PennComm Telecommunicator Dispatcher

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offering, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Penn Comm Telecommunicator Dispatcher

Job Profile Title

Penncom Telecommunicator

Job Description Summary

This is a full-time Dispatcher and Call Taker position working in a 911/511 Communications Center on assigned shifts. The high priority nature of this position requires Dispatchers to work various shifts to maintain Penn Comm operations on a 24 hour, seven (7) day basis. Shifts (day, evenings and nights) to include Saturdays, Sundays and holidays as part of the normal everyday operations of Penn Comm.

A position in this class operates multi-line telephone console system and radio equipment to accurately send and receive messages. Must be able to accurately enter information into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and assign and dispatch all requests for Police, Fire, Emergency Medical, Security Services, or other services. Responsible for monitoring all access security systems, fire alarm systems, notification systems and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring equipment.

Providing appropriate responses to information received and observed. Dispatch and coordinate the responses of public safety agencies. Must be able to ask questions to interpret, analyze the caller’s situation as to resolve problems, provide information, dispatch emergency services, or refer the callers to other agencies. The ability to think quickly and work under stressful situations.

The position requires notification of serious incidents and pertinent information to various agencies located throughout the University of Pennsylvania as well as to outside local municipal, State and Federal agencies. Employees hired for this sensitive position must successfully complete a 40-hour APCO Telecommunications Course; approved CPR certification course and other required certifications/training within their probationary period of six months. This position reports directly to a Dispatch Supervisor and is considered essential personnel.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for receiving and dispatching requests for fire, police, security services or other public safety agencies.

• Entering information into CAD, prioritizing incidents, monitoring active calls, incidents and dispatching available units, monitoring available resources, clearly annunciating over established radio communication equipment, and provide service and support to available resources while maintaining composure and calmness at all times.

• Competent in the operation of the telephone, radio, cad, and alarm monitoring systems, and competent with all operational policies and Standard Operating Procedure’s (SOP) in Penn Comm.

• Facilitate radio communications with available resources as well as local, state and federal agencies and run requested checks in PCIC, NCIC and CLEAN…