Eligibility & Training Specialist

Job Req ID: 588 Department: Marketing, Communications and Community Relations

Eligibility & Training Specialist (Transit Services)

Job Number: 588
Job Type: Temporary Full-Time
Temp Contract Length: 12 months
Location: 250 Strasburg Rd - Transit-Strasburg Road Ops
Job Category: Transportation
Number of Positions: 1
Department: Marketing, Communications and Community Relations
Division: Transportation Services
Hours of Work: 35
Union: CUPE 1883
Grade: CUPE 1883 Grade 012
Salary Range: $38.43-$43.54 per hour Posting Date: April 2, 2024
Our Story:
Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect and innovation This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen The Role Develops and delivers public education and training programs for conventional and specialized transit services. Liaises with new registrants, and community agencies to promote services and facilitate presentations/training. Processes specialized transit and related service applications to determine eligibility, per criteria. Liaises with transit operations staff regarding related customer service provisions Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops, promotes, and delivers educational programs and information sessions regarding transit services to individuals, the public, and other stakeholders experiencing difficulties/barriers with using conventional transit services. Surveys same for feedback on current and future transit programs.
• Develops and facilitates transit orientation and training (one-on-one, groups), for new specialized transit customers, individuals with cognitive and other disabilities, and customers experiencing difficulty using conventional transit services.
• Develops and conducts sensitivity training for transit operators on customer service standards and disability awareness, as a part of transit operator training.
• Processes applications for specialized transit and related service applications (Commuter Bus, Support Person) per eligibility criteria. Determines eligibility for services based on same, including need for further professional assessment.
• Processes appeals, coordinates, and schedules eligibility appeal meetings. Collates information for appeal panel, provides information, and corresponds with customers regarding appeal decisions.
• Investigates and resolves customer complaints/concerns related to specialized transit services, as necessary (e.g., no-shows, late cancellations, behavior concerns, hygiene, non-payment of fares). Records correspondence details in customer service database. Follows up with operational supervisors regarding service/program issues. Consults with/recommends suspension of service to management, as required, and communicates suspension decisions to operational supervisors and customers.
• Maintains and develops training and education resources (e.g., customer service packages, resource kits, training manuals), for community groups/audiences, for management approval.
• Assists to maintain client information database. Runs reports and verifies changes to remove customers from service. Assists to prepare mail-outs to customers, as needed.
• Monitors TaxiSCRIP program database. Provides support to other divisional terminal/customer service staff regarding program. Runs reports as required for management.
• Creates and maintains spreadsheets on program statistics and contact lists of agencies and special interest groups.
• In conjunction with management, coordinates program area participation at special events.
• Provides input regarding processes and programs, as required.
• Occasionally uses a photo processor to take identification photos at offsite training.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public speaking, and the development and delivery of transit educational and training programs, including barriers to service of individuals/groups, acquired through a 2 year diploma/degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Social Services or equivalent field plus 3 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge and ability to follow corporate policies and procedures, and legislation (e.g., accessibility, disability, privacy, highway traffic act).
• Time management, research, and organizational skills to process applications throughout stages (initial application, appeal, reviews, orientation); plan, develop, and conduct training/educational presentations; maintain accurate records; and assist in special events.
• Communication, human relations, and presentation skills to promote the full range of transit services; educate/train customers to plan and access services (group, one-on-one); train transit operators customer service standards, disability, and sensitivity awareness; respond clearly to inquiries and clarify registration and eligibility information, policies, and procedures using tact and diplomacy; and participate as an effective team member.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, a customer information database (e.g., Trapeze Automatic Scheduling System), and an electronic document management system.
• Ability to read and understand forms, medical information, correspondence, policies, procedures and manuals, public timetables, transit system map, marketing and promotional materials, and the corporate accessibility plan. Ability to compose, edit, and proofread correspondence and training/education resources, and program content for brochures and articles using grammatically correct writing skills and according to audience.
• Ability to flex/alter daily schedule and is requested to work weekends for presentations and special events.
• Must provide an acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check (level 3).
• Ability to travel to various locations within and outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

We invite internal applicants to APPLY ONLINE through the HR Portal by 11:59 p.m., by the closing date
The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs
Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number , TTY number ) to request an alternate format