The Center for Independent Living (CIL), founded in Berkeley as the nation’s first independent living center, is a pioneer of the disability rights and independent living movement. Our radical legacy is rooted in peer-led advocacy, cross-disability solidarity, and the belief that all people with disabilities have the right to live with dignity, choice, and freedom. Today, CIL provides advocacy and direct services that increase awareness, collaboration, and opportunity among people with disabilities and the broader community. Our programs equip people with skills, knowledge, and resources to challenge ableism, eliminate barriers, and pursue lives they value.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Center for Independent Living (CIL) is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused I&R Dispatcher to coordinate ride scheduling and serve as the primary point of contact for program participants. This role is responsible for scheduling transportation services, communicating with consumers, and supporting drivers to ensure safe, timely, and person-centered service delivery.

The I&R Dispatcher plays a key role in ensuring transportation services are responsive, organized, and aligned with CIL’s mission of promoting independence and community access for individuals with disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Scheduling and Dispatch Coordination

• Receive and process transportation requests via phone, email, or other communication channels
• Schedule and assign rides based on driver availability, location, and participant needs
• Coordinate daily transportation schedules to support efficiency and timeliness
• Monitor active trips and make real-time adjustments to address delays or changes

Consumer Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for participants requesting transportation
• Provide clear, timely, and respectful communication regarding scheduling and updates
• Respond to questions and concerns in a professional manner
• Maintain a person-centered approach that promotes dignity, independence, and accessibility

Driver Support

• Communicate trip details, updates, and access needs to drivers in a timely manner
• Support drivers with route information, scheduling adjustments, and problem-solving
• Ensure drivers have accurate and complete trip information prior to assignments

Documentation and Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate records of ride requests, schedules, cancellations, and completed trips
• Track trip details, including times, locations, and driver assignments
• Support data collection for program reporting and evaluation

Program Support and Compliance

• Follow established procedures, policies, and safety protocols
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information
• Identify scheduling trends, service gaps, and opportunities for improvement

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• 2–3 years of experience in dispatching, scheduling, customer service, or administrative support
• Proficiency with computers, scheduling systems, and standard office software
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

PREFERRED SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Compassion, patience, and commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a calm and adaptable approach
• Experience working with diverse communities, including Black, Indigenous, communities of color, and low-income populations
• Cultural responsiveness and commitment to equity and inclusion
• Dependability and strong sense of responsibility
• Ability to work in-person and travel locally as needed
• Commitment to anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ liberation, gender and economic justice, and anti-ableism
• Familiarity with Independent Living, Disability Rights, or Disability Justice frameworks (or willingness to learn)
• Knowledge of Bay Area roadways and traffic patterns (a plus)
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and community partners
• Lived experience with a disability preferred
• Bilingual/bicultural candidates encouraged to apply

WORK SCHEDULE & EXPECTATIONS

• Full-time position; schedule may vary based on program needs
• Regular coordination of transportation services with variability in daily workload
• Occasional evenings or weekends may be required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods
• Ability to communicate effectively via phone, email, and video
• Ability to process and exchange accurate information

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a cover letter describing your interest in this position and how your lived and/or professional experiences connect to our mission and values.

All job offers are contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment background check.

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process, please contact the Hiring Team at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

CIL Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity), national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Persons with disabilities, veterans, women, and individuals from historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

CIL is an E-Verify participating employer.