Campus Safety Dispatcher

Department: Campus Safety
Reports To: Campus Safety Dispatch Manager
Status: Full-Time or Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Campus Safety Dispatcher provides critical communication and coordination services that support the safety and security of the university community. This position is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service, dispatching Campus Safety officers, monitoring safety and security systems, and coordinating responses to incidents occurring on campus.

The dispatcher serves as a central communication point for Campus Safety operations and assists in maintaining situational awareness during routine operations and emergency incidents.

Essential Functions

The following duties represent the primary responsibilities of the position. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Communications and Call Management

Receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls for service from members of the campus community.
Dispatch Campus Safety officers to calls for service and maintain communication with officers via radio and other communication systems.
Gather, evaluate, and relay critical information to responding personnel.
Contact external emergency services (police, fire, or EMS) when appropriate.

Monitoring and Security Systems

Monitor campus safety and security systems including alarm systems, access control alerts, security cameras, and emergency notification systems.
Monitor fire alarms, panic alarms, intrusion alarms, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) alerts.
Maintain situational awareness through monitoring of weather alerts and other safety-related information systems.

Incident Documentation and Records

Document calls for service and incidents within the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
Maintain accurate logs of activities occurring during each shift.
Ensure dispatch center reference materials and contact information remain accurate and current.

Emergency Notification and Coordination

Initiate campus emergency notifications through the university’s emergency notification system when directed or when appropriate according to established protocols.
Support communication coordination during campus emergencies or significant incidents.

Operational Support

Assist in the training and orientation of student employees assigned to dispatch operations.
Provide general information and assistance to members of the campus community who contact the dispatch center.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to multitask and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to remain calm and effective during stressful or emergency situations.
Basic computer proficiency including the ability to use Microsoft Office and learn specialized software systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in a public safety, law enforcement, fire, EMS, or security dispatch center.
Experience using Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.
Experience monitoring security or alarm systems.

Core Competencies

Communication and information management
Situational awareness
Problem solving and sound judgment
Attention to detail
Customer service and professionalism
Ability to work effectively under pressure

Work Environment and Schedule

This position operates within a 24-hour campus safety communications center. The position requires the ability to work varying shifts including evenings, overnight hours, weekends, holidays, and university breaks as operational needs require.

Physical and Cognitive Requirements

Ability to remain seated for extended periods while operating computer and communication systems.
Ability to maintain mental alertness during extended shifts, including overnight hours.
Ability to manage multiple information streams simultaneously.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.

2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.