Communications Officer

Overview

Department: Executive Administration

Classification: Emergency Coordinator 1

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

The University Police Department’s primary purpose/objective/mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for all university employees, students, and guests. Embracing the principles of community policing, the department works collaboratively with academic and administrative units and individuals to pursue the university’s mission. The department delivers a comprehensive program in law enforcement to provide safety, security, and service for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth and the university policies.

About the Position:

The Communications Officer provides first responder services and performs a variety of communications and operational tasks in support of public safety, security and law enforcement operations. The role links those in need of assistance to those who render assistance. This position is Essential/Designated personnel and requires working a variety of schedules in a 24/7 configuration including nights, weekends, holidays, and during and following natural disasters and emergency situations.

Responsibilities:

Provides First Responder Care to the Public and other First Responders:

• Through call taking and radio dispatching, provide protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and the environment. Triage calls, teletype, and other messages from the public and public safety departments for emergency response. Create records in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and provide life-saving instructions.
• Answer radio transmissions and phone calls promptly and competently, provide law enforcement pre-arrival instructions, and coordinate responses with fire, medical, or mental health crisis response services. Triage and prioritize calls for service and tasks according to policies and procedures. Maintain familiarity with geography within jurisdiction and adjacent properties. Request emergency phone pings from cell phone carriers when life-threatening emergencies exist.
• Demonstrate advanced situational assessment, sound judgment, teamwork, and multitasking. Perform specialized tactical-communication dispatch, monitoring and responding to situations requiring it. Communicate effectively with people in distress and disseminate critical information efficiently.

Monitors and Operates Emergency Communications Equipment:

• Receives and transmits radio messages using FCC-required codes and signals. Operate MCC-7500E radio console on regional network, in compliance with GMU and Fairfax County policies. Monitor and control GMUPD channels, regional interoperability channels, and PMARS. Follow outage and notification procedures and troubleshoot issues as an end-user. Speak clearly and maintain familiarity with incident protocols and procedures for relaying confidential information via radio.
• Operate multi-line phone system to address emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Operate CAD, RMS, and Mobile Data Terminal interfaces. Enter and retrieve data, maintain detailed records in CAD/RMS for each call, and document requests for anonymity in compliance with FOIA laws.
• Receive and document Crime Solvers Tips via email or phone. Inform patrol supervisors of tips when received.
• Monitor panic, burglar, door, fire, and BRL security alarm systems, CCTV, and headquarters access. Interact with systems such as RAVE Guardian, Mason Alert, and First Due. Dispatch response personnel per procedures.

Accesses, Operates, and Monitors Databases:

• Ensure continuous 24/7 operation of NCIC/VCIN terminals in compliance with state and federal regulations. Keep logs of transactions and maintain custody of sensitive records. Ensure confidentiality and security of records. Maintain…