Communications Officer at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore College

Job description

Position Title: Communications Officer Work Type: Full time Location: Swarthmore College Approved Location Type: On Campus Department: Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America) Who We Are: Public Safety’s mission is to provide a safe and secure learning, living, and working environment. The department endeavors to provide a prompt, professional presence while also instilling personal responsibility and accountability for the rules and regulations of the College and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We believe safety is a shared responsibility. The Opportunity: The Public Safety Communication Officer (CO) is a key role in Department responsibility for the safety and well-being of Swarthmore College students, campus property, community members, and visitors. The Communication Officer will be responsible for courteous and active engagement with the community, through effective verbal and written communication. As a Communication Officer, you are the first contact for internal and external interactions and incidents involving the College and you will be expected to service routine and emergency calls related to the College. You will receive initial information and take appropriate action to resolve or address the situation. You will manage the functions of the Communication Center as well as respond to radio transmissions and in person requests for assistance. You will also need to be able to have clear communication, verbally and written, for making reports on incidents and investigations. In this role, the primary duties of the Communications Officer are to assure a continuity of practices and effective communication service to/for the Swarthmore College Department of Public Safety Communications Center (SCDPSCC), the College community, and local law enforcement agencies. This position requires a high degree of community engagement, cultural competency, and ability to navigate complex protocol for effective decision making based upon Department and College guidelines. The ability to provide clear communication, often under pressure, in a multifaceted communication center is required and it is comfort in navigating a variety of technology is necessary. Personnel in this position are considered “essential” in that they support a 24 hour, 7 day per week Communication Center operation. This position would be working the first shift, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Essential Responsibilities: The PSCO provides information and assistance by telephone, radio or in person to faculty, staff, students, and visitors. The dispatch of internal communications, monitoring of CCTV, Access Control and both fire and intrusion alarms, as well as key control of organizations’ keys are all integral functions of the position. Duties including, but not limited to, the following: Receives both non-emergency and emergency requests (including 911 calls) for police/fire protection, medical, or emergency services; obtains relevant information, evaluates and prioritizes calls for service and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment, and documents thoroughly (30%). Using a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, monitors and updates public safety and, when applicable, police unit location and status in order to coordinate emergency field operations; documents and provides backup support and information, as necessary, by operating a two-way radio; requests additional assistance from other agencies as necessary; and obtains computerized campus information as well as applicable law enforcement information from local, state, and federal data banks through telecommunications terminal. (35%) Performs data entry, maintains files and reference manuals; and performs other clerical duties. Attention to detail and continuity of documentation as a critical aspect of this role (15%) Monitor and operate emergency alarms, CCTV, access control and security systems (received via various means), making immediate contact with the appropriate agency/personnel to address noted co