Public Safety Dispatcher

Oakland, CA
Northeastern University

Salary: $33/hour

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Dispatch Supervisor, the Public Safety Dispatcher is responsible for the day-to-day communications function of the Communications Center for the Oakland Campus. The dispatcher will be responsible for answering all calls for service as well as the dispatching of officers to these calls. The dispatcher may also be responsible for monitoring the public safety walk-in center during non-business hours or as needed.

Essential Functions:

  • Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls
  • Determine the nature, location, and priority of requests and dispatch appropriate resources in accordance with established procedure
  • Enter, update, and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems
  • Disseminate mass emergency notification alerts when necessary
  • Monitor radio traffic, security alarms, fire alarms, and video security cameras
  • Provide referral services and victim resources
  • Research, collect, analyze, document, and disseminate public safety intelligence
  • Undergo initial training and maintain knowledge through continuing education
  • Monitor the 24/7 public safety walk-in center and dispatch officers as needed for walk-in reports
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • One or more years of relevant experience
  • A valid U.S. Driver’s License
  • Certification in a POST Public Safety Dispatcher course or the successful completion of a qualifying course within 6 months of hire
  • APCO certification within six months of hire
  • Candidates must pass a criminal background check
  • Candidates will be subject to a drug test and psychological exam
  • Must currently possess, or must achieve within first three months; CPR (BLS/HCP) certification

Preferred Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, communications, leadership, or other related area is preferred
  • Former dispatch or law enforcement experience strongly preferred
  • Call-taking experience preferred
  • Experience in a higher education setting preferred
  • Certifications in any applicable training and courses related to the dispatch function & emergency communications.