Description

Salary $35,464.00 Annually
Location Dallas, NC
Job Type Full-Time Regular Staff
Job Number 2022-00673
Division Administrative Services
Department Campus Police and Security
Opening Date 09/15/2025

SUMMARY

Open until filled-

A Communications Specialist evaluates, and processes calls from the College community for emergency service, dispatch Campus Police and other College departments as needed, produces identification cards for students, faculty and staff. Process incoming calls through the College's main switchboard while maintaining excellent customer service at all times.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Communicate with Campus Police, Security, and other College personnel by use of the police/security radio system. Interact with other agencies and departments as required. Receive, evaluate, and process calls from the College community for emergency services and for events as necessary.
2. Receive and process incoming calls through the College's main switchboard. Become familiar with the College's academic calendar and proactively stay abreast of various College-related events, course offerings, etc. to assist, answer inquiries from, and guide students, faculty, staff, and the public.
3. Perform responsible, professional, and technical administrative work relating to the development and maintenance of the College's emergency communications equipment including the emergency notification system, camera surveillance system, and the public address system.
4. Responsible for the Campus Police Division Criminal Information Network (DCI) and may serve as the department's Assistant Terminal Agency Coordinator (ATAC). Must be DCI and TAC certifiable within 90 days of employment.
5. Request computerized criminal history reports, including sex offender registry, and maintain confidentiality of all information received.
6. Perform responsible, professional, and technical administrative work relating to the development and maintenance of the College's faculty, staff, and student identification system.
7. Use knowledge of various office machines, software, Internet, and electronic mail to assist Campus Police as assigned.
8. Assist the Chief of Police in dissemination of information.
9. Greet, screen, and direct visitors to proper office or person; provide basic information to visitors and/or callers concerning Campus Police activities and College programs.
10. Maintain a high standard of professional and ethical practice in representing the College.
11. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and/or confidential information.
12. Provide a high level of service to customers by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and partnerships.
13. Accept responsibility for managing situations and problems, often having to multi-task and simultaneously manage specific tasks and situations.
14. Utilize independent judgment in problem-solving of complex issues.
15. Work cooperatively with team members and colleagues, contributing positively and constructively to the achievement of team and College objectives.
16. Adhere to the College's policies, procedures, and other established guidelines.
17. Perform other related duties incidental to the work herein described.

MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or HSE/GED required.
• Associate degree from a regionally accredited institution preferred.
• Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) preferred.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Dispatching or switchboard experience preferred.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) certification required. In addition to the standard background check, this position requires having a clear fingerprint-based criminal records search through the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI); fingerprinting required upon hire.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills required.
• North Carolina Telecommunicator certification preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Generally, works in a traditional climate-controlled office environment and requires the ability to sit for extended periods.
• Some walking, standing, and bending required, and the ability to lift and maneuver items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Work environment can be stressful at times in dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.
• May be required to work variable hours, including overtime, holidays, weekends, and rotating shifts.

BENEFITS

Gaston College provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program. We are continuously investigating new benefit offerings that are responsive to the needs of our regular** employees.

• State Health Plan
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Additional Supplemental Insurances
• NC State Retirement Plan
• Supplemental Retirement Plans
• Disability Benefits, Long- and Short-Term
• Longevity Pay
• State Employees' Credit Union Eligibility
• Leave (Vacation, Sick, FMLA, Civil and Military, Child/Student Involvement, Education, and Voluntary Shared)
• Paid Holidays
• Educational Advancement Compensation
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discount Program
• Benefits Overview Booklet

**Please note: Temporary (part-time) employees do not earn benefits.