401-Security - 6060-401 Part Time Dispatcher

Village Management Services, Inc.'s mission is to serve the residents of Laguna Woods Village with the highest level of customer service and professionalism, making Laguna Woods Village the premier active-adult community in Southern California.  We value integrity, quality, dedication and open communication in a rewarding and challenging environment.

401-Security - 6060-401 Part Time Dispatcher

The Laguna Woods Village Security Department offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are interested in building a career in public safety. Whether you are looking to become a law enforcement officer, professional dispatcher, or long-term security professional, this position provides valuable experience and professional development that can help you achieve those goals.

Serving as a Security Patrol Officer or Dispatcher allows employees to gain real-world experience in public safety operations. Patrol officers develop skills in observation, reporting, incident response, and community interaction, while dispatchers learn how to manage emergency communications, coordinate responses, and serve as the central hub during critical incidents. These foundational skills closely mirror those used in professional law enforcement and emergency communications centers.

Employees also gain exposure to working alongside outside public safety agencies, including the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Fire Authority, providing valuable insight into how public safety organizations operate and respond during emergencies.

For individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement or emergency communications, this role serves as an excellent stepping stone, offering practical experience and skill development that can strengthen future career opportunities.

For those interested in long-term employment within our organization, the Security Department also offers professional development and opportunities for advancement. Employees who demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and commitment to service may have opportunities to grow into leadership roles or expanded responsibilities within the department.

Most importantly, members of our team play an essential role in serving and protecting the residents of Laguna Woods Village. Working in our department provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience in a professional public safety environment.

If you are motivated, service-oriented, and interested in building a career in public safety, we encourage you to apply and become part of our team.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, serves as the communications coordination link between persons needing emergency/security services and responding staff; performs a wide range of communications-centered Security Division support duties utilizing various radio, telephone and computer apparatus. Follows established policy and procedure, performs other duties as assigned. Position requires constant, decision-intensive telephone, radio and in-person contact with residents, guests, staff and outside agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assesses, assigns, monitors and documents calls for service ranging from minor requests to emergencies. Makes prompt and appropriate decisions in deploying and coordinating internal and external resources to respond to security related issues involving people and property in Laguna Woods Village. Operates a non-integrated, two-way communications system to receive, transmit and document verbal and written communications. Receives and processes calls for service, maintains contact with and keeps track of all units on assignments. Monitors emergency alarms and video surveillance systems. Enters, updates and retrieves information from computer systems.

Answers phone calls for Property Services Dispatch Department outside of standard business hours. Responds to callers’ Maintenance and Landscape Division related questions and concerns; utilizes established guidelines to determine the level of response required.

Obtains and analyzes information from callers, and synthesizes it into useful intelligence for responding personnel. Acquires information regarding incidents, criminal activity, fire, medical, and maintenance emergencies and assigns the appropriate responders.

Promptly determines and directs the appropriate initial response by security and other staff as necessary. Prioritizes requests for service based on circumstances of each call. Coordinates follow up activities and monitors status of field units for duration of the event. Redeploys resources as needed to keep up with other calls for service. Provides support to field units by making telephonic and computer inquiries and notifications.

Reads and understands maps and effectively directs personnel to appropriate location of incident.

Maintains a detailed and accurate computer-based radio and incident log to document and track calls for service and other staff field activity. Prepares incident reports when required.

Searches records and/or computerized data; selects proper informational material; interprets information to requesting staff. Memorizes, retains and interprets policies, procedures, protocol and radio codes, and applies that information while performing duties.

Monitors other audio and data communication channels including Orange County Fire Authority and Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol and Village Maintenance, Transportation and Landscape Divisions, for relevant information or access.

Monitors closed circuit surveillance cameras placed throughout the Village for suspicious activity or emergencies.

Trains department members in all relevant duties and functions of the position. May be assigned as the designated shift lead with additional responsibilities, accountability and authority.

Regular attendance required. All duties performed on-site for the Community.

Works effectively with co-workers, residents, and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listens to and objectively considers ideas and suggestions from others; keeps commitments; keeps others informed of work progress and issues. Addresses problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions. Addresses others by name, title, or other respectful identifier; and respects the diversity of our workforce in actions, words, and deeds.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

N/A

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

Telephone, two-way radio base station console, headset, computer, printer, portable radio, digital pager, alarm systems monitor, closed circuit television console, front door intercom, standard office equipment and hand tools 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is in a climate-controlled indoor office, with radio equipment, receiver, closed circuit television system and fire alarm systems.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from high school and considerable experience in emergency services communications or a customer service field emphasizing extensive phone and radio contact, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which produces the following:

• Knowledge of computer and applicable software programs.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate a public safety communications system.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the job.
• Ability to think, communicate, and act quickly, calmly and accurately in emergency situations.
• Ability to formulate and deliver, and to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to handle varied and competing priority tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to learn, recall and apply controlling rules, regulations and procedures.
• Ability to learn the geography of Laguna Woods Village and surrounding area.
• Ability to type a minimum of 35 wpm.
• Ability to communicate pleasantly and effectively with residents and guests and to relate to the needs and concerns of senior citizens.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public and to deal with public relations problems courteously and tactfully.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear, and use hands to finger, grasp, feel and reach. The employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time (up to 8 hours). The employee is occasionally required to kneel, pull, push, stoop, and lift and carry up to 10 lbs.

The employee is required to visually monitor the closed-circuit television system, communicate clearly and effectively on the phone and in person, and react calmly in emergency situations.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job the employee reads, solves problems, uses verbal and written communication skills, performs detailed work, handles multiple concurrent tasks and has frequent customer contact and interruptions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

VMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.