Western Kentucky University Job Posting: Communications Officer

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Communications Officer
 
 
Category: Staff
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Department: Police
Locations: Bowling Green, KY
Posted: Apr 3, 2024
Closes: Open Until Filled
Type: Full-time
Ref. No.: 998983
Position ID: 174327
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About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.


Job Description:

Reports to Captain of Communications/Staff Services.  Under general supervision by the Communications Supervisor.  A person in this position is responsible for dispatching police officers on police and emergency calls upon requests and WKU Explorers on service request calls, keeping records on all calls dispatched operating the LINK/NCIC terminal to provide information to police officers and other agencies, meeting and dealing with the public tactfully and courteously and monitoring CCTV security cameras. A person in this position may be assigned to work any shift, including weekends and holidays and overtime assignment.s

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive.  Duties may be added, deleted, and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

  • Receives complaints and requests from the public concerning emergencies, crimes and   service calls.
  • Dispatches police officers on emergencies, police calls and service calls.  Makes judgement as to priority of calls and dispatches officers accordingly.
  • Dispatches wrecker services.
  • Dispatches WKU Explorers on service calls.
  • Keeps records of every dispatched call (includes time call received, time officer dispatched, time officer arrived at scene, time call completed, nature of call, officer dispatched, and disposition of call).
  • Gives various instructions to both Officers and WKU Explorers on duty.
  • Dispatches maintenance workers on maintenance calls after regular duty hours.
  • Disseminates, where appropriate, information to other police departments (Bowling Green, Sheriff's and State Police).
  • Operates computer terminal, LINK,NLETS and CCHI system (National Crime Information Center and Law Enforcement Network of Kentucky).
  • Makes entries of stolen items, wanted persons, vehicle registration checks, plus numerous other items.
  • Maintains LINK/NCIC file system, CCHI Log, missing person file.
  • Monitors ADT alarm system (burglary and fire).
  • Monitors CCTV security cameras.
  • Maintains a log of radio and University master keys for officer check out.
  • Operates and maintains recording system.
  • Operates in-house personal computer and student information terminal.
  • Answers requests for information from the public in a tactful, courteous manner.
  • Performs related duties as required.
  • Inputs MINGER / CLERY information 


Requirements:

Education:

High school diploma or GED equivalency.

Testing:

Must successfully complete a standard battery of tests according to      Telecommunicator Professional Standards Program (TPS) requirements to determine suitability and adaptability. 

Training:

On the job training and successful completion of training courses state mandated  205 hours Telecommunications Academy.  Mandatory in-service training and annual re-certification.

Skills: 

Ability to receive and transmit emergency messages where accuracy is essential.  Should be qualified typist (45 WPM) in order to make transition to LINK/NCIC           computer terminals.  Ability to perform under pressure generated by many simultaneous demands for time and attention from the operations and the public.  Thorough knowledge of standard operating procedures, especially dispatching procedures of the Communications Center.  Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the operation of the LINK/NCIC computer terminal.  Must be able to read computer printout and visual alarm systems.  Ability to speak in a clear, well-modulated voice and to remain calm during emergency situations.  Ability to work quickly and efficiently. Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner. 

Experience:

Experience in clerical duties, typing, filing. 


Additional Information:

Hourly Rate:  $12.85

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO). To request an accommodation, report/express a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU''s Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Mr. Joshua Hayes, EEO Director/Title IX Investigator/University ADA Coordinator, via email at joshua.hayes@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5121.

The University is also required to investigate complaints of sex and gender-based harassment, also a form of discrimination, and has designated the Title IX Coordinator as the individual responsible for coordinating the investigation and response to such complaints. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Ms. Ena Demir, who can be contacted via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.


Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system:  

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume

In addition to this online application, you must complete the Communications Officer Packet and return to the police department within 14 days of submitting your online application.  The packet can be found at http://www.wku.edu/police/communicatiorsreleaseofinformationwaiver.php

Applicants who do not submit this packet by the submission deadline, will not be considered.

You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received.


URL: wku.edu/police

 
 


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