Driver/Cook’s Assistant

Job Title

To transport home delivered meals to senior citizens in various destinations throughout Santa Fe County in a Santa Fe County vehicle. Assists Cook in packaging meals.

Essential Job Functions

• Transports home delivered meals to client residences.
• Provides transportation to senior citizens for appointments, activities, and vacations; personally assists senior citizens and ADA clients from their homes into the vehicles including securing, loading and unloading oxygen, groceries, furniture, wheelchairs, and other supplies;
• Maintains vehicle in a safe and clean condition in accordance with Santa Fe County policies and procedures and within state and federal rules and regulations; Fuels, washes, cleans and conducts basic maintenance on the vehicle; cleans vehicle, performs daily interior/exterior inspections; completes daily reports; and discloses any mechanical, structural or other vehicle problems, including vehicle damage or accidents to supervisor immediately.
• Assists Cook in cleaning in kitchen and dining areas and in packaging meals and snacks.
• Conducts basic welfare check of clients and informs appropriate Senior Services staff of any concerns.

Knowledge/ Skills:

• Knowledge of operating passenger vehicles; knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance; and of traffic and safety rules.
• Knowledge of institutional food preparation and storage requirements; and of food preservation, kitchen and cafeteria sanitary and safety standards, rules and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and the public; to follow verbal and written instructions; and to uphold high standards of ethics and morals when working with seniors and difficult clients.
• Ability to maintain knowledge of safe food handling techniques; to maintain defensive driving certification; and to prepare logs and reports.
• Ability to speak Spanish is preferred.
• Skill in defensive driving and transporting elderly clients.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED or Bronze level ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).
• Experience in driving/transportation preferred.
• Must complete Defensive Driving training and become certified in CPR and First Aid within three (3) months of hire.
• Must obtain training in proper procedures for lifting and moving senior citizens and ADA clients within three (3) months of hire.
• Must obtain a Food Handler's certification card within 30 days of employment. Failure to receive this certification may result in termination of employment.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varied weather conditions. May be required to work irregular and extended hours or be on call, including evening, weekend and holiday hours. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; climb or balance; taste or smell; and talk or hear. Clarity of vision at short and long distance is required. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds. May be exposed to dust, fumes, airborne particles, or allergens; to excessive noise; to working near hazardous or moving equipment or machinery; and to hostile, violent, or offensive individuals on a regular basis. Will be required to use protective clothing, equipment, devices, or materials. Will be subject to random drug screening.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver's License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.

Santa Fe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of Santa Fe County to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, age, physical or mental handicap, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, serious medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or political affiliation.