Introduction
Seeking a skilled dispatcher interested in supporting complex emergency communications within a healthcare system.
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has an opening for a full‑time Telecommunications Dispatcher (PCN 125995) for the Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) in Middletown as a critical part of DMHAS' Division of Safety Services (DSS).
Schedule
- Second shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Full‑time, 40 hours per week
- Every other weekend on/off
What We Can Offer You
Position Highlights
- Coordinate police, fire, medical, and other emergency communications with accuracy and urgency
- Operate CAD, NCIC, COLLECT, radio, telephone, and related communications systems to support critical operations
- Interpret and relay time‑sensitive information to offsite personnel, often making independent decisions under pressure
- Monitor agency cameras, alarms, and multiple radio frequencies to maintain situational awareness
- Maintain detailed communication logs and records for accurate documentation and rapid reference
- Collaborate with State Police, local public safety agencies, and internal units during multi‑agency incidents
About Us
DMHAS is dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through an integrated, holistic network of services that foster dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency.
CVH provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric, addiction, and specialized services across its Middletown and Hartford campuses, including programs for dual diagnoses and traumatic brain injury recovery.
DSS works to maintain a safe and secure environment across our recovery‑oriented healthcare system. Our team includes sworn police officers, building and grounds patrol staff, dispatchers, and other support personnel. The division provides essential safety, security, and law enforcement services that support compliance with Joint Commission (JCAHO) and other regulatory standards.
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
- For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
- This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Ben Beaudry at Benjamin.Beaudry@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
At the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System, Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services, Connecticut Valley Hospital and UConn Health this class is accountable for providing a communications link between agency units and/or divisions, other public safety agencies and the public.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Receives, transmits and relays police, fire, medical and other emergency information to and from appropriate personnel;
- Provides appropriate dispatch responses to calls such as traffic accidents and injuries on state property and police, fire and medical emergencies;
- Determines and evaluates emergency or non-emergency situations, prioritizes and takes appropriate action including interpreting and relaying information to offsite personnel;
- Operates communications equipment such as computer, radio, telephone and related communications equipment;
- Operates computer assisted dispatch (CAD), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Connecticut On-Line Law Enforcement Communications Teleprocessing (COLLECT) systems;
- Operates voter system to determine radio transmission capability;
- Monitors various cameras and alarm systems within the agency complex;
- Logs communications received during shift and maintains records for purpose of ready identification;
- Advises other agencies on incidents of special concern;
- Contacts and may coordinate with agency units and/or outside agencies such as State Police and local public safety agencies;
- Independently responds to calls from the general public and refers to appropriate personnel;
- May monitor other state and local police, fire and medical radio frequencies;
- May perform varied clerical and statistical work;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of
- and ability to operate and monitor communications equipment;
- terminology and coding used in radio communications;
- and ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and procedural guidelines relating to communications;
- Skills
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- computer keyboarding skills;
- Ability to
- listen and communicate calmly, effectively and courteously in emergency and non-emergency situations;
- speak proper English and enunciate clearly;
- function and react calmly, effectively and efficiently under stress;
- think and act quickly in emergency situations with judgment and discretion;
- exercise discretion in handling confidential information;
- follow oral and written instructions;
- maintain records.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of experience in dispatching and operation of communication equipment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in performing dispatching and record keeping functions for an organized Police Department
- Experience with Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain certification as a Telecommunicator.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to receive within three (3) months of appointment and retain certification in National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Connecticut On-Line Law Enforcement Communications Teleprocessing (COLLECT) systems.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to work a schedule that includes weekends, evenings and holidays.
CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the checking of references and facts stated in the application a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for permanent appointment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
A physical examination may be required by the appointing authority. Applicants for this class must possess normal hearing and vision.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be required to work in tiring positions for long periods of time.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.