POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides transportation for the clients and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to various activities and field trips. Position conducts pre-trip inspections; observes safety regulations and policies; enforces rules and policies of proper conduct on the bus; and performs related work.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Communicates with the transportation dispatcher for any changes in normal duties, including communicating orally while the bus is in motion when needed.
• Load and unload clients in and out of LIFE program bus and ensure proper wheelchair securement when needed in adherence to LIFE Transportation program policies and standards of practice.
• Ensures bus can be operated safely before driving and conducts pre-trip inspections as required to include observing visual defects and checking operating systems to include brakes, horn, lights, emergency flashers, door-opening devices, etc.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness of assigned bus and coordinate scheduling of van maintenance with transportation dispatcher.
• Obeys all traffic laws and transportation practices as outlined in the CDL manual.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for buses and keeps all emergency exits clear of obstructions.
• Reports all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; assists injured persons until services arrive; and completes required incident reports.
• Notifies the dispatcher in cases of mechanical failure, safety deficiencies, or other incidents.
• Drives clients and other LSS staff on field trips, various activities, and other special events as assigned.
• Returns the bus to the assigned parking lot, performs a final inspection, and secures the bus according to company procedures.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all company procedures, results, and information about clients or families regardless of setting.

Non-Essential Job Functions

• Follow all LIFE program policies and procedures and OSHA safety guidelines to maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintain courteous, helpful, and professional behavior on the job and display a willingness and ability to be responsive in a warm and caring manner.
• Participate in continuing education classes and any required staff and training meetings; and maintain professional affiliations and any required certifications.
• Perform other duties as required or requested in a positive and helpful manner to ensure a smooth-running work area.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of one (1) year of documented experience in working with a frail or elderly population preferred.
• Experienced in transporting individuals with special mobility needs.
• Possess a valid commercial driver’s license to operate a passenger bus required.
• Possess basic first aid and CPR certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Requires full range of body motion including handling and assisting clients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Requires standing, walking, pushing, bending, kneeling and reaching at arm’s length and overhead in vehicle for prolonged periods of time.
• Requires the ability to lift/carry up to 65 pounds and push or pull objects exceeding 150 pounds, using appropriate body mechanics.
• Must be able to operate electric lift and get disabled clients safely on and off bus. Must be able to fasten seatbelts and wheelchair tie-downs.
• Must meet visual and hearing requirements for Oklahoma commercial driver’s license. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to respond to beeper and telephone by communicating verbally with dispatcher via telephone. While driving, must be able to hear clients in bus call for help or identify by sound when they might need help. Must be able to give clear verbal directions.
• Requires working under stressful conditions; moderate pressure to meet scheduled appointments while dealing with frail and confused clients.
• Subject to clients that may have the potential for verbal or physical aggression.
• Requires working outside, unprotected from weather conditions subject to temperatures below 30 degrees.
• Exposed to vibrations while driving bus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Be, at minimum, 21 years old.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Knowledge of the area in which LIFE programs are located.
• Knowledge of how to use and maintain position’s equipment (e.g., vehicle, lift, tie-downs); and safety requirements.
• Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress related to the position.
• Function independently, have flexibility, and personal integrity.
• Must demonstrate on an ongoing basis the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with clients, family members/caregivers, co-workers, and department heads.
• Skilled in identifying and recommending problem resolution; and ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.