Transportation Specialist

The Arc of Putnam County, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc of Putnam County, Inc. is seeking a Driver to safely transport individuals to day programs, medical appointments, employment sites, and community activities, prioritizing safety, dignity, and well‑being while keeping agency vehicles clean and compliant with policies.

You will operate vans with wheelchair lifts, perform pre/post-trip inspections, maintain logs, and assist passengers as needed, all while adhering to traffic laws and agency standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience transporting individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Experience operating passenger vans or commercial vehicles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate agency vehicles, including vans with wheelchair lifts.
• Transport individuals to scheduled destinations in a timely manner.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and document findings.
• Ensure passengers are properly secured before movement.
• Assist passengers with boarding and exiting vehicles when needed.
• Operate wheelchair lifts and secure wheelchairs according to safety standards.
• Maintain logs, mileage records, and transportation documentation.
• Report accidents, incidents, or vehicle issues promptly.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of assigned vehicles.
• Adhere to traffic laws and defensive driving practices.
• Communicate transportation issues or emergencies to supervisors promptly.
• Monitor passenger behavior and ensure a safe environment.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding individuals served.
• Participate in required agency meetings and training.

Skills

Safe driving

Wheelchair lifts operation

Communication

Emergency response

Route planning

Documentation

Passenger assistance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Florida Driver's License

CPR and First Aid certification

Background Screening (Level II)

Driver Orientation & Agency Driver Certification

Job description

Driver Job Description

Job Title: Driver
Department: Transportation Services
Reports To: Transportation Coordinator / Chief Administrative Officer
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Driver is responsible for safely transporting individuals served by The Arc of Putnam County to and from day programs, employment sites, medical appointments, community activities, and other authorized destinations. The Driver ensures the safety, dignity, and well-being of all passengers while maintaining agency vehicles in accordance with agency policies, APD requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate agency vehicles, including vans equipped with wheelchair lifts and securement systems.


• Transport individuals to scheduled destinations in a timely manner.


• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and document findings.


• Ensure all passengers are properly secured before vehicle movement.


• Assist individuals with boarding and exiting vehicles when necessary.


• Operate wheelchair lifts and secure wheelchairs according to training and safety standards.


• Maintain accurate vehicle logs, mileage records, and transportation documentation.


• Report accidents, incidents, vehicle damage, or mechanical concerns immediately.


• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of assigned vehicles.


• Adhere to all traffic laws and defensive driving practices.


• Communicate transportation issues, delays or emergencies to supervisors promptly.


• Monitor passenger behavior and ensure a safe transportation environment.


• Maintain confidentiality regarding individuals served.


• Participate in required agency meetings and training programs.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

• Experience transporting individuals with disabilities preferred.


• Experience operating passenger vans or commercial vehicles preferred.

Certifications and Requirements

• Valid Florida Driver's License.


• Clean driving record that meets agency insurance requirements.


• Successful completion of Level II Background Screening.


• Completion of Driver Orientation and Agency Driver Certification.


• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of safe driving practices and vehicle operation.


• Ability to operate wheelchair lifts and securement equipment.


• Ability to interact respectfully with individuals with disabilities.


• Strong communication and customer service skills.


• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately during emergencies.


• Ability to follow schedules and route assignments.


• Basic recordkeeping and documentation skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while driving.


• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.


• Ability to assist passengers with mobility needs.


• Ability to operate wheelchair lifts and securement systems.


• Ability to bend, stoop, and climb vehicle steps as needed.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in agency vehicles and community settings. The position may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, traffic conditions, and frequent interaction with individuals receiving services.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain a safe driving record.


• Complete all required vehicle inspections and documentation accurately.


• Demonstrate professionalism and courtesy toward individuals served, families, staff, and community members.


• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and readiness.


• Adhere to all transportation policies, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.


• Maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality.

Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure no individual is left unattended on agency vehicles.


• Verify passenger attendance and destination schedules daily.


• Assist during emergency evacuations or transportation-related incidents.


• Support agency efforts to provide safe, reliable, and person-centered transportation services.

The Arc of Putnam County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing safe and reliable transportation services that support community inclusion and independence for the individuals we serve.