Demand Response Dispatcher

Department: Care-A-Van

Job Category: Administrative

Employee Type: Part -Time – Non-Exempt

Rate of Pay: $21.65

Location: 1617 Wilcox Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37406

Revision Date: July 21, 2026

Schedule: Sun: 9:00am-3:00pm Tues, Thurs, Friday: 12:00pm-4:00pm Saturday: 5:00am-2:00pm

Summary Of Job

The Part-Time Demand Response Dispatcher Care-A-Van is responsible for coordinating and managing the daily operations of paratransit transportation services. This includes assisting with scheduling drivers, re-assigning trips when necessary, monitoring vehicle locations, and ensuring that transportation is provided in a timely, safe, and efficient manner for passengers with disabilities or mobility limitations. The Dispatcher plays a key role in communication between drivers, passengers, and team members to ensure smooth operations and ADA compliance.

Essential Job Functions

• Assigning or reassigning trips to drivers based on route availability, vehicle capacity, and customer needs.
• Adjust daily schedules to accommodate cancellations, or changes in customer schedules.
• Monitor real-time vehicle locations using GPS tracking and dispatch software to ensure timely service.
• Act as the primary point of contact for drivers, providing them with route information, updates, and instructions throughout their shifts.
• Communicate any changes in passenger pickup or drop-off times with passengers and drivers promptly.
• Respond to calls from passengers regarding trip inquiries, delays, or changes, and provide timely solutions.
• Address operational issues such as vehicle breakdowns, traffic delays, and driver or passenger emergencies, dispatching backup vehicles or drivers as needed.
• Coordinate with the maintenance team to report vehicle issues and ensure repairs are handled promptly.
• Ensure all trips are scheduled and dispatched in compliance with ADA requirements, local and state transportation regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain an updated understanding of the eligibility requirements for paratransit services to ensure appropriate service delivery.
• Work closely with the Scheduler to ensure seamless coordination between trip scheduling and dispatching.
• Coordinate with customer service and management teams to ensure high service quality and customer satisfaction.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Supervisory & Operational Authority

• This position may oversee 0 positions
  
  

Compliance

• Recognize and follow ADA rules and regulations related to passenger transit services.
• Responsible for completing all mandatory training classes.
• Responsible for reviewing and complying with all CARTA policies, procedures and directives.
  
  

Required/Preferred Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree in a related field preferred.
• Prior experience in dispatching, transportation coordination, or logistics required.
• Experience in paratransit or public transit systems is preferred.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in using dispatch software, GPS tracking systems, and transportation scheduling tools.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations and paratransit services.
• Familiarity with the local geographic area and public transportation systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Sit for prolonged periods.
• Perform repetitive motion.
• Fast-paced environment requiring the ability to adapt to changing schedules and priorities
  
  

Safety Requirements & Notifications

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transit service provider governed by requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).

Due to the nature of some work performed at CARTA some jobs are classified as ‘Safety Sensitive’ and are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use. All offers for employment are required to undergo pre-employment and possible random drug testing. If test shows a positive result your application for employment will be rejected, or if hired, employment may be terminated.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy, you must complete the application in full. Applications are considered for 90 days. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer — M/F/D/V.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to disclose true and accurate information on their account profile and/or resume. Falsification of this information may lead to your disqualification from vacancy consideration and/or termination of employment.

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer (protected veterans, disability) and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Employees who require a reasonable accommodation as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must notify CARTA in advance to allow sufficient time for CARTA to provide the accommodation.