. Answers parking related questions after normal business hours.
• Monitors CCTV systems, alarms systems and access control devices; informs shift supervisor and documents irregularities.
• Performs additional duties and assists with special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 18 years of age.
• APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) certification as a Public Safety Telecommunicator preferred or ability to become certified within 12 months of hire date is required.
• Ability to read and write the English language.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely required, especially during stressful situations.
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to proficiently operate a personal computer, keyboard and peripheral devices.
• Ability to operate various telecommunications equipment, including phone and two- way radio.

Preferred

• Knowledge of dispatch codes, standard abbreviations, and industry terminology used by law enforcement and EMS agencies.
• 2 + years prior experience as either a call-taker or dispatcher in an emergency services setting.

Benefits

• - The Communications Officer staffs the communications center for the department. Responds to all incoming telephone and radio calls and dispatches officers as needed. Provides a variety of information to University community members and others. Acts as a central resource for University information during non-business hours. Utilizes several specialized software systems including a CAD records management system, student records system, fire alarm system, access control system and CCTV system. Distributes and controls access to keys, radios, vehicles, and other departmental resources. Assists with dispatching fleet passenger vans after regular business hours.