Dispatcher

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

PROGRAM/DIVISION: Shelter Hotline Program/

                                              Community Health Division

BULLETIN No:                   03032025

HOURLY RATE:                 $18.63 per hour

OPENING DATE:               March 27, 2025

CLOSING DATE:                Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

Manage the coordination and dispatching of the UPO drivers who provide 

transportation services for District residents needing emergency overnight 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:

Manage the transportation of homeless clients to and from scheduled and approved destinations as directed. Screen and aid singles and families requiring assistance for shelter. Maintain and update information regarding shelters and other emergency services. Communicate daily with city shelters to maintain the number of bed vacancies throughout the shelter system. Answer phones, log all calls and provide clients with requested information and referrals to shelters. 

Dispatch drivers to designated locations for client pick-ups using a two-way radio system. Communicate with others in getting available resources to assist persons identified as at-risk or requiring services. Contact shelters when Homeland Security/Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) calls “alerts” on or off due to weather conditions (heat or cold).

Works closely with Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), Mental Health, and HSEMA when problems with clients arise. Furnish callers with approved information on facilities and services provided.  

Issue and receive materials for circulation or for use by the target population clients.    

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. Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office programs (specifically, Outlook and Word) and use or learn to use ADP electronic time-keeping program.  Possess effective organizational and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.

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.

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 in the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.

NOTE: 

TB test must be presented upon date of hire.

To be considered for this position:

Submit your resume on the Career Center Online

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Salary : $19