Driver/Cook’s Assistant (Casual/Part-Time)

Santa Fe County; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to serving the community by providing essential transportation services to senior citizens. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering meals, assisting clients with mobility needs, and ensuring vehicle maintenance. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of seniors, while working in a dynamic environment that values compassion and dedication. If you are passionate about helping others and possess strong driving and communication skills, this is the perfect opportunity for you to thrive and grow in a fulfilling career.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; defensive driving certification and CPR/First Aid training needed.
• Experience in driving/transportation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Transport meals and provide assistance to senior citizens.
• Maintain vehicle and assist in kitchen duties.

Skills

Defensive driving

Communication skills

Knowledge of food safety

Ability to assist elderly clients

Ability to speak Spanish

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

County vehicle

Job description

To transport home delivered meals to senior citizens in various destinations throughout Santa Fe County in a Santa Fe County vehicle. Assists Cook in packaging meals.

• Transports home delivered meals to client residences.
• Provides transportation to senior citizens for appointments, activities, and vacations; personally assists senior citizens and ADA clients from their homes into the vehicles including securing, loading and unloading oxygen, groceries, furniture, wheelchairs, and other supplies;
• Maintains vehicle in a safe and clean condition in accordance with Santa Fe County policies and procedures and within state and federal rules and regulations; Fuels, washes, cleans and conducts basic maintenance on the vehicle; cleans vehicle, performs daily interior/exterior inspections; completes daily reports; and discloses any mechanical, structural or other vehicle problems, including vehicle damage or accidents to supervisor immediately.
• Assists Cook in cleaning in kitchen and dining areas and in packaging meals and snacks.
• Conducts basic welfare check of clients and informs appropriate Senior Services staff of any concerns.

Knowledge/ Skills:

• Knowledge of operating passenger vehicles; knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance; and of traffic and safety rules.
• Knowledge of institutional food preparation and storage requirements; and of food preservation, kitchen and cafeteria sanitary and safety standards, rules and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and the public; to follow verbal and written instructions; and to uphold high standards of ethics and morals when working with seniors and difficult clients.
• Ability to maintain knowledge of safe food handling techniques; to maintain defensive driving certification; and to prepare logs and reports.
• Ability to speak Spanish is preferred.
• Skill in defensive driving and transporting elderly clients.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in driving/transportation preferred.
• Must complete Defensive Driving training, and become certified in CPR and First Aid within three (3) months of hire.
• Must obtain training in proper procedures for lifting and moving senior citizens and ADA clients within three (3) months of hire.
• Must obtain a Food Handler’s certification card within 30 days of employment. Failure to receive this certification may result in termination of employment.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varied weather conditions. May be required to work irregular and extended hours or be on call, including evening, weekend and holiday hours. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; climb or balance; taste or smell; and talk or hear. Clarity of vision at short and long distance is required. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds. May be exposed to dust, fumes, airborne particles, or allergens; to excessive noise; to working near hazardous or moving equipment or machinery; and to hostile, violent, or offensive individuals on a regular basis. Will be required to use protective clothing, equipment, devices, or materials. Will be subject to random drug screening.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.