Dispatcher

About the Role

Summit School Services companies are dedicated to providing the highest level of transportation safety, quality transportation, outstanding customer service, and positive employee relations. This role is based at our corporate headquarters in Warrenville, Illinois, supporting over 250 local customer service centers across North America.

Responsibilities

• Directs and monitors daily assignments; schedules drivers, bus assistants, and assigns vehicles to ensure daily coverage of all routes, field trips, and charter work.
• Ensures direct and indirect daily activities of drivers and bus assistants are assigned and accomplished on-time.
• Communicates all relevant details of driving assignments to drivers to ensure proper execution.
• Assists drivers with routing directions and directs them to perform special services when required.
• Recommends appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including suspensions and/or discharge, for part-time staff for violations of company policies.
• Responds to emergency calls, facilitates emergency response network, coordinates mechanical service repair, and assigns replacement buses and drivers when there is a problem on a route.
• Notifies District and building personnel of all changes in route assignments, emergency situations, accidents, breakdowns, or any other event that will disrupt service.
• Maintains route documentation and records (relevant contract requirements, school information, student data, route changes, relevant maps, vehicle details, bus assignments, driver details) for accurate and reliable information to customers and compliance with district and state requirements.
• Coordinates vehicle service and mechanical repairs with Maintenance Supervisor to assure uninterrupted service delivery.
• Maintains high compliance with dispatch standard operating procedures.
• Handles customer concerns and requests for information in an expeditious and professional manner.
• Escalates unresolved issues to management as appropriate.
• Exhibits the highest ethical best practices and personal integrity; shares concerns about suspicious or inappropriate behavior with their supervisor or manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous dispatch experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of surrounding geographic area to ensure effective and efficient routing.
• 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 environments (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.
• Problem-solving skills.
• 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Basic life insurance coverage.
• Holiday pay and PTO accrual.
• Retirement savings plan enrollment.