Driver

Wheelchair Transport Driver

The West Ouachita Public Transit (WOPT) service is open from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

A PASS certified wheelchair transport driver must have a valid driver's license, a non-negligent driving history, and no criminal record. All drivers must wear a uniform shirt and an ID badge.

Van Care:

Wheelchair transport drivers care for the vans they drive. The driver cleans and vacuums interiors and ensures that all specialized equipment, such as wheelchair lifts, are in proper working order. The driver also washes and polishes the outside of the vans to keep them clean and attractive. The driver may take a van to a mechanic for routine maintenance or when the specialized wheelchair equipment does not function properly.

Fares:

Knowledge of the transit fare policy and collecting transportation fares from passengers is an important part of a van driver's job. The driver calculates the fare for a trip based on published fee schedules and communicates it to passengers. The driver inspects monthly tickets to make sure they have not expired.

Transport:

PASS certified drivers provide transportation services for a disabled person. Using a WOPT van that is equipped with a lift and mechanism to secure a wheelchair, the transport driver wheels the rider to the van, safely raises the rider into the van on the lift, secures the rider's wheelchair and transports the rider to his/her destination. Upon arriving at the destination, the driver detaches the wheelchair security device, safely lowers the person out of the van using the lift and wheels the rider to his/her destination.

While safety is the primary concern of wheelchair transport drivers, they also provide on-time transportation according to an agreed-upon schedule. The specialist arrives on time to pick up riders and arrives at the destination within the estimated range of travel time. When transporting more than one passenger to different locations, specialists plan routes to include escorts in advance to minimize the number of stops and maximize fuel efficiency.

Qualifications and skills include:

• High School graduate
• Must be 21 years of age
• Knowledge of geographic service area of Ouachita Parish
• Must have daily transportation to worksite
• Must have the ability to deal tactfully with the public
• Communication Skills: Drivers will be listening and speaking to people by radio and telephone, often in some state of distress. Your ability to listen, speak plainly and communicate effectively will be necessary.
• Ability to multitask: Drivers are often moving many people around at the same time, tracking their movements and keeping tabs on what they need.
• Problem-solving skills: Drivers will need to be able to prioritize the most important situations, and think quickly on their feet.
• CDL required
• CPR/ PASS Certification, Drug and Alcohol testing, ADA knowledge
• Must be dependable (report to work on-time, no excessive absences or tardiness)
• Have a good character and attitude, be neat and clean, and wear a WOPT uniform and name badge
• Knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and other major destinations
• Ability to work with WOSC staff as a team
• Ability to ensure confidentiality concerning client/rider information
• Ability to drive passengers

Responsibilities include:

• Daily Pre-Trip inspections, including checking gas, oil and water before departure, and Post-Trip checks and reports of findings
• Completion of A and B Transit Employee Policy Checklist of Driver Training and Pre-Employment Requirements
• Safe transport of passengers from over specified routes to local or distant destination according to time schedule. Assist all passengers when embarking and disembarking the vehicle. Regulates heating, lighting, and ventilation systems for passenger comfort.
• Complete accurate STTARS report for each transit trip purpose, including mileage.
• Familiar with and adherence to WOSC/PT policy rules, regulations, training certifications, and procedures
• Attendance in mandatory trainings and transit meetings (ex: demand-responsive meetings, viewing DOT safety videos, on-line training opportunities, wheel chair lift training, etc.). Checklist of training required.
• Accountable for all daily assignments made by the Transit Dispatcher, including organizational skills in maintaining passenger schedules
• Responsible for reporting to transit dispatcher each time you drive out and return to campus, as well as any delays during trip.
• Responsible for adhering to WOSC's Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy
• Responsible for reporting all incident/accident reports on passengers or vehicles to Transit Manager and Executive Director, including any first aid to passengers or any passengers too frail to ride independently (ex. Passenger who may require an escort.)
• May possibly be assigned charters after-hours for local or extended outings
• Responsible for accuracy of rider ticket sales, accurate deposits, and securing money bag daily
• Responsible for timely delivery and pick-up for gainfully employed riders
• Use two-way radio in organizing and reorganizing transit schedule, including dispatching and receiving messages from WOSC (Must return radio to carriage/charger daily.)
• Must perform other duties, as assigned during non-driving hours. (May include daily lunch pick-up and delivery to WOSC, when assigned, transit data entry, transit filing, or completion of STARRS.)
• Must be physically able to fulfill the role of wheelchair van driver and attendance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which includes, but is not limited to lifting and moving riders weighing up to 150 pounds without assistance and up to 300 pounds with the assistance of one other crew member.