Transportation Driver

Swhra; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

SWHRA is seeking a Transportation Driver for the Rural Transportation Program. The role involves safely transporting passengers within the 8-county region, assisting with mobility devices, and maintaining courteous, reliable service.

Requirements include a valid Class D license with F endorsement, DOT physical, and background checks. The position emphasizes safety, proper reporting, and teamwork in a curb-to-curb service environment.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must possess a valid Class D Driver's License with an F endorsement.
• Must pass a DOT physical.
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test approved by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
• Must be clear of all National Offender Registries, including the Sexual Offender Registry and the Elderly or Disabled Abuse Registry.
• Drivers must be readily accessible by telephone and be able to report to work on short notice, including at odd hours.
• Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport passengers to and from designated locations.
• Assist ambulatory and wheelchair users into and out of the vehicle per safety protocols.
• Maintain safety by following traffic laws and a no-texting policy while driving.
• Complete vehicle logs and incident reports in coordination with office staff.
• Provide courteous customer service and maintain a clean, professional vehicle.
• Attend regular training on driving techniques, lift operation, and safety procedures.
• Respond to emergencies and inform supervisors immediately.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Starting pay: $13.75 without CDL OR $14.00 with CDL

Departmental Context:
The Rural Transportation Program is designed to benefit all citizens of SWHRA's 8-county region (Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, and McNairy). The transportation service is a curb-to-curb system with flexible schedules to meet the needs of all passengers.

Position Overview:

The Transportation Driver is responsible for safely transporting individuals within the service area to and from designated locations. This role requires adherence to traffic laws, a strong focus on passenger safety, vehicle maintenance, and maintaining a courteous demeanor. The Van Driver works under the supervision of the Transportation Director and collaborates with other transportation personnel to ensure timely and efficient service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Passenger Transport:

• Ensure the prompt, reliable, and safe pick-up and delivery of passengers to their requested destinations.
• Assist both ambulatory individuals and wheelchair users into and out of the vehicle, adhering to agency safety protocols. (Drivers are not permitted to enter a passenger's home and are only expected to assist with a maximum of one stair for wheelchair users.)

Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure the safety of all passengers, abiding by traffic laws and regulations at all times, including a strict no-texting or cell phone use policy while driving.
• Notify the dispatcher, administrative assistant, supervisor or transportation director of any traffic violations that may affect motor records on the same day they are received.

Vehicle Maintenance & Care:

• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of vehicles, both inside and outside, to ensure they are in proper working order.
• Maintain an orderly and safe vehicle at all times, ensuring it is equipped with any necessary equipment for passenger transport.
• Operate and maintain various vehicle technologies and lift equipment for transporting individuals with mobility challenges.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Complete all required reports in coordination with office personnel, ensuring timely submission of vehicle logs, incident reports, and other necessary documentation.
• Keep the Supervisor or Dispatcher informed of any operational issues that arise during trips.

Customer Service:

• Exhibit a friendly and courteous attitude toward passengers, co-workers, and other members of the public at all times.
• Ensure that passengers are treated with respect and professionalism, helping to create a positive experience.
• Assist in keeping office and other work areas clean and presentable.
• Work cooperatively with dispatchers, supervisors, and fellow drivers to ensure the smooth operation of transportation services.
• Support other team members when necessary, taking on additional tasks as assigned by the Supervisor or Transportation Director.

Training & Professional Development:

• Attend regular scheduled training sessions to maintain up-to-date knowledge of driving techniques, lift operation, safety procedures, and other job-related skills.
• Stay current with agency policies and procedures, and continually improve driving techniques, particularly defensive driving methods.

Emergency Response & Assistance:

• Evaluate each situation on the road, knowing when to request help if physically unable to assist a passenger.
• Respond to emergencies in accordance with agency protocols and inform the supervisor of any accidents or incidents immediately.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

Age & License Requirements:

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must possess a valid Class D Driver's License with an F endorsement.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to assist passengers, including wheelchair users, in and out of vehicles, adhering to safety protocols.
• Must be able to pass a DOT physical.

Background & Compliance Checks:

• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) check, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test approved by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
• Must be clear of all National Offender Registries, including the Sexual Offender Registry and the Elderly or Disabled Abuse Registry.

Accessibility & Availability:

• Drivers must be readily accessible by telephone and be able to report to work on short notice, including at odd hours.

Education Requirements:

• Must be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D.