Transportation Assistant

Transportation Assistant

For over the last seventy years, The Orchards have continued the traditional values inspired by the Fox Family: respect for one another, concern for each resident's well-being, and encouragement of individual interests and enjoyment of life's pleasures. These values are a gift The Orchards staff members share every day with residents and each other.

The Transportation Assistant provides safe, reliable, and courteous transportation services for residents of The Orchards while promoting comfort, dignity, and independence. This position is responsible for transporting residents to medical appointments, activities, and community outings while maintaining company vehicles in a safe operating condition and ensuring compliance with all applicable traffic laws and safety regulations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Safely transport residents to and from medical appointments, therapies, recreational activities, shopping trips, and other scheduled destinations using authorized company vehicles.
• Assist residents with boarding, exiting, and securing themselves safely in the vehicle, including the proper use of wheelchair lifts, seat belts, and mobility devices.
• Follow all traffic laws, defensive driving practices, and facility transportation policies to ensure the safety of residents, passengers, and the public.
• Perform routine pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, including checking fluid levels, tire condition, lights, windshield wipers, fuel levels, and vehicle cleanliness.
• Report vehicle maintenance needs, safety concerns, accidents, or malfunctions promptly to the Maintenance Supervisor or Administrator.
• Maintain accurate transportation logs, mileage records, inspection reports, and other required documentation.
• Communicate effectively with nursing staff regarding resident transportation schedules, special accommodations, and changes in resident condition.
• Provide courteous, compassionate customer service while maintaining resident dignity, confidentiality, and privacy.
• Assist residents with packages, mobility equipment, and personal belongings as needed.
• Perform minor vehicle maintenance and assist in ensuring vehicles remain clean, fueled, and ready for daily operation.
• Ensure all required vehicle inspections, registrations, and licensing requirements are maintained in accordance with state regulations.
• Participate in required meetings, in-services, and ongoing education.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of facility operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 25 years of age.
• Valid driver's license in good standing with an acceptable driving record.
• Previous experience driving passenger vans, buses, or other commercial vehicles preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certifications required or obtained within the required timeframe.
• Ability to safely operate wheelchair lifts and secure mobility equipment.
• Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately during emergencies.
• Successful completion of annual state-required education, mandatory in-services, and organizational training.
• Annual Tuberculosis (TB) screening and other required health screenings.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, climb steps, and perform repetitive hand movements throughout the workday.
• Ability to assist residents entering and exiting vehicles and safely operate wheelchair lifts and securement systems.
• Ability to occasionally lift and assist with moving up to 100 pounds using proper body mechanics and mobility equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds of supplies or resident belongings.
• Ability to maintain visual acuity necessary for safe vehicle operation, vehicle inspections, and assisting residents.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, healthcare staff, and community partners while working in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

This position is performed both indoors and outdoors with frequent travel between The Orchards campuses, healthcare facilities, and community locations. Employees may be exposed to varying weather conditions, moving vehicles, vehicle exhaust, traffic, and occasional exposure to infectious diseases, airborne illnesses, bloodborne pathogens, and bodily fluids while assisting residents. Noise levels may vary from quiet vehicle travel to busy traffic areas and healthcare environments.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change to meet the needs of the organization.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

The Orchards is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.