Dispatcher

Durham School Services is currently seeking a Dispatcher to work in our Middletown, NJ Customer Service Center. PURPOSE OF POSITION: This position coordinates the transportation of students to and from school, special events, field trips, and other related sponsored activities. The Dispatcher receives scheduled school routes, field trips and charters, and assigns them to the appropriate bus and driver. The Dispatcher acts as the liaison between the driver and the customer once the school route, field trip and charter has been assigned to the specific driver. The Dispatcher is the primary contact for the drivers when they are on the road and assists the drivers in case of bus break downs, accidents, or emergencies. The Dispatcher maintains the highest level of ethical behavior with the customer, fellow employees, and communities we serve. RESPONSIBLITIES: Schedules drivers, bus assistants, and appropriate buses to ensure the daily coverage of all routes, field trips, and charter work. Uses sound judgment in resolving schedule conflicts. Communicates all relevant details of driving assignments to driver to ensure proper execution, Ensures that the direct and indirect daily activities of drivers and bus assistants are assigned and accomplished on-time. Conducts vehicle or driver reassignments, as necessary, in case of breakdowns or interruptions. Transfers driver from one driving assignment to another when required to meet customer needs. Responds to emergency calls and facilitates emergency response network. Coordinates vehicle service schedules and mechanical repairs with Maintenance Supervisor to assure uninterrupted service delivery. Communicates assignment changes, breakdowns, accidents, emergencies, and service disruptions to customer and building personnel. Ensures driver and bus assistant's worked time is appropriately accounted for. Maintains high compliance to dispatch standard operating procedures. Adjudicates part-time employee concerns to drive positive employee engagement. Prepares documentation for appropriate agencies as required. Maintains route documentation and records for the purpose of providing accurate and reliable information, and complies with district and state requirements. Handles customer concerns and requests for information in an expeditious and professional manner. Escalates unresolved issues to management as appropriate. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Perform related duties as assigned to ensure an efficient and effective work environment. May require travel to other locations throughout the US and Canada to participate in meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. to gain skills and knowledge required to perform job functions. PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE: (National Express constantly strives to be "Excellent" in all that we do.Performance Excellence strives to deliver ever-improving value to customers and stakeholders through a culture sustaining continuous improvement. Works with management to reduce company costs/wastes in areas of responsibility Drives continuous improvements to optimize service delivery. Identifies efficiency gaps, determines root cause and implements solutions. REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Education: High School diploma or GED Experience: Previous dispatch experience is preferred KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED: Knowledge of surrounding geographic area to ensure effective and efficient routing. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to organize and prioritize time to balance conflicting demands related to customer care and dispatching. Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers in fast-paced and/or stressful environment (interpersonal & telephone skills). Ability to read and interpret documents and instructions from customers and other team members Ability to perform work activities requiring cooperation and instruction Ability to function in a fast-paced environment, under substantial pressure Ability to work within the appropriate level of independence Ability to problem solve Ability to operate two-way and emergency radio systems Ability to use office machines (fax, scanner, copier, zip drive, telephone system) Ability to use Microsoft Office Program and computerized routing software. Ability to work independently Ability to read road and street maps Ability to keep organized and accurate records relating to overall dispatch and routing responsibilities Bi-lingual abilities a plus SOP KEY FUNCTIONS & TASKS for Dispatchers ROUTES Confirm and print driver assignments Print and provide route sheet to driver FIELD TRIPS AND CHARTERS Assign drivers and vehicles based on location or policy Print and provide trip sheet to driver DISPATCH Print dispatch sheet for next day Monitor and review dispatch dashboard Collect school district and driver information Assign cover drivers Update dispatch sheet and manually input into Compass Provide route sheets to cover drivers Perform routine dispatch tasks and communicate any delays per contract Ensure driver swipe compliance Monitor and document child check Investigate and close open dispatch tasks OPEN ROUTES Assign cover driver or split route by searching on nearby drivers and radio need to complete route Notify cover driver and provide route sheet VEHICLE AND CHILD EVENT Determine route continuation Dispatch maintenance staff to location for repair Communicate delay to school/parents per contract Dispatch cover driver Notify district of child notice and contact appropriate authorities Complete all documentation Receive exception reports, investigate time, update dispatch sheet and manually input in Compass INDIRECT TASK Assign indirect task to employee in Compass INVOICE & AR Receive trip sheet, validate time and input in Compass PAYROLL PROCESS Confirm all daily tasks are closed on dashboard; if not investigate, close and input in Compass To Apply : Interested, qualified candidates please submit your resume and cover letter via the online application process below or visit our website at www.durhamschoolservices.com and select the "Career" Section. About Us: National Express, a nation-wide leader in student transportation, is made up of Stock Transportation in Canada and Durham School Services in the United States. Both Stock and Durham share a strong commitment to provide quality transportation, outstanding customer service, positive employee relations and the highest level of safety. Key Words : Dispatch, Dispatcher, Bus Dispatcher, Truck Dispatcher, Delivery Dispatcher, Transportation Dispatcher, Public Safety Dispatcher, Emergency Dispatcher, Radio Dispatcher, Station Dispatcher, Router, Route Writer, Route Planner, Trip Planner, Transportation Route Planner, School Bus Transportation, Student Transportation, Passenger Transportation, Public Transportation, Transit, CMF 88, 88M, 88N, 88Z Durham School Services is an Equal Opportuni