Communication Officer

Responsibilities

• Answer all incoming radio and telephone calls to the department; screen and prioritize requests for assistance and information. Maintain ongoing dialogue with callers for information. Maintain calm during emergency or stressful situations. Document each call for assistance or information using departmental incident reporting system. Transfer telephone calls as appropriate. Process walk‑in requests for services.
• Prioritize calls and incidents, direct departmental resources to resolve in-progress incidents. Communicate and dispatch on‑duty facilities personnel to maintenance issues on campus. Dispatch Villanova Emergency Medical Service (VEMS). Communicate with outside emergency response agencies (911, Radnor Police, Fire Departments) during emergency situations by phone and radio.
• Send emergency messages using the University’s mass notification system (NOVA Alert).
• Operate and maintain the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (PA CLEAN), PA Justice Network (JNET), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and other record‑management systems as directed for validation of drivers’ licenses, vehicle registrations, criminal histories, wanted information and other vital information for officers in the field. Operate Mobile Data Terminal software feeding information on in‑progress calls directly from the Delaware County 911 Center.
• Maintain knowledge of all vehicle and officer assignments; keep shift supervisors informed of all appropriate incidents.
• Process walk‑in requests for services.
• Prepare Daily Summary Sheet and other pertinent computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) paperwork/programs for supervisory approval; list all incidents and their resolution, notes on unusual occurrences, account for all members of the shift and their assignment.
• Issue keys to University passenger vans and log outgoing and incoming vans into fleet‑management software. Answer parking‑related questions after normal business hours.
• Monitor CCTV systems, alarm systems and access control devices; inform shift supervisor and document irregularities.
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

• Use of phone, radios and multiple computers and hardware.
• Must be able to view numerous surveillance cameras for extended times and record significant information in Computer Aided Dispatch software.
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time. The person in this position frequently communicates with mobile units and answers phone calls, sometimes simultaneously. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Constantly operate phones, radios, multiple computers, and CCTV cameras.
• Ability to work shift work to include nights and weekends.
• Fine motor skills as well as visual, hearing, speaking and touching.

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 18 years of age.
• APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) certification as a Public Safety Telecommunicator preferred or ability to become certified within 12 months of hire date is required.
• Ability to read and write the English language.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely required, especially during stressful situations.
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to proficiently operate a personal computer, keyboard and peripheral devices.
• Ability to operate various telecommunications equipment, including phone and two‑way radio.

• Knowledge of dispatch codes, standard abbreviations, and industry terminology used by law enforcement and EMS agencies.
• 2 + years prior experience as either a call‑taker or dispatcher in an emergency services setting.

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to take a written test that assesses reading comprehension, listening, prioritization, and problem solving. The written test will be administered on 8 / 1 / 26.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.