Communications Officer

POSITION SUMMARY: A civilian position reporting to the Communications Supervisor. This individual is responsible for receiving calls for service and dispatching the appropriate emergency or service personnel.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Receive complaint, emergency, service, and information calls and initiate Offense/                       40%

Complaint/Incident Reports, dispatching necessary manpower. Classify complaints,

Incidents and calls for service. Dispatch police officers to respond to calls. Record information

on radio logs or with CAD. Relay information and requests to for assistance from and to

on duty police officers, security officers and other emergency service providers as necessary

or required. Provide information and assistance to the general public, University faculty,

staff, students and departmental personnel.                   

Maintain, update, and post various logs as required on each shift.                                             10%   

Contact University Facilities by telephone to report emergency maintenance problems.               10%     

Issue visitor and overnight temporary parking permits.                                                                  5%       

Train newly hired communication officers.                                                                                10%

Promote positive community relations in the performance of job duties.                                         5%

Physically perform all other communications-related duties as outlined in the Department             10%

Directives.     

Perform all other duties, responsibilities, and tasks as assigned.                                                    5%

The person in this position has been identified as a Campus Security Authority and Responsible 5% Employee for Clery and Title IX purposes, respectively. The employee will maintain current training and comply with the responsibilities of both titles. 

CONTACTS: 

University Staff – Work closely with the various business affairs units within the University on a daily basis.

University of Richmond Students - Daily engagement with students and providing appropriate services to any victim of a crime.

University of Richmond Community- General public, visitors, Faculty, and Administration; Provide any assistance necessary that reflects a positive image of the Department.

Multiple Public Safety agencies outside of campus.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

Ability to work shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to multitask.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

Department policies and procedures.

Department and state record systems and appropriate reporting forms.

Proper telephone and customer service techniques and etiquette.

Technical communication equipment, VCIN/NCIC terminal, CAD terminal, FAX machine, etc.

Campus map and other local geographic locations.

Operation of computers and data entry techniques.

Skills and ability to:

Calmly and accurately evaluate incoming emergency or non-emergency calls and take appropriate action.

Employ radio communication procedures and maintain written/typed radio logs.

Prioritize emergency or non-emergency calls and dispatch to appropriate units accordingly.

Read with good comprehension.

Monitor and ensure first responder/officer and employee safety.

Perform calmly and quickly during highly stressful situations and emergencies.

Multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Write or type clear and complete reports or documents.

Remember details.

Communicate orally clearly and concisely.

Operate various pieces of office equipment, such as a telephone, computer, multiple monitors, printers, etc.

Remain alert.

Monitor and maintain applicable equipment in the communications area.

Run criminal history and background checks and properly file paperwork.

Establish and maintain cooperation and effective working relationships with department personnel, the University community, the public, and our local law enforcement agency partners.

Training:

Complete Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Training Requirements:

A.   Individuals hired as dispatchers shall meet or exceed the compulsory minimum training standards at a certified criminal justice training academy 

B.   Individuals hired as dispatchers shall meet or exceed the performance outcomes in the category of on-the-job training identified in the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Field Training and On-the-Job Training Performance Outcomes.

Complete VCIN/NCIC Full Access level training within the first 6 months of employment.

Education & experience: 

High School Diploma

At least one year of experience in a fast-paced customer service environment and strong data entry skills. 

SALARY STRUCTURE:

Pay Grade 4 (Starting at $22.35/hour)