Dispatcher

A Dispatcher is a full time (40 hours per week) position and works directly for the Suffolk University Police and Security Department under the direction of the shift supervisor. The Dispatcher is often the first point of contact for the Suffolk University and Security Department. 

Duties include, but are not limited to, receiving and transmitting emergency and non-emergency calls for the service via radio, answering telephone calls and text messages, disseminating sensitive law enforcement information, running CJIS and CORI queries.

The Dispatcher monitors closed-circuit television, alarm systems, multiple radio frequencies, foot traffic, maintains paper and electronic records, makes entries on a computer aided dispatching system.

The Dispatcher must exhibit professional standards and provide excellent customer service in all interactions. The Dispatcher wears a Department-issued uniform and must follow the rules and regulations of the Department and the University.

The Dispatcher must pass a proficiency test at the completion of their training period.

The Dispatcher gives verbal directives to students, faculty, staff and visitors to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures with respect to public safety matters.  

The Dispatcher answers telephones and aids callers and visitors.

Administer First Aid and CPR to level of training.

Requirements/Qualifications:

A Dispatcher must demonstrate and maintain good judgment with the ability to independently respond and act quickly, accurately evaluate information and situations, and make appropriate decisions in routine and emergency situations.

Ability to maintain self-control, poise, composure, and concentration while working in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment with numerous interruptions and noise, and be able to remain calm, think clearly and use sound judgment when working with high pressure and stressful emergency situations.

Knowledge of accepted office procedures, practices, and work methods, including strong record-keeping and prioritization skills; ability to type and operate general office and computerized equipment; ability to read, write, and spell at a level sufficient for satisfactory job performance.

Possess excellent communication skills; speak clearly and concisely, follow oral and written instructions, transfer information accurately, and handle a wide range of interpersonal interactions effectively.

Ability to learn standard broadcasting procedures, FCC rules regarding law enforcement radio transmission, and the 10-code system.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, interact with all members of the campus community and public. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Ability to successfully complete all training, including appropriate basic and advanced Dispatcher training courses within the probationary period as required by the Department.

Ability to comply with all Departmental uniform and equipment standards.

The Dispatcher must be certified and maintain certification for access to the criminal justice information system [CJIS]. This will include the completion and passing of a written exam, hands on applications, fingerprints, and a criminal record check.

The Dispatcher must attend required training programs, including but not limited to CPR, basic First Aid and AED applications.

The Dispatcher must possess excellent written and verbal skills, apply written and verbal skills while working under stress, have the ability to apply excellent verbal and written skills for long periods of time, be assigned to a Dispatch Center for eight hours or more, work any and all shifts, work overtime and understand that they may be required to work at the direction of the shift supervisor.

Other Employment Requirements:

Must have a high school diploma or GED.

Must be 18 years of age.

Must be available to work any shift as assigned.

Must have excellent communication and human relation skills.

Preferably, have valid CPR and First Aid certifications.

Must have no prior felony record (for certification access into CJIS)

The University will conduct a background check which will include a criminal record check.  A pre-employment physical exam, drug screening, and fingerprints are required.  The University will conduct a verification of previous employment and reference checks.

Physical Activities:

• Sitting and standing for extended periods of time.
• Walking and running as needed.
• Walking up and down stairs.
• Ability to utilize human senses, sight, sound, touch, taste, smell.
• Physically detaining a human being under the direction of a police officer or supervisor
• Lifting a human as needed
• Pulling/pushing a human being

Work Environment:

•     Ability to work report to work during all types of weather.

•     Ability to work flexible hours including all rotating shift assignments, including nights weekends, and holidays.

• Be available for on-call assignment and overtime as needed.

•     Ability to sit or stand at a location for extended periods of time.

•     Ability to walk for extended periods of time.

The salary range for this role is $23.00 -$26.00 depending upon experience.

Salary Transparency

Suffolk University provides salary ranges as a good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for a role at the time the position is posted. The actual salary offered to the selected candidate will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, training, and applicable legal requirements. The listed pay range reflects base salary only and does not include additional benefits or compensation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Suffolk University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The University strives to recruit, develop and retain faculty and staff committed to educational excellence, the robust exchange of ideas, and engage in membership in a diverse and inclusive community.