Dispatcher-Seasonal

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services. 

POSITION:  Dispatcher – Seasonal (3 Positions)

PROGRAM/DIVISION: Shelter Hotline Program/

 Community Health Division

BULLETIN No: 2062026

HOURLY RATE: $18.40 per hour

OPENING DATE: June 5, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Manage the coordination and dispatching of the UPO drivers to provide outreaches and transportation services for District residents needing of 

emergency shelter. Act as first point of contact for individuals, families, 

 service providers, and other agencies as it is related to persons identified as 

 at-risk or requiring services to combat environmental hazards due to 

 inclement weather.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Answer phones, log all calls and provide customers with requested information and referrals to appropriate resource including shelters. Dispatch drivers to designated locations for client pick-ups using a two-way radio system. 

Facilitate transportation of homeless clients to and from approved destinations across the city. Communicate with shelters to maintain daily census of bed vacancies throughout shelter system. Complete required documentation relating to calls logs, manifest logs and shift activities. Contact shelters when Homeland Security/Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) calls “alerts” on or off due to severe weather conditions (heat or cold). Works closely with Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), Mental Health, and HSEMA to assist clients experiencing emergencies/crisis. Coordinate linkage of families to Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC) and transportation to designated shelter placements. Furnish callers with approved information on facilities, resources and service providers. Issue informational materials to driver’s distribution to homeless population.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Candidate must have the qualifications listed in this section to be considered for the position. High school diploma/GED or equivalent. Two (2) years of experience in a dispatcher position. Two-way radio experience is required. Possess ability to accurately perform routine math problems, i.e. basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. 

Geographic knowledge of the DC area is a must. Possess strong interpersonal, judgment, and problem-solving skills; Ability to use a computer system to retrieve schedule information; Ability to reference materials to quickly and accurately determine the best method to assist clients; Ability to complete a variety of daily reports and clerical duties; Ability to manage emergency situations for vehicle drivers and act as a liaison between the drivers and emergency services; Ability to work a varied schedule, including nights, holidays and weekends during all types of weather. Ability to manage and improve daily service by reviewing route performance and other daily tasks. Must be able to work well under extreme pressure and be sensitive to the needs of callers. 

Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

First-Aid & CPR certification. Bilingual/Spanish.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

ESSENTIAL POSITION: x YES o NO 

UPO designates an employee as essential if s/he is required to work during a business closure (e.g., federal/District holidays, snow closures, pandemic) in order to meet operational requirements. Essential employees who are customer-facing (e.g., nurses, transportation, facilities) who deliver essential services are not eligible for Teleworking/Remote Work

This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to mandatory random drug and alcohol testing.

Additionally, this position requires the incumbent to submit to yearly tuberculosis testing.

This position IS NOT in the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.

NOTE: 

TB test must be presented prior to date of hire.

To be considered for this position:

Submit your resume on the Career Center Online. 

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer