Dispatcher/Operator

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services. 

POSITION:  Dispatcher/Operator

PROGRAM/DIVISION: Shelter Hotline Program/

 Community Health Division

BULLETIN No: 03042026

HOURLY RATE: $19.37 per hour

OPENING DATE: April 22, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

JOB SUMMARY:

Manage the coordination and dispatching of the UPO drivers who provide transportation services for District residents needing emergency overnight shelter. Act as first point of contact for individuals, families, service providers, and other agencies as it is related to people identified as experiencing homelessness, at-risk or requiring services to prevent risk of injury or death due to extreme weather conditions.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Answer incoming calls, accurately document information in the electronic database, and provide appropriate information and referrals, including shelter options. Enter required shift-related information in SHL Database systems such as assigned drivers, vehicles, iPads and radios. Prepare and make available required items for drivers of the incoming shift and collect items at close of each shift. Coordinate scheduled and on-demand transportation for clients to approved destinations such as shelters and day service programs. Dispatch drivers use a two-way radio system and monitor transportation activities in real time. Screen and assist single adults and families seeking shelter and related services. Maintain current knowledge of shelter availability and emergency resources.  Monitor the Shelter Hourly Census Dashboard to track bed availability across the DC Shelter System. Communicate with shelters during emergency weather alerts issued by HSEMA. Collaborate with partner agencies, including DBH, CPEP, and HSEMA, to meet client needs. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Candidate must have the qualifications listed in this section to be considered for the position. High school diploma/GED or equivalent. Two (2) years of experience in a dispatcher position. Two-way radio experience 

is required. Possess ability to accurately perform routine math problems, i.e. basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. 

Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office programs (specifically, Outlook and Word) and use or learn to use ADP electronic time-keeping program. Possess effective organizational and professional communication skills, both written and verbal

Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

First-Aid & CPR certification. Bilingual/Spanish.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: 

Full Time/Regular (37.5 hours per week) with benefits Includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift Hour: 3:45pm-12:00am

POSITION ELIGIBLE FOR 

WORKING REMOTELY: NO

Competitive Benefits:

This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to mandatory random drug and alcohol testing.

Additionally, this position requires the incumbent to submit to yearly tuberculosis testing.

This position IS in the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.

NOTE: 

TB test must be presented upon date of hire.

To be considered for this position:

Submit your resume to the Career Center Online. 

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer