SUMMARY

In the Driver position, this role is responsible for providing safe and reliable transportation services to residents. The Driver chaperones and drives automobiles, mini-vans, small buses, or large buses (with appropriate license) to transport residents and visitors to and from outings, events, trips, errands, and appointments. The Driver works alongside the Activities Assistant, if applicable, and under the direction of the Activities Manager, assists with planning, scheduling, and conducting activity programs and events designed to enhance the mind, body, and soul of each of our residents. This role may assist residents with some activities of daily living.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  include the following. Other duties may be assigned by your direct manager. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

• Assists passengers in entering and exiting the vehicle, including assistance with walkers, canes, and wheelchairs, holds umbrellas in wet weather, and loads and unloads baggage and luggage.
• Secures passenger wheelchairs to restraint devices to stabilize wheelchairs during trips.
• Secures all passenger’s seat belts in vehicles equipped with belts.
• Completes daily pre-trip inspections noting the condition of the vehicle before and after the trip. Log all miles and driving hours.
• Informs the Activities Manager when the vehicle needs to be cleaned, vacuumed, and polished, both verbally and in writing.
• Performs basic cleaning, such as picking up papers and sweeping out the bus after each use. Obtain immediate housekeeping or maintenance assistance with clean-up upon returning to the community, if needed.
• Informs the Activities Manager of any necessary minor repairs or serious immediate repairs needed on any company vehicle, verbally and in writing.
• Operates phone or similar device to communicate with community regarding location and status of residents on every trip.
• Studies and complies with all applicable road regulations.
• Checks that there is a First Aid Kit and fire extinguisher on every vehicle and that it is complete before departing on any excursion.
• Immediately reports any accidents, injuries, or incidents involving associates or residents and any traffic tickets (on or off duty) or damage to any vehicles to the Activities Manager and the Executive Director.
• Stocks the vehicle with the appropriate amount of drinking water before departing on any excursion. Performs miscellaneous errands such as shopping for items needed by the resident or the community.
• Occasionally drives for extended trips requiring irregular hours.
• Keeps records of resident behavior when needed.
• Acts as chaperone while on an outing. Checks resident safety. Assists residents while on the excursion.
• Assists with putting away all supplies and/or equipment, immediately following the completion of any activity. Assists with monitoring the cleanliness of the activity spaces and common areas.
• Coordinates scheduling of community transportation program, including departure times, informing residents of departure times and ensuring they return from their appointment.
• Attends all Driver’s Safety courses and training provided by the community.
• Adheres to all safety requirements set forth by the community.
• Ancillary Tasks: these duties may be performed on an as-needed basis in support of another department.
• Assists residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including, but not limited to escort, continence care, and transfer assistance
• Use Positive Approach to Care (PAC) to enhance life and relationships for all residents.
• Attends and remains up to date on all company-provided training.
• Attends periodic staff meetings, in-service training, and mandatory meetings as required.
• Observes Residents’ Rights, as posted within the facility, to include any updates thereto.
• Mandated reporting – if you suspect any verbal, physical, emotional, financial, or neglectful treatment toward a resident or staff member, report it to your supervisor immediately.
• In Emergencies, assist residents according to the Emergency Plan of the facility.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. These duties may be performed on an as-needed basis and are not expected to occur daily.

• You may be required to facilitate an activity under the direction of the Activities Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

•  Employee must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and has maintained a California Driver's License for a minimum of five (5) years.
• High School diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent experience.
• One to three months of related experience and/or training.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos in English, so as not to jeopardize the safety and well-being of the residents.
• Ability to communicate with residents, and effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Remain professional and respectful, and interact with our customers – including residents, family members, and all staff members – according to the concepts identified by the Carlton Way.
• Must be able to use technology, such as company-provided phones and tablets, to communicate among staff on resident needs.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must have obtained a CA Driver’s License and have less than three (3) moving violations or less than two (2) accidents within the past 5 years.
• Must provide and maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, if driving a Class A or B vehicle.
• Must obtain and provide a DMV driving record prior to employment.
• Per the Department of Transportation, a negative Drug Test must be obtained prior to employment, and employee is subject to random quarterly drug tests thereafter. (obtained through community)
• Must be authorized to work in the United States of America and provide sufficient work authorization documentation(s)
• Department of Justice and FBI fingerprint clearance must be completed prior to working in the community (obtained through the community)
• Health screening/Physical and negative tuberculosis test must be less than six (6) months old (obtained through the community)
• First Aid/CPR Certification (obtained through the community)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
•  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to, stoop, kneel, bend over, reach overhead, push, and pull.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee is required to have visual and hearing acuity sufficient to assess employee and resident safety and the ability may be required to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergencies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• The duties require the occupant of this position to drive several miles, often in heavy commuter traffic.
• Requires patience in working with Senior Residents in the range of 60-100 plus years of age.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• May be required to work outdoors.
• May include exposure to dogs, cats, or other pets.