L.E.T.S. Dispatcher/Driver - 29 hrs. Week

Under the supervision of the Operations Manager - L.E.T.S. is responsible for providing dispatch and scheduling services for transportation services. Responds by phone, e-mails, and fax to requests for public bus transportation and schedules routes accordingly and logs scheduling information. May also serve as a driver when needed. In such cases is responsible for providing safe, efficient, customer friendly transportation via bus, van, or County vehicle to the public in the County and/or any location in surrounding counties.

Benefits:

• Retirement plan includes a 401a with up to 8% employer contribution
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Paid vacation, personal day, sick days & 13 Holidays. Unused vacation and sick time rolls over
• Up to $300 annual Wellness reimbursement* & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
• Employee assistance program

*Pro-rated based on DOH

Pay Rate Information:

The Dispatcher/Driver is a non-union position and starting pay is $20.55/hour. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Non-Union Grade 3 Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $26.02/hour. This is a part-time,29 hour a week position. May include evening and week-end shifts.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Receives telephone, e-mail, and fax requests for transportation, both in and outside the County, determines if requested time and route can be accommodated, and suggests alternative times if appropriate. Schedules rides taking into consideration the special needs (e.g., physical requirements, mental disabilities, etc.) of many of the passengers served by the department.
2. Prepares daily logs to include recording time, address, and fare information for each pickup.
3. Responds by phone to provide professional customer service and answers questions from the public regarding transportation services in the County. May require setting up transports with adjoining Counties.
4. Performs general office support functions such as, but not limited to, preparing mailings and copying documents.
5. May function as a driver to fill shift shortages, special runs, or special events, as needed. Drives L.E.T.S. vehicle to transport passengers to various destinations. Provides customer assistance to a variety of passengers ranging from school age to the elderly. Passengers may have special needs or require additional assistance. Operates chairlift to assist passengers in boarding the bus and ensures passengers are properly secured based on standards and guidelines. Some transports require transportation out of the County and some door-to-door service.
6. Maintains a log of trips and number of passengers. Verifies monies, proper fares, fuel, and mileage.
7. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• High school diploma or GED and three years of progressively more responsible experience as a dispatcher or driver in public transportation.
• The County, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Michigan Commercial Driver's License - Class C with passenger endorsement.
• Must pass a Michigan Department of Transportation physical and drug screen prior to employment.
• Must obtain a Michigan Department of Transportation Medical Examiner's certification within ten days of employment and CPR training within six months of employment. Certifications must be maintained throughout employment.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of safe driving techniques, providing leadership and delegating work, and providing customer service.
• Considerable knowledge of scheduling transportation requests for passengers and drivers, County roads, reading maps, providing customer service over the phone and in person, working with a variety of people including providing service to passengers with special needs and assistance, performing basic math, preparing receipts and daily log reports, and driving safely in all weather conditions.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data and preparing accurate reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and the ability to learn department-specific software.
• Skill in the use of specialized vehicle transportation equipment such as chair lifts and securing passengers prior to transport.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in an office and in the field. While in the office, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile both in an office setting and in the field with the ability to stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 25 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

While performing the duties of a driver, the employee works in outdoor weather conditions while driving and is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, noxious odors, vibrations from driving a bus and traffic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but can be loud.

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