Job Title: Driver (CNA Preferred)
Location: Syracuse, New York
Company Name: Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
Company Slogan: The perfect setting to enjoy life.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Driver to join our transportation team at Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. As a Driver, you will be responsible for providing safe, reliable, and exceptional transportation services to our residents, ensuring their safety, comfort, and dignity throughout their journey. This is a dynamic and rewarding role that requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Safely transport residents to and from medical appointments, therapy sessions, hospital visits, community events, and other scheduled destinations
- Assist residents with entering and exiting vehicles using proper transfer techniques and mobility equipment
- Secure wheelchairs and other assistive devices according to safety regulations
- Ensure residents are comfortable and supervised during transportation
- Maintain accurate transportation logs, mileage records, appointment schedules, and incident reports
- Communicate transportation schedules and delays with nursing staff, families, and healthcare providers
- Perform daily vehicle inspections, including checking fuel levels, tire pressure, fluids, lights, wheelchair lifts, and safety equipment
- Keep transportation vehicles clean, sanitized, and in good operating condition
- Report maintenance needs, accidents, or safety concerns immediately
- Follow all state and federal transportation regulations and facility policies
Preferred CNA Responsibilities:
- Assist residents with transfers using gait belts, wheelchairs, walkers, and mechanical lifts as appropriate
- Monitor residents for changes in condition during transportation and promptly report concerns to nursing staff
- Provide assistance with toileting, hygiene, feeding, or other activities of daily living while away from the facility when necessary
- Respond appropriately to medical emergencies while awaiting emergency medical services
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid state driver's license with a clean driving record
- Ability to safely operate wheelchair-accessible transportation vehicles
- Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
Preferred:
- Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
- Previous experience working in a long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, or healthcare setting
- Experience transporting elderly or medically complex individuals
- Knowledge of safe resident transfer techniques and infection prevention practices
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong commitment to resident safety and exceptional customer service
- Ability to interact professionally with residents, families, physicians, and healthcare staff
- Knowledge of defensive driving principles
- Ability to remain calm in emergency situations
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, reach, and climb
- Lift, transfer, push, or pull residents and mobility equipment
- Operate wheelchair lifts and securement systems
- Sit for extended periods while driving
- Work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
Working Conditions:
- Skilled Nursing Facility/Long-Term Care environment
- Exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and varying weather conditions
- May require evening, weekend, holiday, or on-call transportation coverage
Benefits:
- Competitive pay
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Employee assistance program
- Continuing education opportunities