PACE DRIVER - Central Location

Swope Health Services; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

PACE KC is seeking a Transportation Driver to safely transport participants to the PACE Center and medical appointments, while maintaining dignity and independence. The role emphasizes courteous service and adherence to safety standards in a supportive elder-care setting.

Qualified candidates will have a valid driver's license with 3+ years of transporting clients, a current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and comfort working with older adults or individuals

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid driver’s license for at least five years with a clean driving record.
• Current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate required.
• Pass pre-employment screenings: background check, physical, drug/alcohol.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Documentation of required immunizations may be required.
• Minimum of three years transporting clients and operating large passenger vehicles.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and push/pull up to 150 lbs.
• Knowledge of ADA and accessible transportation best practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Familiarity with the Kansas City metro area preferred.
• Professional appearance and wearing required uniform/ID.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet timelines.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport participants to the PACE Center, medical appointments, and homes.
• Operate lift-equipped vans and buses professionally and timely.
• Complete daily vehicle inspections and keep vehicle clean and fueled.
• Maintain daily manifests, mileage logs, and docs in systems or apps.
• Assist with boarding/exiting and proper use of lifts and seat belts.
• Provide hands-on mobility assistance and ensure comfort and safety.
• Report changes in participant condition to staff promptly.
• Deliver medications, nutrition supplements, and supplies as directed.
• Participate in safety training and elder care education.
• Follow transportation policies, HIPAA and incident reporting.
• Use professional judgment with challenging situations or emergencies.
• Represent PACE KC with friendly, respectful customer service.
• Communicate effectively with participants, caregivers, and partners.
• Maintain a professional appearance and ID badge during shifts.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Coordinator or leadership.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Safety awareness

Professional appearance

Punctuality

Empathy

Education

High school diploma

Tools

DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate

Job description

The Transportation Driver plays a vital role in the delivery of person-centered care at PACE KC by ensuring the safe, reliable, and courteous transportation of participants to and from the PACE Center and other appointments. These individual fosters a positive and respectful experience for participants, maintains compliance with all safety standards, and serves as a key communication link between participants and the interdisciplinary team. Compassion, attentiveness, and professionalism are essential in supporting the dignity and independence of the seniors we serve.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

1. Safely transport PACE participants to and from the PACE Center, medical appointments, and participant homes in accordance with established schedules.

2. Operate various vehicle types, including lift‑equipped vans and buses, in a professional, courteous, and timely manner.

3. Complete daily vehicle pre‑and post‑trip inspections and ensure the vehicle is clean, fueled, and properly maintained.

4. Accurately complete daily manifests, mileage logs, and documentation using internal reporting systems or mobile apps.

5. Assist participants with boarding and exiting vehicles, including proper use of lifts, ramps, seat belts, and wheelchair tie‑down systems.

6. Provide hands‑on assistance to participants with mobility challenges while ensuring their comfort and safety at all times.

7. Monitor and promptly report any noticeable changes in participant condition or behavior to the Transportation Coordinator or Center staff.

8. Deliver medications, nutrition supplements, and medical supplies as directed by clinical staff.

9. Participate in routine safety training, emergency preparedness drills, and education related to elder care and disability services.

10. Adhere to all transportation policies, including emergency procedures, HIPAA, universal precautions, and reporting of incidents or accidents.

11. Use sound judgment and professional demeanor when addressing challenging situations, including behavioral concerns or medical emergencies.

12. Serve as an ambassador of PACE KC by providing friendly, respectful, and culturally sensitive customer service at all times.

13. Communicate effectively with participants, caregivers, PACE team members, and external partners.

14. Uphold the organization’s values and maintain a professional appearance in full uniform and ID badge during all work hours.

15. Perform other duties as assigned by the Transportation Coordinator or leadership team.

Supervisory Duties and Responsibilities:

Education, Certification, and Experience:

High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.

Experience & Qualifications:

1. Must be at least 21 years of age.

2. High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.

3. Valid driver’s license for a minimum of five (5) years and a clean driving record that meets PACE KC standards.

4. Current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate required.

5. Must pass all pre‑employment screenings, including:
a. Criminal background check
b. Physical examination
c. Drug and alcohol screening
d. Fitness for Duty evaluation

6. Valid authorization to work in the United States.

7. Documentation of required immunizations, which may include Varicella, MMR, and COVID-19 vaccinations.

8. Minimum of three (3) years of experience transporting clients and operating large passenger vehicles; experience with older adults or individuals with disabilities strongly preferred.

9 Ability to safely push and pull up to 150 lbs and lift up to 50 lbs.

10. Working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessible transportation best practices.
11. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build rapport with participants and provide compassionate, person‑centered service.

12. Familiarity with the Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding service region preferred.

13. Must present a professional appearance and demeanor, and wear the approved uniform and ID badge at all times while on duty.

14. Ability to work under pressure, maintain punctuality, and meet strict timelines.

Swope Health, the Kansas City region’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center, has provided comprehensive primary care, dental care and mental health services in the Greater Kansas City area for more than 56 years. Recognized as a patient‑centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, our commitment to an integrated model of healthcare aligns with our mission to improve community health and wellness through accessible, quality, comprehensive patient care.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and The Joint Commission, we served nearly 56,000 patients in 2025 at 24 locations throughout the area, including Kansas City, Belton, Independence, North Kansas City, Hickman Mills, and Wyandotte and Leavenworth Counties in Kansas. Swope Health is a special place that cares for the people who need it most, wherever they are in the community.

As a Swope Health Associate you will be expected to help deliver on the Swope Health Promise of "We Make Care Visible".

You will do this by V.I.S.I.B.L.E

• Valuing every person
• Impacting communities
• Serving with professionalism
• Believing that healthcare is a basic human right
• Leading with accountability and praise

Qualifications

Education

Required

High School or better.

Experience

Required

3 years:

Minimum of three (3) years of experience transporting clients and operating large passenger vehicles; experience with older adults or individuals with disabilities strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.