Driver/Assistant Dispatcher

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Transportation & Logistics Manager the Driver/Assistance Dispatcher is responsible for transportation of passengers on a door-to-door basis according to a pre-arranged schedule. Additionally, the Driver/Assistant Dispatcher completes duties that assist the dispatching of trips. This includes working with route changes, communication to vendors and participants, and working closely with the Centralized Scheduling department. The Driver/Assistant Dispatcher operates with flexibility, safety, and compassion, and can handle non-scheduled transports as deemed necessary by the Lead Transportation Dispatcher and/or Transportation & Logistics Manager.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Driver Role

• Responsible for providing scheduled transport and provides input on the efficient routing of passengers on a daily basis.
• Responsible for the safety of all passengers from the time of pick up, during delivery, and at the drop off destination. Assists passengers to embark and disembark from the vehicle and assists in carrying any packages, bundles, walkers, or passengers’ personal belongings. May assist only in chair to wheelchair transfer, dressing in outerwear only (hats, coats & accessories).
• Secures each passenger and wheelchair in the vehicle before the vehicle is moved.
• Immediately upon unloading the last participant from the vehicle or before any such time the vehicle is parked, left unattended or at a location away from the center, the driver is to ensure that all participants have been unloaded safely from the vehicle and the vehicle is parked in a safe and secure location.
• The driver or other staff person shall physically walk through the vehicle to check all seats and all interior spaces of the vehicle. The time of the physical inspection shall be recorded and turned in to the Transportation Manager at the end of each day.
• If necessary, participants may be left in the vehicle, for no more than 5 minutes at a time while the driver assists a disabled or impaired participant to enter their home, a doctor’s office, or other similar circumstance. The driver must only be away from the vehicle long enough to assist the participant to his/her destination and the driver will promptly return to the vehicle. Participants are not to be left unattended in the vehicle if they have memory loss or a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
• If the driver needs to disembark from the vehicle for any reason while passengers are still present, the driver will not be more than five hundred feet away.
• The driver will only leave the vehicle to assist participants, for emergency reasons, or for purposes related to the transportation and safety of the vehicle’s occupants. The driver will not be permitted to leave the vehicle for personal reasons, such as carrying out personal errands, buying personal items, taking coffee breaks, or other matters which are not related to the transportation of participants.
• Drivers report to the Transportation & Logistics Manager any special situation with the passenger or in the passenger’s home to avoid potential problems or issues with transport or personal care.
• Reports immediately to the Transportation & Logistics Manager all company vehicle accidents whether the bus has passengers or is empty at the time and any citations issued by local or state police.
• Reviews and is familiar with our accident policy with both loaded and unloaded vehicles. Any incidents regarding boarding or disembarking injuries must be reported immediately to supervisor.
• Reports by the next business day any accidents or moving violations sustained in a personal vehicle.
• Keeps interior and exterior of vehicle clean and wipes down the seats according to infection control policy daily.
• Inspects vehicle daily and immediately reports any defects or malfunctions to Transportation & Logistics Manager. Daily inspection includes, but is not limited to, brakes, tires, lights, windshield wipers, passenger restraint devices, fire extinguishers and fuel.
• Drivers are responsible for security of the vehicle when it is in their possession and are responsible to ensure safe parking areas when vehicle is not moving.
• Completes daily trip logs, vehicle and maintenance reports, passenger or caregiver complaints or grievances.
• Attends appropriate training and staff meetings as required. Completes any annual reevaluation and in-service training related to the transportation field and meeting State and Federal requirements
• Acts in a cheerful, responsible manner at all times, and behaves with patience and understanding when interacting with vendors, participants, and families.
• Does not accept money or gifts from the passengers for services rendered.
• Keeps in regular contact with the Transportation & Logistics Manager and is made aware of changes in participants’ care plan on a daily basis or as needed.
• Participates in periodic assessments, care planning, and assisting to coordinate 24-hour care delivery with other PACE employees.
• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to, periodically assisting with participants’ activities to prepare for being transported, PACE center activities and delivery of supplies and equipment as deemed necessary by Administration.
• Does not operate or authorize the use of company vehicles for personal business or personal gain.
  
  

Dispatching Role

• Maintains an up-to-date listing of buses and assigned drivers and transport aides.
• Assists in maintaining assigned files and records; receive and process information according to established guidelines and procedures.
• Performs a variety of clerical support duties as assigned; prepares reports, answer phones, routes messages, answers questions related to trip information
• Backs up lead dispatcher when needed by covering phones, consulting with vendors, and meeting with the centralized scheduling department when needed.
• Maintains current knowledge of routes, road issues, and commonly used locations to ensure timely services and accurate information.
• Collects quality data; completes reports, confirms accuracy, utilizes reporting function in transportation software, identifies performance measures, reports information to manager
• Completes and enters accurate and thorough participant information in the transportation software.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Skills & Abilities

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Dependable and punctual with ability to maintain consistent attendance

Ability to read, write and comprehend English

Ability to maintain sound judgement under stress and communicate effectively

Ability to proficiently perform clinical/skilled tasks associated within scope of position

Proficiency with MS Office Suite or similar software

Education Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent, Required

Physical Requirements

Physical ability to regularly stoop, bend, kneel, lift, stand, walk, stretch and reach for extended periods of time.

Must be able to regularly lift objects up to 25 pounds and at times up to 35 pounds.

Must be able to assist a 200-250 lb participant, using proper body mechanics.

Must have hearing and vision abilities within normal range (corrected) to drive safely and/or to observe and communicate with participants.

Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization's physical premises as well as related community care settings.

Must be able to tolerate conditions typically associated within a medical office and/or home care setting including potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases.

Must be able to complete assignments in variable weather conditions and ever-changing and sometimes allergenic environments in participant homes, including extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, and cleaning supplies.

Experience

1 year of related driving experience, Preferred

1 Year Of Dispatching Experience, Preferred.

1 year of experience working with a frail or elderly population, Preferred

License & Certification Requirements

Chauffeur's License

Position Requirements

CPR Certification

Chauffeur's Driver's License & access to reliable transportation