Bus Driver

**ABOUT US**: Helping Hand's mission is to transform the lives of all connected to Helping Hand through genuine care and education. So that, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are equally valued in all communities Established in 1955, Helping Hand is proud to serve over 70 surrounding communities by providing accredited and licensed Adult Programs as well as an ISBE-approved non-public Therapeutic Day School.

Helping Hand has been awarded "Best and Brightest Places to Work" for both Chicago and the Nation for 6 years in a row This award is a reflection of the incredible talent and commitment shown by our HH team members every day.

**SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION**:

- On-site position, Monday-Friday. Full-time
- Salary range $23.79-$24.50/hour (non-exempt). Salary based on skills and experience
- Up to 6% annual bonus potential.

**HELPING HAND PERKS**:

- Team member appreciation events and recognition throughout the year
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- Paid personal days after 1 year of service
- Accrued paid sick time
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Traditional medical, dental, vision insurance, and supplemental/voluntary benefit options.
- 403b retirement plan with up to a 4% company match

**ABOUT THE ROLE**:Under the direction of the Associate Director of Transportation and in accordance with state agency policies and procedures, the Bus Driver is responsible for the safe transport of our consumers and clients utilizing agency vehicles.

**A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU AT HH**:

- To transport consumers daily from their homes to programs, job sites, and other locations as needed according to the Rules of The Road.
- Take vehicles for semi-annual safety inspections to ensure that vehicles are in good working order and document the safety inspections for records.
- Follow safety guidelines set by agency, especially as they relate to transportation of the handicapped.
- Must attend all team/agency meetings and trainings as scheduled.
- Keep a daily log of mileage at the start and close of each day, noting any difficulties. Log must be submitted each Friday (or last working day of the week) to the Associate Director of Transportation.
- Start runs earlier than the scheduled time when road conditions warrant to eliminate late arrivals at programs and residences.
- Notify Associate Director of Transportation whenever there is a deviation from the schedule.
- Represent agency to the community in a positive manner by providing courteous service.
- Attend all and complete all training as required including State Police Training Programs.
- Ensure that consumer/client rights are protected according to agency manuals, policies, regulations, and laws.
- Maintain assigned vehicle(s) in a clean and orderly manner.
- Must maintain PACE certification.
- Must be able to maintain client confidentiality at all times.
- Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
- A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
- Other duties as assigned.

**LAND THIS OPPORTUNITY BY HAVING**:

- 1-2 years of experience preferred.
- Current Class D driver’s license required, Class C and PACE Certified preferred.
- Must have an acceptable/safe driving record with the Secretary of State and ongoing personal motor vehicle insurance.
- Must obtain Class C/CDL license and PACE certification within 90 days of hire if not already obtained.
- Must be able to obtain a school bus permit if not already obtained.
- First aid training preferred.
- Previous experience working with the DD population preferred, but not required.
- Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to self-transport.

**WORK ENVIRONMENT**:

- The person in this position may encounter clients exhibiting physical aggression; must be comfortable working in periods of crisis and feel comfortable de-escalating individually or as a team.
- The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office/vehicle to assist clients.
- The ability to observe details at a close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Consistently position self to assist consumers/clients.
- The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in all situations.
- Occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions.

**Helping Hand welcomes diversity and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.