This is supervisory work in the transporting of the disabled or ill in a special transportation services program.

Employees in this class are responsible for supervising Paratransit Driver Attendants, scheduling work, providing classroom training, and scheduling and dispatching drivers engaged in the transportation of disabled and wheel-chair bound clients certified as eligible to receive special transportation or other related paratransportation services. Responsibilities include ensuring quality service to clients through schedule adherence, customer courtesy, driver sensitivity to the special needs of the disabled, on-going driver training, vehicle cleanliness, and adherence to safety standards. Incumbents exercise independent judgment in the dispatching of a large fleet of paratransit vehicles based upon various factors including vehicle locations, client locations, specialized vehicular equipment available, seating capacity of vehicles, and other variables. Supervision is exercised over a staff of Paratransit Driver Attendants engaged in transporting disabled and/or ill individuals. Supervision is received from an administrative superior who reviews work for effective utilization of vehicles and drivers, adherence to established schedules, and quality of transportation services provided.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of a staff of Paratransit Driver Attendants engaged in the safe operation of passenger vehicles to transport clients to places of work, clinics, hospitals, or other treatment facilities, and other locations from nursing homes or private residences.

Receives client requests for transportation service and dispatches vehicles and drivers to provide requested service in accordance with established procedures.

Estimates travel-time for vehicle and driver to arrive at client pick-up location and travel to client destination before vehicle and driver become free for reassignment.

Determines if clients may be multi-loaded in a vehicle traveling in a direction suitable to accommodate two or more client transportation requests at approximately the same time.

Determines required vehicle assignment based on client needs such as lift-equipped van or ambulatory sedan in addition to determining available seating capacity for service animals (Personal Care Assistants), and companions.

Maintains operational map and/or computer file indicating location of vehicles by vehicle type at any given time throughout the assigned shift.

Contacts drivers by telephone or radio to relay requests for service, determine vehicle availability and seating capacity, and ensure that clients are safely picked up and transported to the appropriate destination.

Receives driver reports of emergency situations and immediately notifies appropriate authorities of the need for immediate assistance.

Prepares and prioritizes client transportation assignments based on client need and vehicle availability.

Maintains computerized or manual activity logs of driver reports concerning disabled vehicles, accidents, emergencies, injuries, and similar situations; relays information to appropriate authorities.

Develops weekday, weekend, and holiday staff work schedules to provide quality service to clients; performs on-the-road monitoring of drivers; provides training to drivers in transporation requirements and pick-up procedures.

Maintains logs, prepares reports, and maintains a variety of work records.

Operates passenger vehicles to transport clients and/or provide dispatch services, as needed.

Makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, and promotion of subordinates; authorizes leave and overtime; evaluates and rates employee performance.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of the geography of Dade and Broward counties including road network and locations of an extensive variety of public and private facilities.

Thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures of large-scale dispatching applicable to a special transportation service.

Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of vehicles used to transport the disabled or ill.

Considerable knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Considerable knowledge of public relations principles and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of the records, reports, and forms used in the area of assignment.

Ability to effectively balance a variety of transportation service factors including locations, distances, equipment, and load capacities to efficiently provide paratransit services to the disabled and ill.

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.

Ability to supervise subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of logs, reports, forms, and records.

Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with clients of all ages and varying disabilities.

Ability to train subordinates in paratransit operations and procedures.

NEW 10-93