Mission of CATA

CATA is dedicated to providing safe, reliable and efficient public transportation services throughout all of Clarion, Crawford and Venango counties.

Overall Job Objective

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.

Clearances

• 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.”
• This is a safety sensitive function for the Authority subject to DOT drug testing requirements.

Essential Job Functions

• 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.

Additional Job Functions

• 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.

 Qualifications

• Capable of using a computer and the internet.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products.
• Transit industry experience preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• 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.

 Physical/Mental Requirements

• 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.

Working Conditions

• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• Periodically works beyond normal work hours as duties may require.
• Occasional travel to attend meetings, seminars, training and conferences or other duties as may be necessary from time to time.

 Supervision Received

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision from the Special Services Manager or his/her designee.

 Supervision Given

None.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss accommodations with the Employer. Crawford Area Transportation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.