Harris-Stowe State University is a historically Black institution (HBCU) located in the heart of vibrant mid-town St. Louis, Missouri. Harris-Stowe’s beautiful campus is minutes from the renown Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art and History Museums, Forest Park and other cultural and educational institutions. Harris-Stowe’s diverse faculty and staff provide a wide range of academic programs to one of the most culturally diverse student bodies in the St. Louis region.
JOB SUMMARY
The Public Safety Dispatch Officer operates the Department of Public Safety Communications Center on the Harris-Stowe State University campus, receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone calls, after-hours maintenance requests, monitoring computerized alarm and access control systems, providing contact to police and EMS services, providing in-person customer service, monitoring a CCTV surveillance system and reporting inappropriate activities to zone officers, and making entries into automated record files. Some tasks may be life-safety related and thus place a critical emphasis on a successful outcome.
Dispatch Officers may be crossed trained to work as public safety patrol officers, required to walk and/or stand for extended periods of time, and to work overtime hours. Dispatch Officer candidates must successfully complete an in-house field training program.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Previous experience in law enforcement or security preferred.
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Associate’s degree or equivalent earned credit hours from an accredited institution preferred
- Must be able to obtain and maintain an armed security officer license, through the St. Louis County Police Department/St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Private Security Licensing Unit, within 30 days of employment.
- Current licensed to carry a firearm preferred.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license upon the effective start date.
- Current or past certification in the State of Missouri as a police officer under POST standards preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- At least 21 years of age
- U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
- No felony convictions
- Free of any type of chemical dependency
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational ability, and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to use a computer and type a minimum of 25 words per minute
- Must have the ability to respond effectively to the needs of a diverse and demanding student and parent population.
- Must be a self-starter who works well in a fast-paced, dynamic, team-oriented, and culturally diverse environment.
- Must be perceptive and patient, with strong people skills and a willingness to assist others.
- Ability to react promptly and correctly in emergency situations.
- Ability to make independent decisions that are permitted with minimum supervision.
- Ability to work effectively with co-workers, university staff and faculty, and members of the public that may visit the university.
- Ability to accurately communicate required information in a timely manner.
- Ability to stay aware and alert to the surrounding conditions and situations.
- Ability to become proficient in the use and operation of the NaviGate C.A.D. system.
- Ability to become proficient in the use and operation of the RAVE emergency alert system
- Basic computer proficiency including keyboarding, data entry, data retrieval, electronic forms completion, and proficiency with Windows 7, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, program designs, and development
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions
- Ability to demonstrate ownership, accountability, and teamwork.
- Ability to focus on results and to commit to excellence.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within all the divisions of the University.
- Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
- Develop working knowledge regarding the proper operation of all assigned equipment.
- Ability to take charge and give clear directions during all incidents of serious nature.
- Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, evenings, weekends, holidays, and after-hours work is required. May be required to report for duty at any time, including during states of emergency and university closings.
- Ability to work overtime, both scheduled and unscheduled.
- May include occasional exposure to normal environmental conditions such as sunlight, heat, cold, and rain. Also includes risk of exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as noise, solvents, odors, slippery or uneven surfaces, heights, machinery, adverse weather conditions, and traffic hazards.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to hear, retain, and document information received via radio transmissions.
- Requires complete mobility of all limbs. May require walking, standing, running, kneeling, bending, and stooping.
- May be required to climb obstructions and crawl under obstructions.
- Must be able to run extended distances and may be required to apprehend fleeing suspects.