] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → SECURITY MONITOR/DISPATCHER SHIFT 1

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Security Monitor/Dispatcher Shift 1

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Security Monitor/Dispatcher Shift 1 CODE: 8680 SQ/OQ: Senior Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Security Monitor/Dispatcher Shift 1 GRADE: 13 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction and guidance from the Security Supervisor, is responsible for monitoring the safety and security of all Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) through the Maxxess alarm system and CCTV camera system during evening, night, Saturday, Sunday and holiday hours. During these hours is responsible for monitoring, dispatching and coordinating security operations required to ensure all MCPS facilities are protected. The security supervisor, or higher authority, is contacted when matters of policy not previously established are encountered or when a security incident is of a nature that requires the attention of higher authority. Functional emphasis is on continuous monitoring of disparate types of security alarms installed within school property, identification of security incidents, determining the type and extent of actions required to expeditiously and effectively resolve problems encountered and coordinating the response of patrols, police, fire, and other agencies. Monitor/dispatcher is also responsible for answering and appropriately responding to calls from the Safe Schools Hotline and other incoming calls, both internal and external. Serves as contact and dispatcher for the Department of Transportation after hours.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Some knowledge of the operation and monitoring of security/detection systems. Some knowledge of police, fire and public agency assistance services and procedures. Ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of MCPS facilities, Maxxess alarm system, CCTV camera system, and operating procedures of the Montgomery County Fire and Police Departments. Ability to identify activity on camera and alarm systems that may indicate a security, safety or related problem at an MCPS facility and the ability to act quickly and appropriately. Ability to exercise good judgment in carrying out duties and remain calm in emergency situations. Ability to quickly and accurately comprehend alarm signals, messages/situations and to effectively communicate with others, both orally and in writing. Ability to prepare basic reports and maintain activity and incident logs. Must be able to work well under pressure and in stressful situations. Good human relations skills. Good oral and written communications skills. Ability to work with students, teachers, school leadership staff, governmental and community members. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: High School or GED diploma required. Responsible work experience, preferably in security law enforcement or a related area. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Ability to effectively monitor, Maxxess alarm and CCTV camera systems. Position is required to work at camera/computer workstations for sustained periods of time with a high level of concentration.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Employees in this classification are considered emergency personnel and are required to report to work during inclement weather. Evening, night, weekend and holiday work required. Some overtime may be required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Continuously monitors alarm systems installed in schools, Maxxess alarm systems and CCTV to ensure the safety of property under the control of MCPS.
2. Reviews, analyzes and assesses a high volume of incoming alarm signals and quickly identifies multiple types of alarms that may indicate the premises are threatened/endangered by vandals, burglars, fire, mechanical failure of equipment, loss of power affecting food storage, heating plant failure, etc.
3. Dispatches and/or communicates with the appropriate authorities to investigate and/or respond to active alarms.
4. Answers incoming calls to the Safe Schools Hotline and main phone line and responds appropriately to non-emergency and emergency issues.
5. Provides support to MCPS patrol workers to ensure their safety.
6. Prepares detailed reports to provide current information on security problem areas. Reports include, but are not limited to, a daily log summarizing all activities of security personnel, responses to security incidents, breeches of security by school personnel, specific alarms received by the security center, disposition of alarms, contact with individuals or other organizations that occur during each working shift, -both in and out of the school system, movement of mobile patrol units generally, and other information as required.
7. Prepares a daily log that records the alarm status of each specific building being monitored. Additional separate reports of alarm system malfunctions are prepared and reports of boiler alarms received and the activities associated with these alarms are noted on a special report.
8. Depending on the nature and extent of an identified security incident, coordinates the response of school patrols, police in a number of jurisdictions, fire department units, school maintenance personnel and others.
9. Operates two-way radios.
10. Receives and transmits pertinent information to patrols in the field. When necessary, receives from and transmits to maintenance vehicles, fuel trucks and transportation units during special emergencies (snow, emergency fuel deliveries, etc.).
11. Receives and transmits messages associated with security matters via phone.
12. Serves as backup to bus dispatchers when not available or during office closures; direct bus services and other transportation related activities in effect during specified hours.
13. Updates alarm points and troubleshoots alarm system issues.
Class Established: 1/70
Date(s) Revised: 2/86, 7/92, 12/2015, 6/2021
Last Reviewed: 2/2008

This description may be changed at any time.