Transportation Specialist - Driver

Summary:

The Transportation Specialist supports the daily operations of a homeless shelter, ensuring a safe, clean, and supportive environment for residents while also providing transportation services. This position focuses on meeting the immediate needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, fostering a respectful and inclusive atmosphere, and ensuring residents have access to essential resources. The Transportation Specialist provides direct assistance, monitors activities, helps connect residents to services, and safely transports residents or supplies as needed. Prior experience working with homeless populations is preferred, along with a valid driver's license and a passion for helping others.

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greet and assist residents upon arrival, ensuring they feel welcomed and oriented to the shelter environment.
• Provide safe, reliable transportation for residents to appointments, medical services, employment opportunities, or other essential locations.
• Transport supplies, donations, or other materials to and from the shelter as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and ensure the shelter vehicle(s) are in good working condition by performing routine checks, monitoring fluid levels, and reporting maintenance or repair needs.
• Adhere to all traffic laws, safety regulations, and shelter protocols while operating a shelter vehicle.
• Assist residents with entering and exiting the vehicle, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, mobility challenges, or special needs.
• Ensure accurate scheduling and timely pickups/drop-offs to meet the needs of residents and the shelter.
• Monitor resident behavior during transport and handle conflicts or concerns with professionalism, using de-escalation techniques when necessary.
• Maintain detailed transportation logs, including mileage, passenger details, and any incidents during transport.
• Support shelter staff by assisting with daily operations when not engaged in transportation tasks.
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions to stay informed about shelter policies, resources, and best practices.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

High school diploma or equivalent; additional training or certifications in social services or a related field is a plus. Valid driver's license with a clean driving record required. Previous experience in a shelter, social service setting, or working with vulnerable populations is preferred.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact respectfully and empathetically with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to handle sensitive situations calmly and professionally.
• Basic problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to think quickly and act decisively in challenging situations.
• A strong sense of compassion, patience, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• Basic computer proficiency for data entry and communication.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and local resources for homeless populations is preferred.
• Experience in de-escalation techniques or crisis intervention training preferred.
• Ability to operate a vehicle in a safe and professional manner, including assisting individuals with special needs.

About Us:

The Workforce Group (WFG) is a Great Place to Work®-Certified company. We are a team of dedicated professionals who pull together to meet the needs of communities, partnering with federal, state, and local governments. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.