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 offerings, 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
PennComm 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 PennComm 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 PennComm.
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 PennComm.
Facilitate radio communications with available resources as well as local, state and federal agencies and run requested checks in PCIC, NCIC and CLEAN data bases.
Responsible for monitoring all security and fire alarm systems and CCTV monitoring equipment located in PennComm.
Follow SOP's for notifying other agencies to respond, and to notify Telecommunicator Supervisor and Security Services of damaged, inoperable or defective alarms and cameras.
Qualifications:
A High School Diploma or GED is required and at least 1 year of work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be able to read and write the English language.
Be proficient with computer applications.
Have the ability to key accurate information in a timely manner.
Handle multiple tasks at one time.
Exhibit good communication and listening skills
Ability to work shift work and holidays, mandated overtime when required
Able to remain calm during stressful situations.
Must sign a confidentiality statement.
The starting hourly rate for this position is $22.00 per hour. Upon successful completion of the six (6) month probationary training period, the hourly rate will increase to $24.75 per hour.
**For further consideration, please provide and upload a Resume and Cover Letter with your application.**
About Public Safety
The Mission of the University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Public Safety is to enhance the quality of life, safety, and security of our community. The Division accomplishes its mission through the delivery of a comprehensive and integrated safety and security program, in partnership with the community that we serve.
The members of the Division of Public Safety reflect our community. We pledge to deliver professional safety and security services that value and respect the rights and differences of all members of the Division, as well as those of the University of Pennsylvania and the University City communities that we all proudly serve.
We are committed to the professional and personal development of all members of the Division of Public Safety, and in turn we expect all of our employees to be models of excellence. Ultimately, we strive each and every day to earn the trust, confidence, and respect of our community.
Learn more: https://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDispatcher Senior
Department / School
Division of Public Safety
Pay Range
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay