Communications Specialist - Georgetown University Police Communications Center

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Job Overview

Police Communications Dispatchers who are Licensed Communications Operators and Dispatchers staff the Georgetown University Police Communications Center. They are responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls for service dispatching these calls, initiating EMS responses, monitoring alarm systems. Incumbents for this position answer calls from the public regarding all types of emergencies ranging from crimes being committed to various kinds of university community needs. Communications Dispatcher' work shifts are days, nights, weekends, and holidays. 

The job requires significant knowledge, skill, and ability in responding to citizen needs and dispatching police officers to calls for service. The work can be fast-paced, time-critical, stressful, and demanding, and requires good communication skills, the ability to multi-task, and resource management skills. They may work alone or be partnered with another Communications Officer or Dispatcher with little supervision. When dealing with callers, Communications Operators must remain calm and collected at all times, while displaying good communications skills. They also need to prioritize calls, depending on the level of the caller’s emergency. Communications Operators are CPR, Public Safety. 

Tele-communicator trained through APCO, and Incident Command System (ICS) trained through FEMA, at a minimum. 

Work Interactions

The Communications Operator works in the Department of Public Safety 24 hours a day 7 days a week as public safety answering point (PSAP). Performs a variety of communications and operational tasks in support of public safety, security, and law enforcement operations following existing university, DC and federal guidelines. Duties include answering emergency telephone lines, dispatching police officers, monitoring the university fire alarm system, monitoring the university closed-circuit television (CCTV) security system, and providing information and customer service to the university community via both telephone and walk-up. 

This position reports to the Shift Supervisor. This person works independently with general supervision. The incumbent works with other Communication dispatchers, patrol officers, Operators, security officers, and student guards. 

Requirements and Qualifications

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) required. College Degree preferred, but not required.
• At least 2 years of general work experience required. 1 to 2 years of related experience as a dispatcher is preferred.  
• An equivalent combination of training, education and/or experience may be considered in place of above requirements.

Demonstrated ability to multi-task and remain calm while performing complex operations under stress. Assists in tasks that include but are not limited to: training new Communications Center staff; performs miscellaneous clerical tasks such as updating and maintaining departmental records. Maintains required APCO certifications and current knowledge of police communications methods and practices; may represent the Police Department by participating on various committees. Must be able to obtain WALES/NCIC clearance with the completion of a background check. 

All prospective hires for the Communication Operator position must be able to type 35wpm. A typing test will be administrated to all applicants. 

Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certification: 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Must qualify for a Security Officer License in the District of Columbia. 
• No felony convictions or convictions of misdemeanors involving crimes of moral turpitude or gross misconduct. 
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with no violations in the last three years. 
• All applicants may be subject to a drug test, physical examination by a medical doctor to University specifications, and extensive psychological testing. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation. 
• Must meet be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, along with the daily responsibilities.
• Must be comfortable using computers including Microsoft Word, Excel, and email and/or the ability to learn these applications is essential. Must possess proficient typing skills. Administrative and clerical skills are a plus. Knowledge of telecommunications equipment is desirable. Administrative and clerical skills are a plus. 
• Must be able to type 35 words per minute. A typing test will be administrated to all applicants. 
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Security Officer Commission. Intermediate knowledge of criminal and civil law and police policies and procedures. 
• Demonstrates a high degree of ethical behavior and adhere to the standards and regulations of the University and legal environment. 
• Must possess tact, patience, a courteous demeanor and pleasant personality in dealing with students, staff, faculty, visitors, and community members.
• Knowledgeable of and ability to accurately interpret applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations. Able to interpret written material, verbal orders, and computer commands. Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including report writing. 

Position is considered as essential under the University Personnel policy guidelines and therefore is subject to be on call when necessary. Must be willing to work extended, odd, or off hours to achieve the expectations of the Department. This may include rotating tours of duty (day shifts, evening shifts, overnight shifts) with fluctuating days off, according to departmental needs. 

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

Current Georgetown Employees:

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.

Need Assistance:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please click here for more information, or contact the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (IDEAA) at 202-687-4798 or ideaa@georgetown.edu.

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement:

GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.