Position Purpose:

The Communications Specialist serves as the primary communications and dispatch point for Campus Safety. The position receives and dispatches emergency and routine calls for service, coordinates Campus Safety Officers with members of the Bates community and outside agencies, monitors the electronic access control system and responds to access-related alarms, and maintains accurate records and documentation.

The Communications Specialist provides professional and timely assistance to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and members of the public. The position also performs administrative, clerical, and data-entry functions that support Campus Safety operations and performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Campus Safety.

Job Duties:

Communications and Dispatch:

• Provides professional, courteous, and timely service to members of the Bates community and the public through in-person, telephone, and radio communications.
• Answers incoming calls through the Campus Safety telephone system, including emergency lines and elevator phones, obtains necessary information, and directs or connects callers to the appropriate resource.
• Receives, prioritizes, documents, and dispatches emergency and routine calls for service using Campus Safety radio and other communication systems.
• Gives priority to emergency and urgent calls while maintaining awareness of other active calls and Campus Safety operations.
• Coordinates Campus Safety Officers with other College departments and with municipal, state, federal, and other outside agencies when appropriate.
• Monitors the electronic access control system and responds to alarms and other system notifications in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains an accurate daily communications and activity log.
• Initiates and maintains incident documentation based on information received through calls for service, radio communications, alarms, and other Campus Safety activity.
• Obtains and relays accurate information during emergencies and other incidents and follows established notification and escalation procedures. 

Administrative and Operational Support:

• Performs data entry and maintains accurate records supporting Campus Safety operations.
• Prepares reports, logs, forms, and other documentation as required.
• Processes maintenance and service requests related to Campus Safety and campus facilities.
• Maintains records associated with Campus Safety functions, including parking, no contact orders, criminal trespass notices, and other applicable records.
• Provides information regarding campus buildings, offices, departments, activities, organizations, and key personnel, or directs inquiries to the appropriate College resource.
• Assists with administrative and clerical functions necessary for the effective operation of Campus Safety. 

Additional Responsibilities:

• Handles sensitive and confidential information in accordance with College policies and applicable federal and state laws, including FERPA and other privacy requirements. Maintains the confidentiality of student, employee, incident, and other protected information and shares such information only with authorized individuals and agencies with a legitimate need to know.
• Maintains professional and effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, visitors, College departments, the City of Lewiston, and other outside agencies.
• Maintains a working knowledge of Campus Safety policies, procedures, emergency protocols, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintains Campus Safety equipment and work areas in a clean, organized, and operational condition.
• Participates in training and maintains proficiency in communications, dispatch, emergency procedures, and relevant technology.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Campus Safety. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Associate's degree in criminal justice, communications, public safety, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience.
• A valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record are required. 

Experience

• Two to three years of experience demonstrating reliability, sound judgment, dependability, maturity, and the ability to work effectively in a professional environment.
• Experience in dispatch, communications, public safety, security, customer service, or a related field is preferred. 

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally, particularly during stressful or rapidly changing situations.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and appropriately composed when dealing with emergencies, difficult situations, or individuals who may be upset or distressed.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in documentation and recordkeeping.
• Ability to assess information, establish priorities, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds and circumstances. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, visitors, College departments, and outside agencies.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email, calendaring, and data management systems.
• Ability and willingness to learn new software, communications systems, and other technology. 
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional schedules as required.
• Ability and willingness to respond to emergency staffing needs as an Essential Personnel employee.
• Commitment to providing professional and responsive service to the Bates community. 

Benefits:  

Hiring Range:  The hiring range for this position is $20.00 to $24.54. Placement within the range depends on experience and other factors. This position may be eligible for shift differential pay of $.50 to $1.00 dependent upon assigned shifts.