JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Communications Officer/Police Dispatcher (Part-Time)

INTRODUCTION: West Chester Borough is a thriving community with a population of 20,000+ located in the center of Chester County PA. It is the seat of County government and home to West Chester University.

POSITION SUMMARY: Part-time position(s) are responsible for emergency communications (dispatching) between the public need and West Chester Borough Police Department. This position is within the Police Department and is directly supervised by the Chief Communications Officer.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Answer emergency and non-emergency calls to the police department.
2. Interview callers and obtain information quickly and accurately.
3. Be able to make prompt decisions based on information received.
4. Monitor lobby window and provide customer service to public.
5. Dispatch police officers to incidents reported by the public.
6. Document all police activity in the records management system in a clear and concise manner.
7. Monitor and complete all CLEAN/NCIC work as assigned by this department and the PA State Police.
8. Monitor to the best of their ability all video monitoring systems located within the dispatch center.
9. The incumbent must be able to monitor and react efficiently and effectively to all radio transmissions.
10. Must have knowledge of each department within the Borough and direct the public to each if needed.
11. Perform department-related duties as assigned by the Chief Communications Officer and/or police administration.
12. Maintain good rapport with the public always responding in a professional courteous manner.

For these routine duties, the incumbent will be made aware of all deadlines and the normal order they should be completed. In addition to the duties described, the incumbent will perform any tasks necessary for the government, efficiency, and the general good conduct of the Department.

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

COMPETENCIES:

1. Communication proficiency
2. Multitasking
3. Decision making
4. Strategic thinking

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

1. Ability to use good judgement, work under pressure and be able to deal with high stress levels.
2. Ability to adhere to personnel policies and procedures.
3. Ability to perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to him/herself or to others.
4. Ability to exercise courtesy and tact when dealing with the public.
5. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction.
6. Ability to accurately maintain acceptable attendance standards.
7. Ability to have a commitment to public service.
8. Ability to accurately complete administrative forms and carry out the duties of the job with or without supervision.
9. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
10. Considerable knowledge in the use of computers.
11. Knowledge of CLEAN/NCIC, CAD and Communication devices currently in operation.

WORKING CONDITION:

1. Prolonged periods of sitting and attending to the radio console for most of the work shift.
2. Office setting
3. Dark room with multiple monitors, computers, and radio equipment.

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK: This is a part-time communications officer/police dispatcher position with the West Chester Borough Police Department. Hours of work required may be 12-hour shifts working overnight and weekends. Other times may be requested to fill breaks and/or open shifts at the discretion of the Chief Communications Officer.

TRAVEL: Travel is primarily local during the Borough business day, although some out of the area travel may be expected.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High school diploma or GED equivalent (required).
2. Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Certification is preferred.
3. Current or prior emergency dispatching and call taking preferred.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. You must possess and maintain a current and valid driver’s license.
2. Pre-employment drug screening required prior to employment.
3. Criminal Background check required prior to employment.
4. Credit Report check required prior to employment.
5. Required to grant the Borough and its third-party agents the ability to access, report on, and review those documents.

Job Details Category: Administration

Salary: $22.00/hour

Posted: 12/31/2025- Until filled

How to Apply: Cover Letter and Resume can be emailed to Chief Communications Officer Joseph Miles at JMiles@west-chester.com

were_hiring_flyer.docx

were_hiring_flyer.docx