Department: University Police Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.

Description:

The Dispatcher I is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls; transmits messages via communications systems consisting of a multi-frequency radio system, 9-1-1 emergency lines and other communications equipment. Monitors various electronic fire and security systems; provides assistance to walk-up customers; documents law enforcement and other personnel within an automated computer aided software system; assists records section with documentation, and provides general University information to callers. Serves as a Campus Security Authority as defined by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). Required to work rotating shifts to include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.  Serves as essential personnel and subject to hurricane ride-out crew.

Pursuant to the State of Texas Executive Order No. GA-48, this position researches, works on, or has access to critical infrastructure and requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the University infrastructure.  This position requires personnel be routinely reviewed to determine whether or not criminal history or continuous connections for the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the employee from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

 

Duties:

• Greets and answers public inquiries in person and takes appropriate action. Answers and screens all incoming telephone calls and determines appropriates action.
• Maintains contact with appropriate university police and security units in the field via radio communications and computer, directing them to all types of calls for service.
• Performs data entry into the Automated Records Management System (in house computer system) for all appropriate documentation.
• Creates and updates work orders as necessary for all security electronic equipment and other police technologies.
• Maintains a state of emergency readiness through recurring training and scenario based exercises.
• Monitors university surveillance cameras for suspicious activity.
• Maintains contact between non-university units (area law enforcement, fire, ambulance and others) and university personnel (police, health center, facilities, etc.) via radio communications network.
• Operates state teletype/computer system to send and receive information for criminal justice use.
• Serves on department and/or university committees.
• Maintains status of all alarms, and takes appropriate action when activated.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or GED
2. A current, valid Texas Driver's License
3. Employee must earn a TCOLE full Telecommunications license within 1 year of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience in a law enforcement setting or a setting that includes shift work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to understand and apply methods and practices relating to police dispatching.
• Must have a working knowledge of customer-based security techniques and law enforcement operations.
• Ability to make sound judgments.
• Skills in Microsoft Office, specifically Work, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to use phones, computers, and related equipment as well as maintain logs and records.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and make decisions in a timely manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally, effectively, and politely, demonstrating a customer-service oriented attitude.
• Ability to follow precise directions verbally and in writing in both emergency and non-emergency situations and remain calm while doing so.

 

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.