Dispatcher

Crawford Area Transportation Authority • Marienville, PA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

The Reservationist will assist with the day-to-day schedules and reservations for all fixed route and paratransit trips to ensure accuracy, passenger satisfaction, and driver efficiency. This is a safety sensitive function for the Authority subject to DOT drug testing requirements.

Requirements

• Must not appear on Preclusion Lists as defined by “Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-11-05 Provider Screening of Employees and Contractors for Exclusion from Participating in Federal Healthcare Programs.
• Capable of using a computer and the internet.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to communicate (verbally and written form) professionally and interact with individuals at all levels of the organization and with external contacts (including the general public).
• Ability to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks and manage multiple responsibilities concurrently.
• Approach position objectives with integrity and respect.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate ability to complete job duties in a timely manner, with reasonable accuracy and minimal re-work to correct errors.
• Possess solid organization skills.
• Must be able to lift and carry objects with maximum weight of twenty-five pounds.
• Must be able to complete work requiring concentrated mental effort and attention to detail (including mathematical calculations, use of common and specialized word- and data- processing software programs) with minimal re-work or errors.
• Ability to apply understanding and problem-solving skills to carry out detailed written and/or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems in a constantly changing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Transit industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Promptly answer telephone calls on a multi-line phone system - handing all calls with a courteous and professional manner regarding: Complaints (to be filed correctly and sent to appropriate party), Fixed Route stops, times, and whereabouts of buses in real time, General information of the agency, Shared Ride/Paratransit funding, booking trips, returns, and areas of travel.
• Maintain continuous contact with drivers via two-way radio and/or cell phone or tablet to arrange for return trips, ensure smooth operations of all systems, and for safety and emergency purposes.
• Process fixed route ridership information and enter into Fixed Route software as needed.
• Accurately enter and use information in the Shared Ride/Paratransit software system including but not limited to: Assign a sponsor or funding source for each trip, Confirm trip schedule with client/public passenger, Dispatch all trips so that all original pick-ups and return trips can be made in a timely fashion.
• Handle returns.
• Ensure applications submitted for various programs are complete and accurate.
• All clients (non-fare paying) have been authorized for service by their sponsoring agency prior to any trip scheduling.
• As appropriate, refer clients to OEO, AAA, and/or MH/MR for service authorization.
• All partial fare-paying passengers have appropriate eligibility documentation on file with OEO prior to trip scheduling (this would apply to all PwD and 65+ public passengers).
• Enter new client data into the Shared Ride/Paratransit software.
• Inform passengers of the fare amount they will be required to pay for each one-way trip.
• Take responsibility for paratransit scheduling and dispatching including establishing run availability in accordance with driver availability.
• Troubleshoot errors on trips and clusters.
• Verify customer information while passenger is on the phone.
• Work closely with Senior Center Managers and authorized County Agents to schedule trips with approved funding for individuals or groups.
• Create schedules to be posted in a timely manner with driver contact before end of shift.
• Must be able to accurately record hours of work in time reporting systems.
• Immediately informs Operations Manager of any safety/emergency situations reported by drivers.
• Understand and comply with Authority Employee Handbook and Standard Operating policies and procedures.
• Follow company protocol and procedures during shift without direct supervision.
• Acts as first contact with general public for all walk-in traffic.
• Assist customers with bus pass sales; provide information to walk-in customers as well as those that phone.
• Assist with preparation for special events and activities as needed.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and seminars as required.
• Be able to act appropriately when faced with an emergency situation by the utilization of common sense coupled with following Authority protocol and procedures.
• Collect and organize fuel slips.
• Effectively communicate with drivers and other authority personnel in a courteous and professional manner.
• Flexibility with regard to changing job priorities.
• Maintain breakroom supplies, ensures supplies are in stock.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the needs of the Authority.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED