Driver Trainer

About CVNL:

Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) is dedicated to advancing nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in our community. CVNL has been building the capacity of volunteers and nonprofits for more than 50 years, and continues to adapt and evolve, leveraging powerful tools and technologies to make it easier for volunteers to engage and for organizations to promote volunteer opportunities.

Care. Connect. Contribute.

The Sonoma County Paratransit (SCPT) Department provides a vital service to the some of the most vulnerable populations in Sonoma County. With care, compassion and sensitivity our Drivers and CSR’s are the frontline workers providing this integral service, connecting our clientele to the community. This contribution to our community is a source of pride for CVNL.

Position Overview

Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) is seeking a Paratransit Driver. Reporting to the Director of Paratransit, the driver is responsible for driving a paratransit vehicle and assisting disabled and elderly clients on and off the vehicle. Drivers will handle clients in wheelchairs and operate wheelchair lifts and ramps on a daily basis. Due to the nature of our services and diverse clientele, Paratransit Driver positions require a flexible schedule. Paratransit Drivers must thrive in compassionately making a difference in the lives of others, communicate with integrity and grace while under pressure, and enjoy working within a team culture. A commercial license is NOT required for this position.

The Driver Trainer is responsible for the efficient and comprehensive training of new Paratransit Drivers. This position is a shift differential in addition to Driver position. Hours may fluctuate throughout the year as new employees are hired and yearly training needs to occur. This position requires a flexible schedule with evenings and weekends as needed.

This position performs all the functions of a Paratransit Driver as well as the mentor training program. The purpose of this position is to conduct operation and customer service training for new employees and retraining for current staff. This is accomplished by interpreting and explaining state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, defensive driving techniques, district policies, customer service expectations, and accurate record keeping. Other duties include conducting disability awareness training, customer assistance and mobility device securement training, operating paratransit passenger vehicles and completing special assignments as assigned.

Requirements

Training Responsibilities expected to be 30-50% of position.

• Assumes the responsibilities of a Paratransit Operator as needed to meet service demands.
• Instruct new and current paratransit bus operators in regard to orientation to the transit facility, company rules, proper inspections of vehicles, safety, time management, and other related paperwork.
• Assist in training new employees which can include the following, but not limited to: Operating a paratransit vehicle, reading manifests, handling fares, understanding stat codes, professional and efficient radio etiquette and codes, proper securing of wheelchairs/scooters and other passenger restraints.
• Stays informed on standards and best practices in regard to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Transit Authority (FTA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Paratransit training and regulation.
• Assist in the preparation of training materials and safety gear.
• Conducts routine Paratransit staff driving performance evaluations, issues corrective actions and provides positive feedback, to ensure quality customer service and safe operations.
• Provides information, takes minutes and prepares reports on all safety meetings.
• Tracks and reports performance metrics to set and maintain training requirements.
• Monitoring Paratransit vehicle maintenance, repairs, inspections and licensing.
• Compiles and reports information on accidents, incidents, trainings and retraining’s.
• Communicates effectively with operations staff regarding training schedules or passenger issues.
• Maintains professional demeanor and appearance.
• Communicates effectively with staff regarding scheduling of training hours and provides daily debriefs and performance reviews.

Driving & Vehicle Equipment Operation (50-70%)

• Safe operation of the Paratransit vehicles, in accordance with all laws and rules of the road, under varying weather conditions
• Communicate using a two-way radio system in an efficient and professional manner.
• Promptly report vehicle repair needs, accidents, and incidents
• Push, pull and steer large wheelchairs up and down ramps.
• Operate wheelchair lifts and properly secure wheelchairs in vehicles.
• Ongoing observance and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Transit Authority (FTA) requirements, regulation and drug screening

Customer Service

• Assist passengers on and off vehicles.
• Ensure the safety of disabled or elderly clients by providing appropriate physical support.
• Demonstrate a positive, open and support attitude to clients and co-workers.

Other Duties

• Accurately record and maintain paper and digital records on a computer or wireless tablet.
• Participate in ongoing staff development of Paratransit personnel.
• Attend and participate in company-wide meetings and events, and departmental safety and staff meetings.

Qualifications:

• Experience in a Management or Supervisory role in Transit or Paratransit programs required.
• Have clean driving record with Class C license.
• Have an acceptable DMV H-6 report (Department of Motor Vehicle) and insurability at normal risk rates.
• Successfully complete a pre-employment Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test and physical.
• Successfully complete a safety road test administered by 90 days from start date.
• Familiarity with geographical area and the ability to read street maps.
• Maintain CPR and First Aid certification (may be completed after hiring.)
• Keen attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, to work within time limits, and the ability to handle a variety of concurrent tasks efficiently.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule.
• Ability to use good judgment, set priorities and good organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team setting, to motivate other to achieve common goals.
• Willingness and ability to patiently train/teach others; experience preferred.
• Safety and customer service experience valuable.
• Relate sensitively to persons having physical and/or emotional disabilities.
• Experience working with elderly and disabled required.
• Knowledge of HIPPA rules and regulations required.

Physical Demands

• Frequently work outside, driving in a variety of road and weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration.
• Frequently required to sit, talk and hear. Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and push up to 300 pounds (wheelchair clients).
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

• Starting hourly rate of $24.23 depending on prior experience. Up to $30.70/hr with tenure. $2.00 hour shift differential when training eligible on top of base compensation.
• Vacation: 12 days in year 1, 15 days in year 2, 20 days in year 5.
• SICK: 12 Sick days per year
• Holidays: 12 days observered.
• Health Insurance with base plan 100% covered by employer.
• Vision and Dental Insurance.
• 403B Retirement Plans with 3.5% employer contribution after 12 months.
• Staff have regular opportunities to participate in professional development workshops and classes offered at CVNL