TRIP AIDE- SENIOR CENTER- TEMP

Cary’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources department is seeking an energetic and service-oriented individual to join our team at Cary Senior Center as a Center Aide IV- Senior Trips

The position will play a significant role in handling travel tasks related to implementing Cary’s Senior Trips Program. Cary Senior Center serves a diverse clientele. We serve patrons with all abilities from many different cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities. We seek applicants who are comfortable with, sensitive to, and interested in working with patrons 55 from all walks of life.

Must be available to work a flexible work week which includes some weekend coverage.

• Assists with various aspects of senior travel including greeting, checking in, loading, driving, and off-loading passengers at prescheduled sites while maintaining the planned itinerary.
• Learns specific details of each trip including itinerary and driving directions. Help staff foresee any potential issues, such as possible participant physical limitations, parking restrictions, etc.
• Understands the trip processes and procedures to be able to troubleshoot unexpected situations that may arise on a trip.
• Responds to participant inquiries (phone, email, and in-person)
• Provides supervisor and/or program assistant with trip information, including issues and positive feedback
• Accesses vehicle prior to trip using key valet with reservation code. 
• Proactively identifies trip needs and suggests solutions
• Drives vehicle with passengers for the trip.
• Fuels and cleans vehicle prior to returning to parking lot. 
• Provides town information and materials to citizens or redirects the citizen to the appropriate staff
• Returns key to valet at end of shift.
• Performs basic accounting for money spent on meals, tickets, and incidentals for scheduled trips.
• Follows Cary policies and procedures
• Performs other job-related tasks as required.

• General knowledge of credit card procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to work effectively with patrons, vendors, team members, and the public.
• Ability to work independently and understand/carry out verbal and written instructions.

• Ability to remain calm and organized, to multitask, and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide clear instructions, maintain group cohesion, and ensure a positive experience for all participants
• Ability to create a welcoming, enjoyable atmosphere for diverse groups
• Ability to manage group dynamics, resolve conflicts, and support individuals with different needs or comfort levels
• Ability to acquire knowledge of policies, procedures and services of the center, division and department.

Education and Experience 

Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma/GED. 

Requires a CPR/First Aid Certification (or the ability to obtain one within 6 months with supplied training) 

Preference will be given to candidates who possess any of the following: 

• Some experience with in-person customer service 
• Some experience supervising or guiding groups in structured or unstructured settings
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 

Physical Requirements

Work in this class requires an employee to be able to hear and talk to communicate with the public and with groups. Employee must be able to drive and park in daylight, at night, in wind and rain, various auto-transmission vehicles including a 14-passenger bus. An employee must be able to climb, walk unassisted and move about freely to interact with patrons. Requires the ability to lift moderately heavy items (up to 25 lbs.) Visual acuity is needed to read typewritten and handwritten materials and to view a computer terminal. 

Conditions of Employment

Requires possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI fingerprinting, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.

Salary : $16 - $20