Van Driver

POSITION SUMMARY

The Van Driver provides safe, reliable, and courteous transportation services for eligible older adults, individuals with disabilities, and veterans in Eau Claire County. This position plays a critical role in supporting access to essential services, including medical care, by operating county and partner program vehicles.

A key component of this role is operating the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) van, which transports veterans weekly to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for medical appointments. This service is essential to maintaining access to timely medical care for approximately 80–100 veterans each year, many of whom have no other viable transportation options. The DAV van program is supported through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans, with vehicle maintenance and fuel funded through the program while Eau Claire County ensures safe and consistent driver coverage.

In addition, the Van Driver may serve as a backup driver for the Meals on Wheels program, helping ensure continuity of services that support nutrition and independence for homebound individuals. Through all responsibilities, this position directly contributes to reducing isolation, supporting health outcomes, and enhancing quality of life for some of the County’s most vulnerable residents.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Provides high-quality, trauma-informed customer service to riders, ensuring a respectful and supportive experience.
• Safely operates vans in a variety of weather and road conditions, including rural areas, while adhering to all traffic laws and safety protocols.
• Transports clients to medical appointments, community services, and other essential destinations, including weekly veteran transport to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.
• Ability to safely transport individuals with medical or mobility needs, ensuring a secure and supportive environment throughout transit
• Knowledge of basic health and safety practices, with the ability to monitor rider well-being and respond appropriately to changes or emergencies
• Assists passengers as needed, including those with mobility challenges, while maintaining dignity and independence.
• Observes and monitors rider well-being during transport, reports concerns or changes in condition to appropriate staff.
• Conducts pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections, reports maintenance or safety issues promptly.
• Maintains accurate logs of trips, mileage, and rider interactions as required by program guidelines.
• Coordinate effectively with internal staff, partner agencies, and volunteers to ensure efficient transportation services.
• Serves as a backup driver for the Meals on Wheels program when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned

TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must successfully pass criminal and caregiver background checks.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must have access to reliable personal transportation for work-related duties.
• Must maintain personal automobile insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000/$300,000.

DESIRED TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with rural roads and geographic areas within Eau Claire County.
• Experience working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, or veterans.
• Previous professional driving or transportation experience.