ParaTransit Driver

POSITION SUMMARY: Drives/operates the service vehicles of the Transportation Department; drivers may be assigned to driving functions within the para-transit system.  Functions are directed through the Transportation Director. 

Wages: $14.18-18.90/hour

Please apply online at www.youthrivefl.org 

Only completed and signed applications will be considered.

Full Time Position- Benefits Eligible: Vacation, Sick, PTO, Employer Paid Health Benefits, 403b Retirement, Company Paid Holidays, Pet Insurance, Basic $30,000 Life Insurance Policy, and Long-Term Disability (LTD). Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Drives/operates van/bus for pick-up and delivery of clients/riders.  Driving functions are performed in compliance with all federal, state and local laws, regulations and departmental procedure.
• Performs regular vehicle safety checks as required. Assures that vehicle is in safe operating condition.
• Collects rider fares, maintains fare-box and checks into office as directed.
• Maintains driver logs, records and documentation as directed/required. 
• Greets clients/riders and provides quality transportation services. Provides assistance to clients/riders as provided within standard operating procedures and with specialized equipment (wheelchair lift, bike rack, etc.).  Transportation services are provided with client courtesy, sensitivity and safety.
• Interacts, cooperates with and coordinates service with coworkers and other Transportation Department staff, at the direction of supervisor or standard operation procedures.
• Maintains a clean vehicle.  Responsible for outside and inside cleaning.
• Uses and follows the policies/procedures of You Thrive Florida, including but not limited to Personnel Policies, Occupational Health and Safety policies, payroll policies/practices, etc.

NON-ESSENTIAL/SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Performs any additional duties as directed or assigned by supervisor, management staff, program director or You Thrive Florida management staff. This description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.

JOB STANDARDS:

Education: High School graduate or equivalent preferred but not required.

Experience: Two (2) years of prior driving experience in related field.

Licenses & Certifications: Valid Florida driver’s license and be insurable by Company’s current insurance carrier. Subject to federal, state and local legal requirements/background checks/clearance for working with vulnerable populations.

CRITICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERTISE:

Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, use of fingers, arms, hands and legs, driving and medium lifting and carrying (up to 30 lbs.), handling, grasping and talking are constant.  Good eyesight (correctable) and hearing (correctable) are essential.  Squatting, walking, heavy lifting and carrying (greater than 30 lbs.) are frequent.  Pushing, pulling, kneeling, balancing, turning, feeling, are occasional. Must be able to pass bi-annual DOT physical and medical certification.

Equipment:  Telephone/radio, vehicle and vehicle specialized equipment (wheelchair lift, bike rack, etc.). 

Skills & Expertise: Knowledge of geographic area and roads/highways in Hernando County. Knowledge of federal, state and local traffic/highway laws and regulations. Knowledge of general vehicle safety and driving practices. Knowledge/skill of  first aide procedures/practices. Skills in completing work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.  Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.  Skills in customer service and dealing with irate individuals.  Ability to establish effective working relationships with people, including coworkers, clients and supervisors.  Ability to use and operate a telephone/radio.  Ability to speak/communicate in Spanish as a second language is desired.

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB FACTORS:

Job Location: Primary location is within the vehicles of the Transportation Department and on the roads/highways of Hernando County. Constantly indoors and outdoors.

Work Environment:  Working alone and with others is constant.  Work in heat, cold, dust, or wet conditions are frequent. 

Please see the link below to the new Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of HB 531 (2025). As part of these requirements, each specified agency must include a clear and conspicuous link to the webpage on its website and provide the link in all job vacancy advertisements and posts by the qualified entity.

https://info.flclearinghouse.com