Jobs › Mercyhealth

Security Operations Center Dispatcher

Mercyhealth · Rockford, IL · $16.89–$25.33 an hour · Per diem

Posted Sep 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you stayed calm in a stressful situation while others around you weren't.

What they are checking: Whether they have a proven track record of steady judgment, which is the core of dispatch work.

You support multiple properties. How would you learn the layout and risks of sites you have never visited?

What they are checking: Whether they will study maps, post orders and site details so they can direct help accurately.

Tell me about a time you made a judgment call without a supervisor to ask. How did it go?

What they are checking: Whether they can make a sound decision alone and own it, which overnight dispatch often requires.

What would you do

Three calls come in at once: a fire alarm, a duress alarm and a lockout. How do you prioritize them?

What they are checking: Whether they rank calls by risk to life and can keep every caller informed while handling the worst first.

A card access alarm keeps going off at the same door every night. What do you do about it?

What they are checking: Whether they treat repeat alarms as a pattern to report and fix, not noise to silence.

A caller is angry and verbally abusive about how long security is taking. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can de-escalate verbally and keep the call productive without taking it personally.

About the work

A caller is panicking and you can't understand where they are. How do you get what you need?

What they are checking: Whether they can calm a caller with short, direct questions and pull out location first.

How do you keep track of where every officer is and what they're working on during a busy shift?

What they are checking: Whether they have a system for officer status so no one is sent into a situation alone or forgotten.

What experience do you have with camera, alarm or access control systems?

What they are checking: Whether they can run monitoring tools and know the basics of how these systems fail.

How do you document an incident so it can be reviewed later or used by police?

What they are checking: Whether they log times, actions and facts accurately and completely while events are still unfolding.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

Overview The Security Operations Center Dispatcher supports all properties and work locations by coordinating preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for routine and emergency incidents. Monitors incoming calls, dispatches assistance as needed, and maintains constant communication with security personnel to ensure timely and effective responses while monitoring security systems such as surveillance cameras, alarms, and access control systems. May be required to work on-call, flexible hours, alternate shifts, and weekends, and perform other duties as assigned. Schedule: PRN Shift: Varied ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • They must be a strong multi-tasker with problem solving capabilities; an analytical person that possesses critical thinking skills and is detail oriented. • The Dispatcher will effectively prioritize responses to a wide variety of routine, and emergency calls requiring various problem-solving techniques, judgment, and verbal de-escalation. • Monitors alarms; burglary, fire, duress and card access system. • Monitor security systems and utilize computer systems to track and document security-related incidents • Remain calm in stressful situations and utilize knowledge of basic security concepts to make sound decisions • They will be responsible for managing incoming telephone and radio calls, providing critical information to various stakeholders, and supporting security operations through monitoring video surveillance systems for Mercyhealth. • They will be required to orient and train new personnel as needed. • Will be responsible for gaining a basic knowledge of the layout of Mercyhealth hospitals and the location of Mercyhealth clinics. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE High School diploma or equivalent preferred One year of dispatching experience preferred. Basic computer skills required (e.g. Word/Outlook/Excel). A working knowledge of computer systems is essential. A basic understanding of healthcare security concepts is necessary. PAY RANGE: $16.89 - $25.33 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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