Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Provides dispatch services for assigned department. Uses a multi-line telephone system to receive and relay information to appropriate units. Creates and logs incident reports.

Qualifications

High School Diploma and six months related experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. The ability to speak concisely and distinctly; demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and work under stressful conditions; previous computer experience and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Answers incoming telephone calls on a multi-line system. Disseminates all relevant information to appropriate persons via telephone or two-way radio to and to answer questions.
2. Contacts external agencies such as paramedic, fire, ambulance, animal control and police services to handle critical incidents.
3. Monitors intrusions, emergency telephones, fire-alarm systems and closed circuit television equipment.
4. Contacts appropriate personnel to ensure the safety and protection of persons and property.
5. Prioritizes incident reports and maintains an accurate log to meet Federal, State and University requirements.
6. Inputs and retrieves pertinent information from a computerized database to assist University staff and the general public.
7. Utilizes and complies with proper security and radio procedures.
8. May communicate scheduled and emergency utility outages to departments.
9. May be required to work closely with other dispatch centers.

Problem Solving

Dispatchers are responsible for questioning callers to obtain sufficient information to notify responsible parties in emergency situations and to conduct confidential information searches as requested.

Problems encountered by the incumbent include the ability to maintain a proper sense of priorities when confronted by multiple calls and the ability to think clearly in emergency situations such as fire, medical and crimes in progress. Crisis situations may involve people who are distressed and difficult to understand or who have trouble relating information. Dispatchers must obtain sufficient information under these stressful circumstances to quickly and effectively evaluate the situation and then pass along the information to the appropriate parties for resolution.