Full Time Dispatcher - Town of Oxford

Full -Time Dispatcher

Requisition Code: FTDIS

Classification: Non-Exempt – Hourly

Pay Range:  $24.64 - $28.57 per hour

Reports to: Chief of Police

Date: July 9, 2024

Summary/Objective 
The Oxford Police Department is accepting applications for a full-time dispatcher position. Dispatchers are the first point of contact in The Town of Oxford’s Public Safety Communications Department. Dispatchers work under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant or Officer in Charge throughout their employment. The Chief of Police shall assign a member of the command staff to monitor and supervise the day-to-day operations of the Communications Center, and the dispatchers. Dispatch personnel will receive information, alerts, and requests from a variety of sources in the communications center and deploy the appropriate personnel, and resources, to provide the services required. This will include, but is not limited to: Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Rescue Services, Department of Public Works, and Animal Control Services. Dispatchers may be required to activate additional resources as directed by Supervisors.

Responsibilities

Full -Time Dispatcher

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls through the Public Safety Communications Dispatch Center and greets and facilitates service to walk-in citizens.

• Activates and communicates with Public Safety Personnel via multiple Local and State Radio communication systems.

• Monitors and records the location of on-duty personnel.

• Maintains accurate and complete activity logs for their designated shift in the IMC software system. 

• Types and files reports, and the maintenance of reports and records that are associated with the communications center.

• Uses equipment and technology provided by the department to complete their daily functions in accomplishing their work-related tasks. 

• Monitors, and documents, prisoner checks both in the cell block in-person and by video/audio camera surveillance. 

• Monitors the police department's security/surveillance systems as required. 

• Remains current in all communications center guidelines, directives, announcements, and general orders issued by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Command Staff.

• Keeps all confidential and restricted information in reference to ongoing police activities in the strictest of confidence.

• Exercises appropriate judgment, discretion, and professional protocol.

• Has the ability to maintain thorough knowledge of the streets, maps, and landmarks of The Town.

• All other duties as deemed necessary and required by the agency.

Supervisory Responsibility
None.

Work Environment: 
Police dispatchers typically work at the Police Department in the communication center answering calls for police and fire services. A dispatcher's job can be fast paced, as they typically take a variety calls each day. Responding quickly and calmly in all types of situations is paramount to a Dispatcher’s continued success.

Physical Demands:

• Dispatchers sit for most of the shift while speaking on phones and monitoring computers or video screens.

• Work in rotating shifts as dispatch centers are open 24 hours.

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls, repetitive movements.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
Full time (40 hours/week) requiring “shift work” that includes: nights, evenings, weekends, and Holidays.

Travel
None.

Required Education and Experience

Preferred applicants will be NexGen E-911 certified and possess the following. 

• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) - Powerphone certified, 

• PST-1, ISC 100-200-700, CPR, 

• High School Diploma or GED, 

• Experience with IMC software a plus,

• Good written and typing skills. 

• Working knowledge of the organizational structure, rules, regulations, operating procedures, and communications equipment of the Public Safety Environment. 

• Effective communication skills. 

• Excellent multi-tasking, and organizational skills. 

• Empathy and Compassion.

Independent Action/Ability 
The dispatcher must have the ability to establish their own work plan and priorities during their designated shift according to the volume of calls and the nature of the demands placed on them. They must follow the rules, regulations, and operating procedures of the Communications Center. Dispatchers must have the ability to handle emergency situations calmly, promptly, and efficiently. 

Work Authorization 
Provide appropriate documentation to verify your authorization to work in the United States. 

AAP/EEO Statement 
The Town is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. The Town will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally protected class status, including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation as defined by law, national origin, member of uniformed military services, physical or mental disability, age as defined by law, or genetic information.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.