Transit Dispatcher

SUMMARY

The Transit Dispatcher schedules and dispatches drivers to pre-determined routes, as well as on-call requests from customers.

APPOINTMENT AND SUPERVISION

This position is employed by and works under the supervision of the Transit Operations Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Receives and responds to requests for transportation from County residents; provides information and answers questions.
• Books, schedules, and assigns drivers to trips for the Jo Daviess County Transportation Program and General Transportation Demand Responsive Service.
• Field a high volume of calls, accurately entering client information into routing software program.
• Communicates with customers and drivers via phone or two-way radio to relay pick up and drop off times or changes to schedules and routes.
• Monitors trips through software and computer system; including, but not limited to: driver’s driving patterns, erratic driving behavior, location and timing of driver’s arrival and departure, etc.
• Performs general clerical duties such as computer data entry and filing.
• Assists Transit Operations Director with daily operations.
• Adjusts route and vehicle assignments and responds to passenger complaints, in the absence of the Transit Operations Director
• Ensures compliance with all Jo Daviess County policies and procedures.
• Provide passenger resuscitation and/or basic life support through CPR.
• Greets and directs visitors; answers the telephone, transfers calls, take messages, etc.
• Reacts with prompt and sound judgement in the event of unforeseen situations, including, but not limited to: dispatching another vehicle to take over a route, finding an alternative route, notifying passengers or other concerned parties about delay or cancellation, performing the Driver role, etc.
• Drive Jo Daviess County Transit vehicles to assigned destinations, applying knowledge of commercial driving regulations, as needed (See Driver Position Description).
• Maintains all vital records, maintenance logs, trip inspections, passenger logs, trip denial forms, and other operations reports accordingly.
• Performs related work and other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervising responsibility includes making reasonable suspicion determinations, identifying indicators of probable drug use, and alcohol misuse along with dealing with confrontational situations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED; and
• One (1) year of administrative, clerical, or customer service experience;
• Valid Illinois driver’s license; or
• Any equivalent combination of related education and experience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Driving record with less than 25 points resulting from moving violations in the previous three years.
• Must pass DOT physicals, FTA drug and alcohol random testing (These positions are considered safety-sensitive and subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, under Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations).
• Must obtain and maintain Reasonable Suspicion Drug and Alcohol Testing Training Certification for Supervisors.
• Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Must have proficiency in utilizing the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device.
• Must obtain and maintain Bloodborne Pathogen Certification (BBP).
• Must obtain and maintain Q’STRAINT-Operator Certification.
• Must be capable of working with persons with developmental disabilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proficient training in 4-Point Para-transit wheelchair securement- utilizing belts, metal retractor, fixed to the floor tracks in the vehicle.
• Knowledge of necessary securement and restraints necessary per each individual passenger.
• Significant knowledge of the rules of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services which includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to maintain continuous radio communication to ensure efficient daily operations, with knowledge of radio systems, tablets, software, etc.
• Ability to diffuse difficult and sometimes hostile situations, diffusing frustrations and angry passengers/clients.
• Memorizes specifics within the geographic service area, distance between requested destinations, and surrounding area.
• Remains alert and exercises good judgment concerning emergency situations, abnormal driving conditions and disabled vehicles.
• Maintains a good rapport with all passengers, drivers, leadership, and office personnel.
• Maintain proficiency by attending trainings, meetings, and networking with others in areas of responsibility.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain strict phone and radio etiquette.
• Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive or advisory data and information.
• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear; and may be required to walk in rough terrain. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

The employee must regularly push/pull occupied wheelchairs without assistance, lift and/or move 50 pounds when assisting disabled or otherwise infirmed passengers in and out of the vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will alternate between working in a temperature controlled, non-smoking office environment and working outside in all types of weather conditions. The

employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical equipment and parts and be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and to the sun’s radiation.

While driving, the employee may be exposed to hazards related to adverse weather conditions or vehicular traffic/accidents.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, although from time to time it may be loud due to the operation of construction and maintenance equipment.

TERMS

This is a grant funded position. Should funding for this position be eliminated, or grant dollars decrease to the point where the position cannot be funded, the county has the right to terminate the position.

Pay: From $19.34 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19