Police Dispatcher

Virginia Peninsula Community College is a two-year institution of higher education established as a part of a statewide system of community colleges. It primarily serves the residents of the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg, and the counties of James City and York.
Virginia Peninsula Community College changes lives, empowers students to succeed, and enhances the social and economic vitality of the region through high-quality education and workforce training, excellent service, and innovative partnerships.
The primary purpose of this position is to support department officials in their efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment. The primary function is to receive emergency and non-emergency calls, quickly determine what services are needed, and direct the appropriate number of police units to the scene. Dispatchers work closely with campus police, college administrators, and the public. In addition, this position provides administrative support, including assistance with schedule and communications management, procurement procedures, and related reports to the supervising officers (e.g. Chief, Sergeant) within the department.

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Must obtain certification by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a police dispatcher within six months of start date and maintain throughout employment.
• Must obtain, within six months of start date, and maintain certification as an operator of the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) computer system.
• Requires either United States Citizenship or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past 10 consecutive years to apply for VCIN Certification.
• Demonstrated work related experience.

• Knowledge of effective customer service techniques.
• Knowledge of communications equipment (i.e., radios, telephones, cell phones, etc.) and usage.
• Familiar with administrative procedures and practices.
• Familiar with law enforcement principles and practices.
• Familiar with maintaining files and records.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent keyboarding skills: ability to type at a minimum of 30 wpm.
• Computer literacy; proficient in Microsoft applications.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

• Maintain confidentiality and handle personal and private information with discretion.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively with members of the department, the campus community, and the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Handle feedback and direct concerns to the appropriate responder.
• Interpret and follow established policies and procedures.
• Use sound judgment to make decisions in highly stressful situations.
• Work independently.
• Work in high-pressure, high-volume work environment.
• Work all shifts including days, nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Work at all campus locations.

• Experience in a community college setting
• First Aid and CPR Certification.

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link:  http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

The Virginia Community College System, an EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the VCCS is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.

The VCCS is an EOE and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), VCCS will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing and selection processes.

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.