Paratransit Dispatcher

The Rapid; Grandville (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Retirement plans (403(b) and 457)

Insurance coverage (Life, AD&D, short-

long-term disability

Employee assistance program

Gym membership reimbursement

Free transportation with employee card

Paid time off

Job summary

The Rapid in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Paratransit Dispatcher to coordinate drivers, routes, and respond to real-time issues to ensure safe and timely service for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

This on-site role offers Sunday and weekday evening shifts, starting at $20 per hour, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of related experience.
• Willingness to learn paratransit operations, eligibility, and service guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage the daily operations of paratransit vehicle service.
• Coordinate schedules and communicate with drivers to ensure on-time performance.
• Respond to trip inquiries, no-shows, cancellations, and service disruptions.
• Support vehicle operators during emergencies by relaying information and assisting with next steps.
• Maintain accurate dispatch records, daily time logs, and prepare reports.
• Communicate with customers in a patient, respectful, and professional manner.
• Analyze service data and proactively resolve issues that may impact service delivery.
• Collaborate with other team members to ensure compliance with paratransit policies and guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Active listening

Microsoft Office Suite

Scheduling software

Time management

Attention to detail

Team player

Reliability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Dispatch software

Job description

Are you a detail-oriented communicator with a passion for helping others? The Rapid is currently seeking a Paratransit Dispatcher to support the day-to-day operations of our specialized transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. In this vital role, you will coordinate drivers, routes, and respond to real-time issues to ensure safe and timely service to our riders.

Schedule For This Position

Sunday 10:00 AM- 6:30 PM, Monday - Thursday 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM

This is an on-site position based in Grand Rapids Michigan

Dispatcher Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage the daily operations of paratransit vehicle service.
• Coordinate schedules and communicate with drivers to ensure on-time performance.
• Respond to trip inquiries, no-shows, cancellations, and service disruptions.
• Support vehicle operators during emergencies by relaying information and assisting with next steps.
• Maintain accurate dispatch records, daily time logs, and prepare reports.
• Communicate with customers in a patient, respectful, and professional manner.
• Analyze service data and proactively resolve issues that may impact service delivery.
• Collaborate with other team members to ensure compliance with paratransit policies and guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Who We're Looking For

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally and compassionately with a diverse customer base, including individuals with disabilities and elderly people.
• Strong listening and customer service skills.
• Ability to stay calm and think critically under pressure.
• Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite); ability to learn scheduling/dispatch software.
• Strong time-management and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Team player who can also work independently.
• Reliable and punctual with strong work ethic.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of related experience.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn paratransit operations, eligibility, and service guidelines.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Pay - Starting at $20/hour
• Comprehensive Benefits - Medical, dental, and vision plan options
• Retirement Plans - Employer contributions to 403(b) and access to a 457 plan
• Insurance Coverage - Employer paid Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability
• Wellbeing Support - Employee assistance program, fitness center access, and gym membership reimbursement
• Free Transportation - Ride The Rapid at no cost with your employee badge (includes eligible dependents)
• Generous Paid Time Off - Vacation and sick time accrues monthly

The Rapid is an EEO Employer.

Minorities, veterans, and women are encouraged to apply.

The Rapid is committed to employing people with disabilities and making reasonable accommodations for them. Let our recruiter know if you need an adjustment at any point during the application/interview process.

Salary: $20 per hour