Dispatcher - Upper St. Clair Police Department

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs a variety of routine clerical, administrative and technical work in receiving and dispatching routine and emergency information; keeping official records; and assisting in the administration of the standard operating policies and procedures of the dispatch center.  Works under the general supervision of the patrol shift supervisor.  Work involves some initiative and independent judgment and is periodically reviewed at completion.
Work is performed during regularly scheduled hours and may involve additional hours as needed.
The position is exempt under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors telephones and radios in the dispatch center; answers all incoming calls and ascertains nature of call, gathers all necessary information to transmit or relay.
• Dispatches police and fire for emergency responses; broadcasts nature, location, and time of incident; contacts all required personnel and other local concerns such as the Public Works Department or animal control if needed; relays information as required.
• Maintains log for radio and telephone communications, location of personnel and equipment; in the event of an emergency situation, maintains ongoing contact with the responding personnel and keeps them informed of all incoming pertinent information; keeps track of various information such as traffic lights out and streets closed and keeps emergency personnel informed.
• Maintains dispatch center work area and equipment in clean and working condition.
• Operates the radios in accordance with FCC rules and regulations.
• Operates listed office machines and equipment as required.
• Composes, types, and edits correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other material requiring judgment as to content, accuracy, and completeness.
• Inputs data to standard office and department forms, both manual and automated; makes simple postings to various reports.
• Maintains dispatch documents and records as required.
• Maintain all reference manuals used at the dispatch center.
• Operate the C.L.E.A.N. computer and maintain operator certification in compliance with the guidelines set forth by the PA State Police.
• Monitor radio broadcasts from surrounding communities for activities that may involve our department and relay that information to patrol units.
• Required to use excellent verbal communications skills and gather essential facts and details within the first few moments of a conversation and determine the appropriate response action necessary.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures of the Department.
• Work such hours and shifts as may be prescribed by his supervisor.
• Performs tasks as required by the patrol shift supervisor.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

• Monitors individuals in holding cells for proper conduct, safety, and medical or other needs.
• Assists in training new employees.
• Serves a member of various employee committees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing; working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; some knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Must be able to work full-time, rotating shifts, including weekends.
• Ability to carry out moderate tasks with accuracy critical to the success of the task.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate orally and in writing in the English language.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete assigned tasks in a timely fashion.
• Ability to organize and maintain records and files.
• Ability to analyze and prepare reports.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with Township employees, elected officials, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to operate the tools and equipment listed below.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality where necessary.
• Must be able to make response decisions under low, medium, and high stress conditions where life and property are concerned.
• Foster a professional relationship with the public, co-workers and other agencies through prompt and courteous responses.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent with specialized course work in general office practices such as typing, filing, accounting or bookkeeping.  One year of experience in a related area.

Special Requirements

• No felony convictions.
• Maintain C.L.E.A.N. operator certification.
• Must complete APCO Telecommunicator - 40-hour certification in six months.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Communications switchboard, including computer-aided systems; personal computer including word processing software; copy machine; fax machine; radio; alarm receiving panel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, equipment and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

• Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
• The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Updated/Revised November 2024