Communications Officer

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive complaint, emergency, service and information calls and initiate Offense/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.
• Contact University Facilities by telephone to report emergency maintenance problems.
• Issue visitor and overnight temporary parking permits.
• Train newly hired communication officers.
• Promote positive community relations in the performance of job duties.
• Physically perform all other communications related duties as outlined in the Department Directives.
• Perform all other duties, responsibilities and tasks as assigned.
• The person in this position has been identified as a Campus Security Authority and Responsible Employee for Clery and Title IX purposes respectively, the employee will maintain current training and comply with the responsibilities of both titles.

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 assure first responder/officer and employee safety.
• Perform calmly and quickly during highly stressful and emergency situations. Multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Write or type clear and complete reports or documents. Remember details.
• Communicate orally in a clear and concise manner.
• Operate various pieces of office equipment, telephone, computer, multiple monitors, printers, etc. Remain alert.
• Monitor and maintain applicable equipment in the communications area. Run criminal history, 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.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma
• At least one year of experience in fast-paced customer service environment and strong data entry skills.

Training:

Complete Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Training Requirements:

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

WORK HOURS:

• Full-time, non-exempt position
• General schedule: 12-hour shifts on a two-week rotation (M, Tu, F, Sa, Su, W, Th; 8:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.)
• This position is designated as essential personnel and is subject to work outside the normal work schedule on an emergency basis and also subject to planned work as required by the immediate supervisor. This position will be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

SALARY STRUCTURE:
Pay Grade 4 (Hiring Range $17.18 to $21.48 per hour)

ABOUT UR:

At the University of Richmond, we’re creative, inclusive, and determined. We’re Spiders, and our mission is to create positive change in the UR community and beyond. Located minutes from downtown Richmond, Virginia, the University of Richmond (www.richmond.edu) blends the intimacy of a small college with exceptional academic, research, and cultural opportunities usually found only at large institutions. There’s only one place like Richmond.

UR is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity. EOE