Driver

Job Title: Driver (CNA Preferred)

Department: Transportation
Reports To: Director of Nursing
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Driver is responsible for providing safe, reliable, and compassionate transportation for residents of the long-term care facility to medical appointments, community outings, and other approved destinations. This position serves as an ambassador of the facility by ensuring residents receive exceptional customer service while maintaining their dignity, comfort, and safety throughout transport. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification is preferred to assist residents with transfers, mobility, and personal care needs during transportation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely transport residents to and from medical appointments, therapy sessions, hospital visits, community events, and other scheduled destinations.
• Assist residents with entering and exiting vehicles using proper transfer techniques and mobility equipment.
• Secure wheelchairs and other assistive devices according to safety regulations.
• Ensure residents are comfortable and supervised during transportation.
• Maintain accurate transportation logs, mileage records, appointment schedules, and incident reports.
• Communicate transportation schedules and delays with nursing staff, families, and healthcare providers.
• Perform daily vehicle inspections, including checking fuel levels, tire pressure, fluids, lights, wheelchair lifts, and safety equipment.
• Keep transportation vehicles clean, sanitized, and in good operating condition.
• Report maintenance needs, accidents, or safety concerns immediately.
• Follow all state and federal transportation regulations and facility policies.
• Maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
• Provide courteous, respectful, and compassionate customer service to residents, families, and community partners.
• Assist nursing staff with resident needs upon return to the facility as appropriate.
• Participate in emergency transportation as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred CNA Responsibilities

Candidates who possess a current CNA certification may also:

• Assist residents with transfers using gait belts, wheelchairs, walkers, and mechanical lifts as appropriate.
• Monitor residents for changes in condition during transportation and promptly report concerns to nursing staff.
• Provide assistance with toileting, hygiene, feeding, or other activities of daily living while away from the facility when necessary.
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies while awaiting emergency medical services.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid state driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to safely operate wheelchair-accessible transportation vehicles.
• Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
• Previous experience working in a long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, or healthcare setting.
• Experience transporting elderly or medically complex individuals.
• Knowledge of safe resident transfer techniques and infection prevention practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong commitment to resident safety and exceptional customer service.
• Ability to interact professionally with residents, families, physicians, and healthcare staff.
• Knowledge of defensive driving principles.
• Ability to remain calm in emergency situations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, reach, and climb.
• Lift, transfer, push, or pull residents and mobility equipment.
• Operate wheelchair lifts and securement systems.
• Sit for extended periods while driving.
• Work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Working Conditions

• Skilled Nursing Facility/Long-Term Care environment.
• Exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and varying weather conditions.
• May require evening, weekend, holiday, or on-call transportation coverage.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Employee assistance program
• Continuing education opportunities

JobReq#Upstate123