Dispatcher I Paratransit

City of Detroit; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Detroit's Department of Transportation seeks a Dispatcher I to manage paratransit scheduling, routing, and dispatching of vehicles serving seniors and disabled residents. You will enter trip data, adjust schedules using scheduling software, coordinate with drivers by radio, and generate routine reports.

Candidates need a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of dispatch experience; night shifts may be required. Join a team dedicated to accessible transit services.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of dispatch experience.
• Ability to type with accuracy and operate standard office software.

Responsibilities

• Schedule driver and vehicle assignments.
• Dispatch paratransit vehicles and route planning.
• Enter dispatch data into computer systems.
• Notify appropriate parties of accidents or incidents.
• Monitor radio communications with drivers.
• Assist with daily and monthly reports and trip data entry.

Skills

Communication skills

Typing speed

Office software

Geography knowledge

FCC regulations knowledge

Record keeping

Shift flexibility

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Scheduling software

Paratransit dispatch systems

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

DISPATCHER 1 PARATRANSIT

Under general supervision, the Dispatcher I is responsible for performing paratransit dispatching duties such as scheduling, routing, and dispatching of vehicles.

• Provide paratransit dispatching and routing services to seniors and disabled individuals by dispatching paratransit vehicles.
• Enter data into computer by keyboard entry devices to complete dispatch calls.
• Adjust, review, revise, and produce final schedules using scheduling software.
• Ensure that the appropriate parties are notified in the event of accidents or incidents.
• Monitor computer and maintain communication with drivers via two-way radio on information regarding scheduling issues and field situations.
• Schedule driver and vehicle assignments.
• Assist with producing daily and monthly reports, logs, and records, and assist with entry of trip data.
• Process and file schedules, reports, and related documents.
• Assume the role of a Dispatcher II, as needed.
• May perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications (required):

• High School Diploma or G. E. D. (General Educational Development) equivalent.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in dispatch environment or a related field.

Qualifications (preferred):

• Experience working as a Customer Service Representative II.
• Experience working in a paratransit environment.

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0-15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 07/02/2025

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and paratransit rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of local geography.
• Knowledge of Department of Transportation rules, policies, and transit operating practices.
• Skill in typing with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to use and interpret street maps, directories, timetables, and schedules.
• Considerable skill in effective oral and written communication.
• Considerable skill in the use of personal computers and common office software.
• Ability to dispatch fleet via radio according to FCC regulations and departmental policy.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records of transportation and paratransit services.
• Ability to be flexible and work any assigned shift.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Physical Demands

• The employee generally remains in a stationary position for an extended period of time operating standard office equipment which may include computers, telephones, photocopiers, fax machines, computer aided dispatch systems and two-way radios.
• The employee is expected to move about to accomplish tasks such as opening file cabinets and moving files.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to (25) pounds.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Some work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.

• Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.