Emergency Communications Dispatcher - 000189

$40,835 - $40,835/Yr

Western Carolina University - Cullowhee, NC

Full-time - Entry Level

Cullowhee, NC

Educational Services

About the position

The Emergency Communications Dispatcher at Western Carolina University plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the campus community by providing emergency and non-emergency communications and dispatch services. This position operates within the Office of University Police and is responsible for managing calls, dispatching appropriate personnel, and maintaining confidentiality while utilizing various communication systems and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls via a multi-line phone system and two-way radio system.
• Ascertain the nature of calls and deploy appropriate emergency and non-emergency personnel and equipment.
• Provide direction and guidance to callers reporting police, fire, or medical emergencies.
• Exercise independent judgment when handling routine or emergency calls.
• Refer actions requiring deviation from departmental policy to the Director of Emergency Services.
• Report public safety technology issues or failures to the Public Safety Telecommunications Manager.
• Access and obtain information from confidential and sensitive university and criminal justice records and systems.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality for all business conducted and information obtained in the Emergency Communications Center.
• Interact with students, staff, faculty, the public, and officials from external agencies with excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Monitor, respond to, initiate, and program various computer-based systems related to security and emergency notifications.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalency.
• Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
• Certification as a Division of Criminal Information computer operator or ability to achieve certification within 45 days of employment.
• Some positions may require Basic Telecommunicator Certification or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in emergency communications or dispatching.
• Familiarity with public safety protocols and procedures.

Benefits

• Dental, vision, and health insurance plans with eligibility beginning on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions with employer contributions for either a defined contribution or defined benefit plan.
• Tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year at any UNC System campuses.
• Free group exercise classes multiple times per week.
• Discounted membership to the campus recreation center.
• Free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts.
• 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Accrual of vacation and sick leave immediately for eligible employees.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.