Travel Trainer

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA); Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 55,723 - 65,561; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid parental leave

Bus pass

Tuition reimbursement

Pension plan

Wellness initiatives

On-site services

Job summary

COTA's Travel Trainer performs professional work conducting in-person assessments of applicants and customers seeking training and providing instruction on how to travel safely and independently on public transportation.

Performs duties that advance COTA's Strategic Plan and reflect the organization's core values of safety, empowerment, accountability, teamwork, and service, and support the mission of Moving Every Life Forward.

Qualifications

• Requires a High School diploma or equivalent and three years' experience in a customer service environment.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provides one-on-one, in-field travel training to customers, including individuals with disabilities, focused on safe and independent bus use, pedestrian navigation, street crossings, and real-world problem solving.
• Conducts comprehensive travel training intake and case management, including assessments, goals, Individual Travel Training Plans, progress evaluations, documentation, tracking, and final reports.
• Instructs customers and their support networks on self-advocacy, travel decision-making, emergency and unusual situations, and strategies for navigation when lost or confused; establishes appropriate follow-up and support systems.
• Develops, facilitates, and delivers a structured travel training curriculum for select groups, resulting in a certificate of completion for participants who successfully complete the full course.
• Coordinates and delivers group travel training in collaboration with internal COTA teams and external community partners, including outreach, scheduling, public speaking, relationship-building, guided use of COTA services, in-field instruction, and problem solving in public environments; coordinates translation support when needed using available resources.
• Assists with conducting environmental barrier analyses as applicable and reports findings to appropriate COTA representatives for review and response.
• Maintains current, accurate, and engaging training and outreach materials by collaborating with internal teams and staying informed of changes to existing and new COTA services.
• Represents COTA and its services at public-facing outreach events and community engagements, as required.
• May be required to be available some evenings and weekends for scheduled travel trainings;
• Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required; and,
• Performs other duties as assigned, supporting department as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

SALARY: $55,723.20 - $65,561.60

LOCATION: 33 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On-Site Chair Massage
• On-Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

Position Summary

COTA's Travel Trainer performs professional work conducting in-person assessments of applicants and customers seeking training and providing instruction on how to travel safely and independently on public transportation.

Performs duties that advance COTA's Strategic Plan and reflect the organization's core values of safety, empowerment, accountability, teamwork, and service, and support the mission of Moving Every Life Forward.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides one‑on‑one, in‑field travel training to customers, including individuals with disabilities, focused on safe and independent bus use, pedestrian navigation, street crossings, and real‑world problem solving.
• Conducts comprehensive travel training intake and case management, including assessments, interviews, goal setting, Individual Travel Training Plans, progress evaluations, documentation, tracking, and final reports.
• Instructs customers and their support networks on self‑advocacy, travel decision‑making, emergency and unusual situations, and strategies for navigation when lost or confused; establishes appropriate follow‑up and support systems.
• Develops, facilitates, and delivers a structured travel training curriculum for select groups, resulting in a certificate of completion for participants who successfully complete the full course.
• Coordinates and delivers group travel training in collaboration with internal COTA teams and external community partners, including outreach, scheduling, public speaking, relationship‑building, guided use of COTA services, in‑field instruction, and problem solving in public environments; coordinates translation support when needed using available resources.
• Assists with conducting environmental barrier analyses as applicable and reports findings to appropriate COTA representatives for review and response.
• Maintains current, accurate, and engaging training and outreach materials by collaborating with internal teams and staying informed of changes to existing and new COTA services.
• Represents COTA and its services at public‑facing outreach events and community engagements, as required.
• May be required to be available some evenings and weekends for scheduled travel trainings;
• Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required; and,
• Performs other duties as assigned, supporting department as needed.

Minimum Education & Experience Required

• Requires a High School diploma or equivalent and three (3) years' experience in a customer service environment, working with older adults and/or individuals with disabilities. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

Licenses & Certifications

• Orientation & Mobility Specialist and/or Certified Travel Trainer Instructor (CTTI) certification preferred.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status