What is the dispatch phone number?

The phone number is 604-507-5757.

What is my PIN number?

Your PIN number is defaulted to your employee number.   You may change it at any time through the phone or on the web (Employee Self Service).  

I changed my PIN and forgot what it is, how do I change it?

Log onto Employee Self Service and click on My Absences - Employee Info - Change PIN.

What is my username and password for Employee Self Service?

Your username will be the same as your First Class username.  If you do not know your password, please call the Service Desk at 604-592-3300 for assistance.   For most employees (depending on what school you work at), the password will be the same as your Windows network password. 

When I call Automated Dispatch System (ADS) it rings busy or just keeps on ringing?

The ADS system has a limited number of incoming phone lines. All lines are probably being used. You can try again later, or you can use Employee Self Service, the online version of ADS.

Do I have to register in order to use ADS?

Yes. You should call in and register before reporting your first absence. TOC's and Spareboard employees must register with the system or the system won't be able to contact you.

Do I have to register every time I call in?

No. You only have to register once.

Can I request a particular TOC, and if so, how?

To request a particular TOC, you will need the TOC’s employee number or you can spell their name using the keypad on your phone.  Enter the last three letters of the TOC's last name, comma (#1 on your keypad) and the TOC's first name initial. It is advisable that you find out your favourite TOC’s employee number ahead of when you will actually need it.  On the web, type in the employee's name and hit the search button.  The system will tell you if the requested TOC is unavailable for the dates you specified.

If the TOC is unavailable for any reason, the system will notify you at the time of the call and allow you to choose another substitute.

Do I need to remember my job number?

Yes. The job number is your confirmation that ADS has accepted your absence. You will also need this number if you need to cancel the absence.

Will I have the same job number for all my absences?

No. Every new absence reported receives it’s own job number.

The system asks me for "position code".  What is that?

If the system over the phone asks you to enter a position code, it is most likely that you are a part-time or itinerant Teacher and your schedule has not been entered into ADS.  Please call Dispatch and we will enter your schedule for you.

If I am going to be absent for several days in a row, do I have to enter a new absence for each day?

No. From your Main Menu select option 1 - To Report An Absence.  Enter the absence reason code, followed by the # sign.  For a range of days, enter 2 followed by the # key.  The system will ask you to enter the first and last date of your absence. Using your phone's keypad enter the dates in the following format (YYMMDD).

Can I find out what substitute has accepted my absence?

Yes.  Log onto Employee Self Service and click on My Absences - View or Change.  You can also call in and review your absences over the phone (option #2 Inquire on an Absence from your Main Menu). If the absence has been filled, ADS will tell you the name of the substitute. If ADS doesn’t tell you who is filling your absence it means that the absence is still unfilled.  

How will a substitute know where I work if I work at more than one location in a single day?

All itinerant and part-time employees' schedules have been entered into the system for you and will read out the schedule to your TOC.  If your schedule changes, please let Dispatch know so that your TOC will be called out to the right location and times.

What are the absence codes and subject and level codes that I should use?

Please refer to the appropriate brochures below:

ADS Brochures

Teacher ADS brochure

Support Staff ADS brochure

TOC ADS brochure

Spareboard ADS brochure

I'm a TOC, can I still "job shop"?

Yes, you can still shop for jobs on the web ONLY.  Log onto Employee Self Service and click on Workboard.  Workboard will show you any jobs that you are qualified to teach, 14 days in advance of the job AND any jobs that you were requested for.

Human Resources FAQ

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