TITLE: Transportation Specialist
STATUS: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Senior Center
CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time
SUPERVISED BY: Senior Center Director
BARGAINING UNIT: Non-Bargaining
OBJECTIVES
The Transportation Dispatcher coordinates and schedules transportation services for older adults and adults with disabilities participating in the Senior Center transportation program.
ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS
- Receives oral and written instructions from supervisors and performs assigned duties independently.
- Coordinate and schedule daily transportation services for older adults and adults with disabilities, including medical appointments, shopping trips, nutrition program transportation, recreational activities, and other approved transportation requests while maximizing route efficiency and vehicle utilization.
- Manage transportation requests received by telephone or in person, maintain drivers schedules, transportation calendars, scheduling software, and rider databases including canceled and rescheduled rides.
- Communicate transportation schedules, route changes, pickup times, and other program information to drivers, participants, volunteers, and staff. Provide appointment lists to support reminder calls.
- Monitor daily transportation operations, respond to scheduling conflicts or servicedisruptions, and assist in maintaining continuity of transportation services.
- Maintain accurate transportation records, participant files, ridership statistics,mileage records, driver logs, and other program documentation while ensuringconfidentiality.
- Assist in monitoring driver certifications, required training, license renewals, vehiclemaintenance schedules, inspections, registrations, and service records.
- Support compliance with ADA, Title VI, transportation safety regulations, and Townpolicies, including assisting with accident, incident, and safety documentation.
- Collaborate with other Town departments, community partners, volunteers, andparticipants to coordinate transportation services and promote program awareness.
- Serve as a relief driver as needed during staff shortages, vacations, illnesses, or periods of high demand. Assist passengers with boarding and exiting vehicles in accordance with program policies and ADA guidelines, and secure wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other mobility devices using manufacturer-approved restraint systems.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, internet-based applications, and standard office equipment, including computers, printers, scanners, and multi-line telephone systems.
- Knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, and recordkeeping methods.
- Ability to learn and become proficient in the use of transportation scheduling software and other technology used to support transportation operations
- Ability to communicate effectively and provide courteous, professional, and responsive customer service to older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, volunteers, Town staff, and the public.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, organize and prioritize multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, volunteers, coworkers, other Town departments, and community partners.
- Ability to work effectively in an office environment with frequent interruptions and moderate noise from telephones, conversations, office equipment, and public activity.
REQUIRED PHYSICAL EFFORT
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and safely enter and exit transportation vehicles.
- Ability to operate wheelchair lifts, ramps, accessibility equipment, and other vehicle equipment used in the transportation of passengers.
- Ability to maintain the stamina and mobility necessary to safely perform dispatch, passenger assistance, and transportation duties.
- Ability to push, pull, maneuver, assist, and safely secure occupied wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other mobility devices using approved securement systems.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum)
- High school diploma or GED required. Additional education in human services, office administration, transportation, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience in dispatching, scheduling, customer service, office administration, transportation services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is preferred.
- Valid Connecticut driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Connecticut Public Passenger ("F") Endorsement, or the ability to obtain the endorsement within six (6) months of hire.
- Ability to successfully pass all required pre-employment screenings, including criminal background checks and a Department of Transportation (DOT) or other required medical examination, and maintain all required qualifications for the operation of Town vehicles.
- Ability to successfully complete required training in passenger assistance, wheelchair lift operation, wheelchair securement, defensive driving, and other transportation-related topics as assigned.
