Routing Specialist / Dispatcher

The purpose of this classification is to develop school bus routes and bus schedules for transportation of students.

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is building the best school district in Tennessee. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding teachers with the ability to inspire, engage, and who desire to make a difference in the lives of students.  With nearly 80 schools located in urban, rural, and suburban communities, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

• Acts in a professional, respectful, and welcoming manner at all times. 
• Creates a customer-focused climate and provides quality services and support to school and other stakeholders.
• Complies with applicable district, state, and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures. 
• Develops bus routes and schedules for maximum efficiency and safety; maintains computer data pertaining to students’ address, bus stops, current routes, available buses/drivers, and related data; reviews new roads and new subdivision plats for incorporation into bus routing.
• Recommends safe/appropriate bus stops for each student to supervisor; enters newly assigned bus stops in computer.
• Coordinates transportation needs for special education students with the Exceptional Education Department.
• Assigns routes for each bus based on computer data; changes routes or reassigns buses as needed.
• Drives to various areas to evaluate potential routes/stops and to calculate driving time; verifies actual run times and mileages as compared with computer data. 
• Prepares, updates, and distributes bus route sheets and related information as appropriate.
• Performs customer service functions associated with school bus transportation services; provides information to parents, school personnel, and citizens regarding school zones, bus routes, bus stop locations, bus schedules, or other aspects of student transportation; responds to questions and complaints; researches problems and initiates problem resolution.
• Provides drivers with information concerning bus routes, bus stops, arrival/departure times, specific route instructions, and local maps; prepares maps for drivers.
• Notifies schools of late bus arrivals.
• Communicates through the proper channels to keep supervisor and other appropriate personnel informed of impending problems or events of unusual nature.
• Follows established procedures for ensuring assigned areas are safe. 
• Works collaboratively with school staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Attends work and arrives to work on time.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, bus route sheets, route directions, maps, bus stop request forms, driver information sheets, complaint forms, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, student load count reports, bus capacity information, bus route directions, maps, policies, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, computerized routing, or other programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner; coordinates service/repair activities as needed.
• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
• Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

Four year degree or Associate’s Degree preferred.  High school diploma or GED required; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training involving school transportation coordination, computerized trip routing, school bus driving, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.  May require a valid driver’s license. 

Skills/Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to respond to angry, upset, parents or others in a calm, courteous, respectful manner.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems within assigned area.
• Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  Ability to calculate decimals and percentages.  

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