Located in a historic neighborhood in the nation's capital, Georgetown offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, exciting ways to take advantage of Washington, D.C., and a commitment to social justice. Our community is a tight knit group of remarkable individuals interested in intellectual inquiry and making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Job Overview

The Communications Specialist works in the Police Department 24/7 public safety answering point (PSAP) and performs a variety of communications and operational tasks in support of public safety, security, and law enforcement operations in accordance with existing university, state and federal guidelines.  Duties include answering emergency telephone lines, dispatching police officers, monitoring the university fire alarm system, monitoring the university closed-circuit television (CCTV) security system, and providing information and customer service to the university community via both telephone and a walk-up window.  The Communications Specialist reports to the Police Communications Supervisor. This person works independently with general supervision.  The incumbent works with other patrol officers, security officers, and student guards.

Work Interactions

Police Communications Officers (PCO) and Police Communications Specialists (PCS) (both Communications Dispatchers) who are responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls for service, dispatching these calls, initiating EMS responses, monitoring alarm systems, and working the customer service desk, staff the Georgetown University Police Communications Center.  Incumbent for this positions answers calls from the public regarding all types of emergencies, ranging from crimes being committed to various kinds of university community needs.  Dispatchers work shifts including days, nights, weekends and holidays. They may work alone or be partnered with another Communications Officer or Specialist with little supervision.  When dealing with callers, Communications Specialists must remain calm and collected while displaying good communications skills.  They also need to prioritize calls, depending on the level of emergency.  Communications Specialists are CPR, NCIC, APCO, and Public Safety Telecommunicator certified through APCO, and Incident Command certified through FEMA, at a minimum.

Requirements and Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to multi-task and remain calm while performing complex operations under stress.  Assists in tasks that include but are not limited to training new communications center staff.  Performs miscellaneous clerical tasks such as updating and maintaining department records.  Maintains required APCO certifications and current knowledge of police and communications methods and practices.  May represent the Police Department by participating in various committees.  Must be able to obtain WALES clearance with the completion of a background check.

High School Diploma (or equivalent) required.  Some college preferred, but not required.Practical Experience (years needed and type required):  At least 3 years of general work experience required.  1 to 3 years of related experience as a dispatcher is preferred.An equivalent combination of training, education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of above requirements.

Technical Qualifications of Specialized Certification:

Must be at least 18 years of age.No felony convictions or convictions of misdemeanors involving crimes of moral turpitude or gross misconduct.Must not currently be wanted for any crime.Must not have been found guilty by reason of mental illness for any crime.Must be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the U.S. for the past 10 consecutive years.Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation.Must become certified and maintain a NCIC/WALES certification.Have the ability to multitask and prioritize in a very busy police communications center.Ability to communicate effectively via telephone and radio.Ability to handle stress under emergency situations.Ability to type at least 35 words per minute.Experience operating computers using MS Windows.

Preferred requirements

National Crime Information Center/Washington Area Law Enforcement System (NCIC/WALES) Operator Requirements as set out by the FBI Criminal Justice Information System.  Previous experience working in a communications center is highly desired.

Work Interactions and Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University.  Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff and AAP positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

Current Georgetown Employees:

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.

Need Assistance:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please click here for more information, or contact the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (IDEAA) at 202-687-4798 or ideaa@georgetown.edu.

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement:

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.