Dispatcher
The University of Chicago

Department

DSS ECC

About the Department

The Emergency Communication Center is staffed 24 hours a day and has the ability to receive emergency calls, notify the University of Chicago Police Department and 911 of an emergency, and monitor certain areas of the campus remotely from video cameras situated in strategic locations.
Job Information


Job Summary:

The Communications Center Dispatcher receives all emergency and non-emergency incoming calls to the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), and solicits descriptive information to determine the nature and urgency of the request, location, and scope of the incident.

Responsibilities:

• Obtains and records all information regarding type of incident, exact location, and other pertinent information including potential threats, risks or hazards that responding units may encounter.
• Dispatches appropriate police or public safety units to incidents based on priority and standard operating procedures.
• Maintains radio contact with all field units. Informs field units of potential threats, risks, and hazards such as involvement of weapons, hazardous materials, or violent subjects.
• Monitors the Chicago Police Zone radio. Maintains accurate records of requests for service and other departmental activities. Informs supervisor of emergency incidents or situations.
• Performs general support duties related to dispatch activities including data entry. Monitors Law Enforcement Agency Data System (LEADS). Answers emergency and public safety telephone lines.
• Receives, coordinates, and disseminates information obtained from calls (Emergency and/or Non-Emergency) on telephone, radio, and walk-in requests. Monitors alarms (burglar, panic, hold-up, fire, temperature, etc), dispatches appropriate personnel, and makes required notifications.
• Contacts the city of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) to request police, fire, and other assistance as needed. Assists Department of Safety and Security personnel with requests for notifications, Chicago Police assistance, name checks and other assistance as needed.
• Answers incoming calls for transportation and dispatches the appropriate transportation unit.
• Notifies supervisor of malfunctioning communications devices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability.

Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Excellent typing skills required.
• Read, write, and effectively communicate in English required. Ability to read and interpret maps.
• Operate telephones, radios and a multiple screen computer console linked to a computer-aided dispatch communications system.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Speaking concisely required.
• Hear accurately, especially when listening to radios and telephones.
• Work under stress and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations, adjusting quickly to changing situations.

Additional Requirements


Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• One to three years of high volume customer service and/or public contact experience.
• One year of relevant police dispatch, public safety dispatch, or security dispatch experience preferred.
• Background with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system preferred.

Certifications:

• Law Enforcement Agency Data System certified or eligible for certification training.
• Pass background investigation, psychological test, and drug screens required.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Knowledge of law enforcement and emergency services required.
• Knowledge of computers, including Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Windows required.
• Learn the practices and procedures involved in public safety communications and operate radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment required.
• Learn the geography of the University, the jurisdictional boundaries of the area served, and the location of streets and important buildings required.
• Working knowledge of emergency communications systems including multiple two-way radio systems, computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, alarm receiver, video monitoring systems, access control systems, emergency mass notification systems, and telecommunications systems.
• Accurately type 25 words per minute or more.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work weekends and different shifts on a rotating basis.

Pay Rate:

• $21.37 per hour.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement

No
Pay Frequency

Hourly
Pay Range

Please refer to Additional Requirements to see the pay ranges
Scheduled Weekly Hours

40
Union

Non-Union
Job is Exempt

No
Drug Test Required

Yes
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No
Health Screen Required
Yes
Posting Date

2024-10-10
Remove from Posting On or Before

2025-04-10
Posting Statement:


The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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