Driver

Description

Summary: Under general supervision, is responsible for driving Individuals and staff to and from Day Program; and any and all other destinations as required.  This may include but not be limited to:  Urgent Care/Hospital; community outing; family home; volunteer setting; work setting; etc. This position is part time and will have the following shifts available:

Monday through Friday

7:00 am to 12:00 pm 

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The vehicle driver is responsible for safely transporting individuals to and from Block Institute Day Service programs and to and from activities.
• Ensure health, safety & welfare of Individuals (e.g., seat belts are secured, etc.)
• Report any unsafe conditions in vehicle or mechanical problems encountered.
• Ensure the van has gas, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a telephone, gloves and wipes.
• Ensure the van matron is seated with the individuals to address outbursts or incidents.
• Learn required van runs (i.e. dry runs)
• Communicate with parent(s)/guardian(s) when the van is running late or if an incident occurs with their child (e.g. toileting accident, behavior outburst, vomiting, excessive crying, etc.).
• Inform parent and supervisor if Individual is injured on the van.
• Report accidents to supervisors and police and complete Accident Reports.
• Check van at the end of shift in order to ensure no Individuals or Individuals’ belongings are left in the van.
• May be required to report to varying work sites based on need.
• Maintain participant/family confidentiality.
• Attendance and punctuality are essential.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors and/or management.

ADDENDUM OF CONDITIONS THAT WILL IMPACT ONE’S ABILITY TO HOLD THIS POSITION

• There will be a limited number of such positions available as per need and future transportation arrangements.  Any such changes in number of positions are determined at the sole discretion of the Agency.
• Employees hired into this position will have their driving records reviewed on a regular basis as a condition of continuing to hold this position.
• Following of all OPWDD general guidelines for interaction with Individuals receiving services from Block or other Agencies.
• Follow all Safe Vehicle Operation and NYS DMV rules, regulations, and safety standards
• Should an employee have their license Suspended or Revoked, they will immediately be removed from this position. 
• Notification of a DUI or DWI will result in immediate removal from this position.  The removal will become permanent if the employee pleads or is proven guilty in a court of law.
• Notification of Moving Traffic Violations will be caused to review removal of the Driver from this position.
• Notification of more than one (1) Traffic Violations – Non-Moving – will be caused to review removal of the Driver from this position.
• Confirmation of more than one minor ‘fender-bender’ accident will be caused to review removal of the Driver from this position.
• Confirmation of Talking or Texting while Driving will be caused to review for removal of the Driver from this position.
• Use of Agency vehicle without authorization will be caused to review for removal of the Driver from this position.

For any employee who is removed from their Driver position based on, but not limited to, the situations noted above,

• If not immediately terminated from Block Institute, should other positions exist for which they are qualified, they will be considered for that position.  No other employee will be moved to accommodate a Driver who has been removed from their position.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.  The employee frequently is required to walk and sit.  Specific vision abilities required to drive vehicles.  Ability to lift, move and position adults in wheelchairs or assist those using other adaptive mobility devices such as walkers, canes, etc.  Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, and pushing and pulling of wheelchairs is required.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

Qualifications

• Valid NYS Driver’s License and good driving record
• H.S. Diploma/GED
• Experience in the field a plus
• Ability to safely assist lifting adults with mobility issues and/or adaptive equipment such as a walker, wheelchair, cane, etc.
• Clearance through all OPWDD Mandated Background Checks
• Ability to communicate effectively with Individuals, staff, family members, and other Agency employees
• Ability to assist staff in dealing with Behavioral Challenges if necessary

Salary : $18