DRIVER

DriverThe Northward CenterSummary DescriptionThe incumbent manages all aspects of the transportation program. Duties include preventive vehicle maintenance and the safe and reliable pickup and drop-off of clients on a daily basis. The incumbent ensures that all work conforms with company policies and procedures, safety and regulatory laws and standards.Duties and ResponsibilitiesOperates the program vehicle to pick up and drop off clients to the facility, outside appointments, shopping, and special events in a timely manner according to pre-determined routes.Assists clients while boarding, unboarding, and with any special needs en route, as needed. Ensures that clients are securely fastened in the vehicle, assuring their safety and well-being. Buckles seat belts, ties down or locks wheelchair, operates wheelchair lift, pulls and pushes wheelchair clients.Drives vehicle in a safe and responsible manner on major highways, as well as small streets and narrow driveways; may have to park some distance from person's home if no parking is available.Assist clients from sitting to standing position on van or transfer clients from van seat to wheelchair.Maintains logs of trips and service records; maintains client transportation notebook.Assists or determines routes and pickup order.Escorts clients from door to door, and monitors their overall physical and mental health. Reports problems or unusual occurrences to Center Administrator or other professional staff.Inspects vehicle on a daily basis and follows a prescribed maintenance and fueling schedule. Ensures that wheelchair lifts and tie-down equipment are properly operating.Maintains vehicle information, including route, mileage, fuel, and service records. Maintains cleanliness of vehicle and reports repairs and service needs as they occur.Assists in planning routes and making adjustments for new admissions and/or discharges.Provides active assistance with clients as needed (ie: ambulation, arrivals and departures, and social activities).This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of company policies and procedures. Knowledge of New Jersey driving laws and regulationsKnowledge of basic vehicle emergency operating procedures; knowledge of the local geographic areaAbility to demonstrate excellent English communication skills, both orally and in writing. Ability to read street mapsAbility to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills; ability to demonstrate good organizational skills; ability to work independentlyAbility to work in a cross-functional capacity. Ability to operate a vehicle liftAbility to operate two-way radio equipment; ability to work flexible schedules on demand; skills in driving a large passenger vanConditions (Environment, Physical Demands, Hazards, etc)* Exposure to biological agents (ie: body fluids, microorganisms)* Sitting up to 6 hours in 8 hours* Frequent lifting up to 50 poundsRequirementsQualificationsEducation: High School Degree or equivalent. Valid Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement (no citations) required.Experience: At least one year of experience working in a geriatric, long-term care, or pediatric environment. May be required to be bilingual (English/Spanish).