Dispatcher
Position Overview
The Dispatcher provides de-escalation, motivational interviewing, care coordination, and dispatching services for the Multi-Disciplinary Response Teams (MDRT). This high -volume role involves responding to calls from individuals seeking services, 911 diversions, and community reporting apps. Dispatchers assess clients' needs, determine service eligibility, provide crisis de-escalation, make referrals, and coordinate with internal staff, including Case Managers, clinicians, and safety personnel. This position works closely with Case Managers and Dispatch Leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Crisis De-escalation
• Utilize active listening and motivational interviewing techniques to assess the immediate needs and concerns of callers in distress.
• Provide calming interventions to individuals experiencing emotional, behavioral, or situational crises.
• De-escalate tense situations to ensure safety and encourage cooperation during interactions.
Eligibility screening and care coordination
• Evaluate callers' eligibility for City Net’s programs and external resources by gathering key information about their circumstances, such as housing status, mental health, substance use, and other critical factors.
• Coordinate with internal staff and partnering agencies.
Providing Referrals and Managing Contacts
• Offer accurate and timely referrals to community resources.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of local services and agencies to provide callers with tailored recommendations.
• Foster positive relationships with community partners to streamline referral processes and improve service outcomes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for incoming calls, ensuring all interactions are logged and appropriately managed. `
Data management
• Accurately document all calls, assessments, referrals, and dispatch activities in the agency's data systems.
• Maintain detailed case notes and ensure confidentiality of sensitive client information.
• Generate reports on call volume, response times, and service outcomes to support program evaluation and improvement.
• Monitor and update client records to reflect changes in status or service needs promptly.
Compliance and Goal-Meeting
• Consistently meet all assigned productivity and outcome goals
• In all activities, comply with all contracts, funder requirements, and City Net procedures and policies
• Meet or exceed all goals and requirements established for this position
Required Qualifications
• Minimum 1 year of telephone emergency dispatch, information and referral, crisis/warmline, etc.
• Experience interacting with people affected by homelessness, substance use disorders, chronic health and mental health concerns, domestic- and intimate-partner violence, and/or human trafficking
• Excellent telephone, email, and text etiquette
• Strong interpersonal, planning, and organization skills
• Strong computer and smartphone skills (including but not limited to MS Office, Google Suite)
• Excellent professional boundaries