Dispatcher jobs in District of Columbia

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962.  Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington:  A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website.  Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services. 

POSITION:                                      Dispatcher/Operator 

PROGRAM/DIVISION:                Shelter Hotline Program/

                                                            Community Health Division

BULLETIN No:                               11012023

HOURLY RATE:                            $18.00 per hour

OPENING DATE:                           January 24, 2023

CLOSING DATE:                            Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE:                             N/A

MAJOR DUTIES:

Contact shelters when Homeland Security/Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) calls alerts on or off. Works closely with Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), Mental Health, and HSEMA when problems with clients arise. Manage the transportation of homeless clients to and from scheduled and approved destinations as directed. Screen and aid singles and families requiring assistance for shelter.   Provide clients with information and referrals to shelters. Dispatch vans to transport homeless persons to shelters who are unable to transport themselves. Communicate with others in getting available resources to assist persons identified as at-risk or requiring services. Log in all calls, dispatch drivers to designated locations for client pick-ups. Assist Shift Coordinator with drivers’ assignments. Furnish callers with approved information on facilities and services provided.  Issue and receive materials for circulation or for use by the target population. Act as advocate on behalf of the clients.   May be required to drive/operate vehicles as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

High school diploma/GED or equivalent. Two (2) years of experience in a dispatcher position and (2) years of driving experience. Possess a current driver’s license from area in which he/she resides; a recent police clearance and a driving record with no more than 2 points. Two-way radio experience is necessary. Must be in good health. 

Geographic knowledge of the DC area is a must.  Possess strong interpersonal, judgment, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to use a computer system to retrieve schedule information.   Ability to complete a variety of daily reports and clerical duties.   Ability to manage emergency situations for vehicle drivers and act as a liaison between the drivers and emergency services.  Ability to work a varied schedule, including nights, holidays and weekends during all types of weather.  Must be able to work well under extreme pressure and be sensitive to the needs of callers.  

Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

First-Aid & CPR certification.  Bilingual/Spanish.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to mandatory random drug and alcohol testing.

Additionally, this position requires the incumbent to submit to yearly tuberculosis testing.

This position IS in the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.

NOTE: 

TB test must be presented upon date of hire.

Special Notice to all Applicants:

In accordance with the Mayor’s Order (see reference below), every UPO employee, except for those with a medical or religious exemption, must be vaccinated by September 19, 2021.  UPO abides by the requirements of all Mayor’s Orders regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations; the Orders relate to the program under which you will work.  

Mayor’s Order 2021-099 - COVID-19 Vaccination Certification Requirement for District Government Employees, Contractors, Interns, and Grantees

To be considered for this position:

Submit your resume AND driving record on the Career Center Online. 

Resumes submitted without driving records will not be reviewed. 

Apply Here

ALL VISITORS TO UPO FACILITIES:

• Must Wear a Mask While on UPO Premises;
• Must Practice Social Distancing; and,

Will Be Subject to Temperature Scanning Upon Entering UPO Facilities

 UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer