The Shift Manager, Dispatch will assist with the management of the Vanderbilt University Police Department (VUPD) Dispatch Center at Vanderbilt University, under the general direction of the Manager of the Dispatch Center. This role will manage the dispatching operations, which include supervising and coordinating the dispatch center activities.  This role will manage staff, ensure that the established laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures are followed.  This role will implement management practices that optimize the department's resources while ensuring efficient use of the department's personnel and facilities. 

 

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff—all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Responsibilities

Assist the Manager of the Dispatch Center with ensuring the operational readiness of the Dispatch Center, to include all associated equipment and resources.  Assist with the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the Dispatch center operations.  Assist with planning short- and long-range planning to include program updates and equipment needs. Assist with hiring personnel and addressing employee discipline issues, including termination, in accordance with accepted management practices and department policies.  Assist with the preparation and interpretation of quarterly statistical documentation to analyze the Center's performance and operational trends.  Make recommendations to the Manager on how to improve performance and trends. Assist with investigations and respond to inquiries and complaints from the public or department personnel regarding services provided by the center and department. Manage the training and development program for the Telecommunications Supervisor role.  Serve as a Telecommunications Officer when needed.  Serve as the VUPD Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) or the or ALT Terminal Agency Coordinator (ALT-TAC) for the TN Information Enforcement System (TIES), System administrator for Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD).  Ensure proper build and documentation are captured for citizen and Officer Safety. Ensure quality material in both CAD and Records Management System (RMS) is preserved for Citizen, Officer Safety.  Serve as CALEA Public Safety Communications and Law Enforcement Accreditation team member  Ensure the standards are met for the Vanderbilt Public Safety Department. 

Training

Manage the Center's Training Program by becoming a certified training instructor.  Certification is required to ensure efficient employee development and Center operations by managing the curriculum, assessing training records and needs, and facilitating training modules as needed.  Manage yearly training and training requirements related to the position.  Maintain educational knowledge by attending conferences, conventions, and other educational meetings to ensure we are compliant with state, regional, and national trends in 9-1-1 technology, policies, and procedures.

 

Community Services

Meet regularly with the Center users and customers (e.g., the Patrol Division, other agencies, and regional E 9-1-1 committees) to assess their needs and to develop plans to meet those needs.  Serves as the Center's liaison to these user and customer groups. Serve as a representative for the VUPD Dispatch Center on a variety of committees and project teams throughout Vanderbilt Public Safety and the University.  Provide educational and training opportunities to the public in and outside law enforcement in coordination with Community Relations. Other duties as assigned.

 

Supervisory Relationships

This position does have supervisory responsibilities for managing the Supervisors and Telecommunications Officers.  This position reports administratively and functionally to the Manager of Dispatch.

 

Qualifications

A high School diploma or GED is required.  An associate's degree or some college education is preferred.  A valid driver's license is required. 

Experience and Skills

Two (2) years of experience working in an emergency call center setting is necessary.  Two (2) years of supervisor or management experience is highly preferred. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are necessary. The ability to work well under pressure and in complex situations is necessary.  The ability to remain calm and objective throughout stressful and unpleasant situations is necessary. Expert level using Excel, PowerPoint, and other computer programs is preferred.  Experience working with the public and providing excellent customer service through verbal and written communication is necessary. 

Physical Requirements

Shift Manager, Dispatch must be able to:

Requires moderate physical effort in a sitting position for long periods. Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming Pass a thorough background investigation  Pass a drug test; medical examination; vision and hearing test;  Must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required by departmental standards. Pass a Psychological Evaluation. 

Working Environment

Required to work nights/weekends/holidays The environment is stressful, requiring the ability to multitask while being isolated from fellow workers.  Cannot leave the work area without relief from a supervisor.