DISPATCHER - Amherst

A Dispatcher, under the supervision of a manager, is responsible for communicating with drivers, school district personnel, and parents for daily routes, trips, and extracurricular activities of students for our clients. The Dispatcher has significant, daily contact with all levels of Company personnel and as necessary with outside entities such as insurance brokers, attorneys, business partners, and the public. Contacts are generally for the purpose of dispensing information, providing technical advice or policy interpretation or for program coordination. These contacts will require considerable judgment, diplomacy and discretion and the ability to communicate clearly. The Dispatcher deals regularly with sensitive and/or confidential information and therefore must exercise extreme care in maintaining confidentiality and privacy.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Communicating with schools, parents, drivers and aides; Answers telephone inquiries and communicate on two-way radio
• Ensure employees report to work as scheduled and complete and file paperwork
• Ensure all vehicles are staffed for the day; assigns substitute drivers, as needed; plans, schedules and assigns drivers for special transportation, including field trips, athletic events, public charters etc. Observe and track route timing; Assist in developing routes, busloads, bus stops and schedules when necessary
• Read and follow established School District contracts
• Report concerns, violations or issues to the Operations Manager or Supervisor
• Keep records and submit reports; Including all documentation for complaints, accidents, routing changes, etc., maintenance records of mileage, gas consumption, and other related data; daily vehicle inspection and buses are cleaned daily as required by law
• Assist the shop in scheduling maintenance and repair of vehicles, coding invoices and record keeping
• Be on-call for emergencies and weekends as needed; drive a bus as needed Work closely with Operations, Safety, Training and Fleet Maintenance departments
• Follow company policies regarding pupil/client management and relations with parents, teachers, guardians, and the public in general
• Assist manager with monthly billing, payroll, account receivables, account payables and month end requirements
• Assist manager in implementing driver recruitment programs to ensure coverage of daily home to school routes and sufficient substitute personnel
• Assist manager in all driver disciplinary matters and overseeing yearly road test evaluations
• Assist manager in ensuring all drivers complete all necessary job related training and planning driver safety meetings
• Responsible for carrying out all STA policies and State & Federal applicable regulation.
• Knowledge and implementation of contents of School District contracts
• Communicating with schools regarding calendars, complaints, bus incidents
• Assist manager in development of charter business during non-school days and summer months
• This position may require travel to other STA facilities as directed by management and business needs and may require overnight stays and may include other areas of the US
• All other duties as assigned by ManagementRequired Skills/Abilities-Essential Functions:
• Excellent Customer Service Skills and Interpersonal Skills
• Intermediate Computer skills including entire Microsoft office suite
• Ability to learn new skills, systems and software
• Ability to prioritize tasks
• Thrive in a fast-past environment
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor and coworkers
• Ability to deal with problems and find solutions
• Must have knowledge of Federal and State regulations
• Proficient reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics skills
• State-Required Commercial Drivers License with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements o State specific requirements:
• Current report of Driver Physical Examination
• Demonstrated proficiency in the operation of assigned vehicles. May include extra equipment such as wheelchair lifts, and air brakes under all road and weather conditions
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle as evidenced by a good driving record
• Ability to physically perform the essential functions of the job
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work in outside weather conditions and be exposed to heat, cold, wet and/or humid weather conditions
• The noise level in the work environment is moderately loud
• Attend work on a regular and dependable basis
• Ability to successfully pass state and/or federal required Background Checks
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job
• Ability to comply with all policies and procedures established by company

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least 1 year experience in Customer Service position
• Valid CDL or ability and willingness to obtain one within 90 days of employment
• Must be at least 21 years of age with 3 years of driving experience

STA is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants; returning, military are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law