Communications Dispatcher

Job Details

Johns Hopkins Public Safety is seeking a Communications Dispatcher to receive emergency and non-emergency calls for service over telephone and other means. The Communications Dispatcher will employ appropriate call screening protocols to respond to callers and dispatch to appropriate public safety resources.

The Communications Dispatcher is responsible for interaction with other public safety dispatch centers -answering and/or transferring calls and incident information and maintaining communications with law enforcement personnel, fire and EMS agencies.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Process incoming and outgoing emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and incoming radio calls, dispatching appropriate response within Johns Hopkins Public Safety (JHPS) and Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD) policies and guidelines.
• Enters call information into the Computer-Aided Automated Dispatch System and monitors the response of Police, Fire and EMS units.
• Contact and direct Baltimore Police, Fire, and Paramedics as needed.
• Coordinate responses among Johns Hopkins Police and Public Safety, Facilities Management, Student Affairs, and Hopkins Emergency Rescue Unit personnel.
• Relay information from field officers requesting backup and support services, such as crime lab technicians, K-9 units, emergency medical services, rescue, and fire equipment.
• Obtain, input, and receive data related to police activities, such as criminal history, warrants, and vehicle registration.
• Provide general assistance and information to Johns Hopkins students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Providing appropriate instructions as needed until assistance arrives.
• Provide JH Communications Dispatch Supervisor with input regarding policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of the communications center.
• Maintain familiarity with the general geography of the communities served.
• Participate in available professional development for center staff.
• Communicate in a positive manner with JH Communications Dispatch Supervisor and other center staff.
• Operate specialized communications networking equipment and computer terminals, accessing restricted law enforcement networks.
• Monitor Baltimore Police Department transmissions and activities, transmitting pertinent information to university police personnel.
• Monitor safety and security systems and video surveillance for events or activity requiring a JHPS/JHPD response, reporting malfunctions as appropriate and dispatching appropriate personnel to alarm sites.
• Perform administrative tasks necessary for the operation of the Communications Center.
• Create and maintain manual and computerized reports, logs, records, and data.
• Maintains work environment and equipment in a safe and clean condition at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Technical Qualifications & Specialized Certifications

• Must be able to pass an extensive Maryland State Police/F.B.I. background investigation and complete a physical/health screening examination by the Office of Occupational Health and Safety, which includes a drug screening.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or graduation equivalent.
• Two (2) years of customer service experience or other related experience.
• Read and write the English language clearly and verbally communicate effectively in-person, over the telephone, and over the radio.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years' experience in public safety communications including familiarity with communication technology and call-taking techniques.
• Bilingual.