Transportation Specialist

Interfaith Community Services; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Flexible Schedules

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) Matching

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Job summary

Interfaith Community Services in Escondido is hiring a Transportation Specialist for patient and program-related travel. You’ll provide safe, reliable transport to medical appointments and services, supporting wellbeing and recovery.

The role requires a high school diploma, valid CA driver’s license, and a clean driving record, with CPR/BLS and First Aid training completed within three months of hire. Bilingual preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Valid CA Driver’s License is required.
• Must maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record per policy.
• CPR/BLS and First Aid certifications within 3 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist passengers on/off vehicles, including those with mobility limits.
• Safely secure wheelchairs and mobility devices.
• Provide entry/exit assistance for disabled passengers.
• Schedule routes and ensure timely pickup/drop-off for appointments.
• Maintain transportation calendar and logs with accuracy.
• Operate vehicles in compliance with traffic laws and safety standards.
• Inspect vehicles pre/post trip and report issues.
• Communicate with clients and staff about changes to schedules.
• Provide de-escalation and safe handling as needed.
• Support other staff during downtime and participate in meetings.

Skills

Safe driving

Emergency response

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CA Driver’s License

Motor vehicle record compliant

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About Interfaith Community Services

As North County's largest social services agency, Interfaith Community Services has been \"helping people help themselves\" since 1979. The organization provides a wide range of programs designed to empower hungry, homeless, and low-income community members to begin a pathway towards self-sufficiency. Each year, Interfaith Community Services impacts more than 20,000 community members by providing basic needs and nutrition support, social services, shelters and housing, employment development, senior services, veterans programs and addiction recovery support.

Job Type

Full-time

Description

As North County's largest social services agency, Interfaith Community Services has been \"helping people help themselves\" since 1979. The organization provides a wide range of programs designed to empower hungry, homeless, and low-income community members to begin a pathway towards self-sufficiency. Each year, Interfaith Community Services impacts more than 20,000 community members by providing basic needs and nutrition support, social services, shelters and housing, employment development, senior services, veterans programs and addiction recovery support.

Together, in partnership with 250+ diverse faith communities, more than 1,700 recurrent volunteers, and a growing staff of over 275, Interfaith provides a safe-haven and pathway towards self-sufficiency for more than 20,000 community members annually.

If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a service-driven environment, we invite you to be part of our mission!

What You'll Do

In the Transportation Specialist/ Turk Recuperative role, you’ll be responsible for providing safe, reliable, and timely transportation services for clients enrolled in one or more of Interfaith’s Programs. Working closely with the program management, this position ensures that clients are transported to and from medical appointments, community services, and other program-related destinations in a manner that supports their wellbeing and recovery.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist passengers on and off vehicles, including those with physical or mobility limitations


• Safely secure passengers’ wheelchairs, mobility devices, and other equipment


• Provide hands‑on assistance for disabled passengers entering and exiting vehicles


• Ensure clients have safely entered the medical facility or destination before departing


• Maintain order and discipline during transport, using de‑escalation techniques as necessary


• Report any problematic client behavior, safety concerns, or disruptions in service to a supervisor


• Maintain and update the transportation calendar to ensure efficient and timely service


• Schedule and select routes and travel times to ensure clients arrive for appointments promptly and are picked up in a reasonable timeframe after appointments


• Maintain ongoing communication with clients and staff regarding appointment and schedule changes


• Operate vehicles in compliance with all traffic laws, regulations, and safety standards


• Lock and secure vehicles when left unattended and check to ensure no passengers remain inside


• Conduct pre‑ and post‑trip inspections to identify safety or maintenance issues


• Maintain accurate mileage logs, passenger counts, and transportation records


• Clean and refuel vehicles; promptly report mechanical issues for repair


• Maintain documentation of vehicle maintenance and service records


• Support other staff during downtime or between transport shifts as assigned


• Participate in all staff meetings, required trainings, and compliance activities


• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the program management

Requirements

Who You Are

You're passionate about making a lasting impact, whether supporting individuals directly or enhancing our organizational effectiveness. To thrive in this role, you'll:

• High school diploma or equivalent, required


• Valid CA Driver’s License, required


• Must possess and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record in accordance with company policy


• Valid CPR, Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid certificate/s to be completed within three (3) months of hire


• Minimum 1 year experience working with severely mentally ill, medically fragile, and homeless populations, preferred


• Knowledge of alcohol and other drug recovery fields, preferred


• Bilingual (Spanish/English), preferred

Skillsets / Additional Requirements

• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle


• Demonstrated ability to apply professional nursing methods and techniques


• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure in fast‑paced environments


• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail and organization


• Ability to identify problems, conduct research, and recommend effective solutions using sound judgment


• Ability to respond professionally and calmly to emergency and crisis situations


• Working knowledge of mental health, co‑occurring disorders, substance use treatment models, and crisis intervention


• Knowledge of adult development and community/social service resources


• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries and uphold strict confidentiality standards


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)


• Ability to multitask efficiently, prioritize workload, and complete work accurately and independently


• Working knowledge and skills in mental health, co‑occurring disorders, substance abuse treatment models, and crisis intervention

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Required to safely operate a motor vehicle in compliance with traffic laws, safety regulations, and organizational policies


• Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, with regular exposure to varying weather and road conditions


• May be exposed to stressful or adverse situations, including heavy traffic or interactions with difficult or hostile individuals


• Potential exposure to contagious illnesses, hazardous materials, or bodily fluids, depending on assignment


• Requires physical ability to sit for extended periods while driving, as well as stand, walk, bend, and kneel frequently


• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and balance objects weighing up to 50 pounds, including packages, equipment, or medical/mobility equipment


• Ability to load, unload, push, and pull materials and equipment associated with driving duties


• Requires strong concentration, memory, and situational awareness to prioritize tasks, navigate routes, and ensure safe operation


• Ability to recognize, avoid, and report safety hazards related to vehicles, road conditions, and the work environment


• Noise level in the work environment is generally moderate, including traffic and vehicle‑related noise

Location

Onsite/Escondido

Hours

Monday-Friday: 7:30am-4:00pm

Hourly Rate

$22.00

Employment Benefits

• Paid Time Off


• Paid Holidays – 13 scheduled


• Flexible Work Schedules


• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance


• AD&D / Group Life Insurance


• Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical and Dependent Care


• Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan


• Early Release Days!


• Work Anniversary Bonuses


• Tuition Reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility


• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)


• Home Ownership Assistance Program


• Casual Work Environment


• Professional Growth and Career Development Opportunities

Interfaith is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, nationality, sex, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Interfaith will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities