Driver, Passenger Classification

Driver, Passenger Classification

The Driver – Passenger Classification is a mission-critical role responsible for the safe, dignified, and reliable transportation of senior community members residing in senior housing complexes and low-income neighborhoods. This specialized role operates passenger-carrying vehicles to ensure our neighbors have access to food, programs, and essential services. Beyond driving, this individual serves as a compassionate ambassador of Feeding Tampa Bay, providing direct assistance to passengers with varying mobility needs and ensuring strict adherence to all passenger-safety regulations and DOT standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Exemplifies the desired culture and philosophies of Feeding Tampa Bay
• Passenger Service & Service Excellence:
• Safely operate a passenger bus or shuttle to transport seniors to and from designated locations within the 10-county service area.
• Provide "door-through-door" assistance, helping senior passengers board and exit the vehicle safely.
• Assist passengers with the loading and unloading of groceries, food boxes, and other supplies received through Feeding Tampa Bay programs.
• Demonstrate high emotional intelligence and the "Grow Code" values when interacting with seniors, ensuring every passenger is treated with honor and respect.
• Maintain a professional image by ensuring the vehicle interior is clean, sanitized, and free of debris daily.
• Accessibility & Specialized Assistance:
• Expertly operate wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securement systems for passengers with limited mobility.
• Ensure all mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) are properly secured using approved 4-point tie-down systems and safety belts.
• Provide physical stability and guidance to passengers to prevent falls or injuries during transit.
• Ability to recognize and effectively de-escalate tensions or disagreements amongst passengers through proactive crisis de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Safety & Compliance:
• Maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Passenger (P) Endorsement.
• Conduct and document thorough pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections (DVIR) to ensure fleet readiness and passenger safety.
• Maintain accurate, real-time daily logs, including passenger manifestos, mileage, and fuel reporting.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for any on-road passenger incidents; report accidents or medical emergencies immediately to the Transportation Manager and People & Culture (P&C) team.
• Adhere to all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and DOT regulations.
• Operations & Administration:
• Coordinate with the Transportation Manager to optimize routes for efficiency and passenger comfort.
• Utilize transportation tracking tools and mobile apps to provide status updates and daily operational data.
• Participate in weekly driver meetings focused on safety training, professional development, and team-building.
• Serve as a core member of the disaster response team, assisting with emergency transportation or logistics during crisis operations.

Requirements

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

Excel working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and demonstrate the ability to embrace the FTB's commitment to treat all people with equity and respect in pursuit of our mission to feed people in need and mobilize our community to eliminate hunger

High School Diploma or GED required.

Minimum 3 years of professional CDL driving experience; experience in paratransit, senior care, or non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is highly preferred.

Valid Class B (or A) Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Passenger (P) Endorsement is required.

A clean driving record (MVR) with no major violations.

CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days).

Food Safety Manager certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days).

Mastery of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations regarding passenger transport and securement.

Proficiency in using GPS and mobile dispatching software.

Ability to navigate complex routes across the West Central Florida region.

Exceptional patience and communication skills for working with the senior population.

Strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor during stressful situations.

Ability to bend, stoop, crouch, climb, stand, and turn/pivot. Must be able to frequently lift, lower, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. Significant physical activity is required to assist passengers, secure wheelchairs, and maneuver grocery supplies.

Work is performed primarily in a passenger bus and outdoors. Exposure to variable Florida temperatures, humidity, and traffic noise.

Standard business hours, though flexibility is required to work after hours, weekends or adjusted schedules as needed for special events or disaster relief efforts.

Willing to actively participate in mission-driven programs, such as food distribution initiatives and disaster relief operations as needed.

All internal candidates must be in good standing with no corrective actions within the last 90 days.