Van Driver/Life Skills Assistant

Ontario Trillium Foundation; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Trillium Foundation is seeking a van driver to safely transport ESWG participants to and from activities, working with the Adult Director to ensure community integration.

You will accompany participants, assist with getting in and out of the van, and maintain a safe, welcoming environment on all outings. The role requires performing safety checks, recording transportation details, and coordinating with staff to ensure two adults are present on every trip.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Approved records and DMV check.
• Good interpersonal skills with children and adults.
• Fingerprint background check clearance, including DMV.
• Clear oral and written communication.
• Ability to interpret and carry out written or oral instructions.

Responsibilities

• Drives van safely at all times and adheres to safety rules and traffic laws.
• Assists riders in and out of the van.
• Checks wheelchair lock downs and seat belts prior to departure.
• Ensures two adult staff members are on the van for all outings.
• Maintains safety and a welcoming environment during community outings.
• Reports concerns to directors and maintains transportation records.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Fingerprint background check

DMV background check

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Summary:

Safely transport participants to and from ESWG, to and from field trips in a professional manner in a timely and professional manner. Works collaboratively with the Adult Director to ensure all aspects of community integration is complete and meets requirements for all adult participants.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Van Driver:

• Drives van safely at all times.Adheres to all safety rules and traffic laws.
• Follows established safety standards.
• Assists riders in/out of van.
• Check wheelchair lock downs and seat belts prior to departure.
• Supervises participants on van to always ensure safety.
• Ensures that two adult staff members (including the driver) must be on the van for all outings.While participants remain on the van, either the driver or the other staff member will be with the participants at all times.AT NO TIME SHALL A PARTICIPANT BE LEFT ALONE ON THE VAN.
• Provides the participants with a pleasant environment while riding on the van.
• Ensures that while on community outings, the behavior and interactions of participants and staff reflect the values, policies, procedures, and practices of ESWG.
• Provides a clean and comfortable atmosphere for the participants. Greets parents, visitors, and volunteers to ensure a welcoming environment.
• Ensures transportation and outing records are completed as required.
• Reports any concern for the participants or the van to a director immediately.
• Performs/assists with physical care for each participant, if needed.
• Advises Transportation Coordinator, Adult Director, Program Director, or classroom teacher of any irregularities or changes observed in a participant’s appearance and/or behavior.
• Reports any problems relating to potential Easterseals’ liability; any accidents the clients incur; any problems with staff, parents or the public to the President/CEO or Program Director.

Program:

• Assists with the implementation of participant’s ISP/POC to include objectives in areas of daily living skills (ADLs). Activities are to include a variety of materials and experiences which enhance learning experiences for each adult.
• Works with the Adult Director, VP of Programs and Services, and Assessment Specialist to promote, plan, organize and provide activities, which enhance learning experiences for each adult.
• Plans and prepares a weekly schedule of activities according to ISP/POC goals and objectives including community outings.
• Encourages adults to develop good nutritional habits.
• Provides personal care assistance and instruction for participants which may include feeding, grooming and toileting.
• Supervises activities to ensure safety at all times following established safety standards.
• Advises Adult Director, or VP of Programs and Services, of any irregularities or changes observed in a participant’s appearance and/or behavior.
• Maintains all assigned documentation and participant records. Tracks changes relevant to goals and objectives.

Other (vehicles and program):

• Respects and preserves the dignity and personal safety of other employees and persons served by ESWG.Maintains effective and co-operative work relations with others.

• Greets caregivers, visitors, and volunteers to ensure a welcoming and warm environment.

• Advises the Adult Director and Transportation Supervisor on activities during community outings which affect program objectives, staff and relationships with parents and the public.

• Reports any evidence of abuse and/or neglect immediately to Adult Director or a member of the Administrative Team.

• Notifies supervisor of supplies needed before depletion, maintenance required, or equipment needing repair.

• Adheres to all ESWG's policies and adheres, to all licensing requirements and accreditation standards.
• Ensures that first aid kit and fire extinguisher is available on the van and is in good working condition at all times.Checks each item once per month.
• Assists with maintenance, if needed.
• Attends staff meetings as required.
• Attends 10 hours of in-service training to maintain and increase knowledge and skills in adult day services. Possess current First Aid, CPR, fire safety and CPI certification.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the directors.

WORKING EXPECTATIONS:

• Participants are supervised at all times. Under no circumstances are participants to be left unattended.
• Staff will always exercise professionalism in the presence of participants, visitors, and other staff.
• Staff will ensure that all activities and conversations are always geared toward what is appropriate.
• To ensure quality of services provided, staff are expected to receive a rating of 20 (meets expectation) or higher on all performance reviews.Scoring under 20 will result in the staff member being placed on a 1-3 month probation until the level of quality is improved or termination may result.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Approved records and DMV check

• Good Interpersonal skills with children and adults required.
• Obtain fingerprint criminal background check clearance, including a DMV report.
• Communicate well orally and in writing.
• Interpret and carry out written or oral instructions.