Shelter Driver

Volunteers of America Upstate NY; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America Upstate NY seeks a Shelter Driver to transport residents, staff, and supplies safely to appointments and community destinations. The role involves engaging with clients in crisis and occasionally visiting encampments to recruit new clients.

The position requires a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, strong communication skills, and the ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays. A non-exempt status applies with a compassionate, service-driven mindset.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Familiarity with local roads, routes and transportation regulations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including working with those in crisis and vulnerable populations.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to obtain adult and pediatric first aid/CPR certification.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport shelter clients, staff and supplies to various destinations using an assigned agency vehicle.
• Ensure passengers follow safety and legal requirements, including seat belts and car seats.
• Maintain a clean, well-maintained vehicle and report issues to the Shelter Director.
• Coordinate transportation schedules with shelter staff for efficient service.
• Assist residents with loading/unloading belongings and supplies.
• Adhere to traffic laws and prioritize passenger safety.
• Maintain mileage logs and vehicle maintenance records.
• Assist with loading/unloading of donations and deliveries.
• Communicate transportation concerns to shelter staff.
• Provide a welcoming, empathetic environment during transport.
• Attend mandatory meetings and training.
• Other duties as requested to benefit clients and programs.

Skills

Driver's license

Clean driving record

Local roads knowledge

Communication skills

First aid/CPR eligible

Computer skills

Crisis populations experience

Flexibility

Job description

Position Title: Shelter DriverSalary: $23-$25Reports to: Family Shelter Program ManagerExempt/Non-Exempt Status: Non-ExemptJOB SUMMARY:The Driver at our Shelter plays a critical role in ensuring the safe transportation of shelter residents, staff, and supplies. They will be responsible for transporting Residents to and from appointments, jobs, and other necessary destinations. They will also need to be comfortable engaging with the community and going to homeless encampments to pick up and recruit new clients. They will assist in delivery and pick up of supplies, donations, and other materials. The ideal candidate will have excellent driving skills, a compassionate demeanor, and a commitment to supporting residents in need.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Using an assigned agency vehicle, safely transport shelter clients, staff and supplies to various destinations as required.Ensure passengers follow all safety and legal requirements while in the vehicle, including proper seat belt and car seat usage.Maintain a clean and well-maintained vehicle, conducting routine inspections and reporting any issues to the Shelter Director.Coordinate transportation schedules and routes in collaboration with shelter staff to ensure efficient service.Provide assistance to shelter residents with loading and unloading belongings and supplies as needed.Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations, prioritizing the safety of passengers at all times.Maintain accurate records of mileage, transportation logs and vehicle maintenance.Check email during each shiftAttend and participate in all mandatory meetings and training.Assist with the loading and unloading of donations, supplies and deliveries as needed.Communicate effectively with shelter staff to address any transportation related concerns or issues.Provide a welcoming and supportive environment for shelter clients during transportation, demonstrating empathy and professionalism.Assist coworkers with responsibilities as needs arise.Other duties as requested to benefit client and programsEDUCATION & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:Valid driver’s license with a clean driving recordFamiliarity with local roads, routes and transportation regulations.Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including working with those in crisis and vulnerable populations requiredBasic computer skills required.Ability to obtain adult and pediatric first aid/CPR certificationAbility to work in a changing and challenging environmentFlexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays as neededPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Performing the duties of this job require occasional walking and standing in and around the office, and extended periods of time sitting and operating a vehicle for long distances. Must be able to occasionally lift loads of 30 pounds without assistance and the ability to sit, talk and hear is required. The ability to climb stairs is essential.WORK ENVIRONMENT:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions are exposed to communicable diseases and are required to function around behavioral concerns.The majority of essential duties are performed indoors, in a normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be asked to travel between sites or transport participates and may be exposed to outdoor elements.RESPONSIBILITY OF OTHERS:The employee has no direct responsibility/supervision of other staff.LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER:The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.EEO POLICY STATEMENT:VOAUPNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory, diverse work environment. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at VOAUPNY will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. VOAUPNY does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, training, and access to benefits, leaves of absence, compensation and training.