WAV Single-Rider Program Lead Driver

Independent Living, Inc.; Berkeley, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley is seeking a Transportation Driver to support individuals with disabilities by providing safe, timely travel to appointments, programs, and community activities. This role emphasizes independence, dignity, and respectful service as you enable participants to access essential services and engage with their communities.

Responsibilities include transporting passengers, maintaining accurate trip records, and coordinating with program staff.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; no license suspensions in the past 2 years.
• Ability to safely perform driving duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must pass background and driving record checks.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening; may require ongoing testing.
• Willingness to obtain certification in transporting individuals with disabilities.
• Maintain low-scent vehicle environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, reliable transportation to and from designated locations.
• Ensure trips are completed in a timely and efficient manner (typically within a two-hour assignment window).
• Assist passengers as needed while maintaining respect for their independence and dignity.
• Provide door-to-door support, offering a higher level of care than standard curb-to-curb services.
• Follow all traffic laws, safety regulations, and organizational transportation policies.

Skills

Driver's license

Clean driving record

Background check

Pre-employment drug screening

Disability transport certification

Low-scent environment

Job description

Provide safe, reliable, and person-centered transportation for individuals with disabilities, supporting access to essential services, community activities, and independent living.

About Center for Independent Living, Inc.

The Center for Independent Living (CIL), founded in Berkeley as the nation’s first independent living center, is a pioneer of the disability rights and independent living movement. Our radical legacy is rooted in peer-led advocacy, cross-disability solidarity, and the belief that all people with disabilities have the right to live with dignity, choice, and freedom. Today, CIL provides advocacy and direct services that increase awareness, collaboration, and opportunity among people with disabilities and the broader community. Our programs equip people with skills, knowledge, and resources to challenge ableism, eliminate barriers, and pursue lives they value.

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Center for Independent Living (CIL) is seeking a reliable, compassionate, and professional Transportation Driver to support individuals with disabilities in accessing their communities. This role provides safe, timely, and respectful transportation while promoting independence, dignity, and community integration. Drivers play a key role in ensuring participants can attend essential appointments, programs, and community activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Transportation Services

• Provide safe, reliable transportation to and from designated locations
• Ensure trips are completed in a timely and efficient manner (typically within a two-hour assignment window)
• Assist passengers as needed while maintaining respect for their independence and dignity
• Provide door-to-door support, offering a higher level of care than standard curb-to-curb services
• Follow all traffic laws, safety regulations, and organizational transportation policies

Documentation & Reporting

• Accurately record trip details, including start/end times and mileage
• Submit required documentation in a timely manner for reimbursement and program tracking
• Report incidents, delays, or concerns to program staff promptly

Program Coordination

• Follow direction from program staff and adhere to established procedures
• Maintain clear, professional communication with staff and participants
• Demonstrate flexibility and reliability in scheduling and completing assigned trips

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
  • No license suspensions within the past 2 years
  • No major moving violations within the past 3 years
• Ability to safely perform driving duties, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening. Continued employment may require participation in drug and alcohol testing in accordance with organizational policy and applicable laws
• Ability to pass background and driving record checks
• Ability to provide or obtain certification in transporting individuals with disabilities; willingness to complete required training upon hire
• Commitment to maintaining a low-scent environment in vehicles (e.g., avoiding perfumes, colognes, or scented products)

PREFERRED SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Compassion, patience, and commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a calm and adaptable approach
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse communities and practice cultural responsiveness
• Dependability and strong sense of responsibility
• Knowledge of Bay Area transportation systems and roadways is a plus
• Ability to manage time and multiple tasks effectively in a dynamic environment
• Experience working with diverse communities, including Black, Indigenous, communities of color, and low-income populations
• Familiarity with Independent Living, Disability Rights, and Disability Justice frameworks (or willingness to learn)
• Commitment to anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ liberation, gender and economic justice, and anti-ableism
• Lived experience with a disability preferred
• Bilingual/bicultural candidates encouraged to apply

WORK SCHEDULE & EXPECTATIONS

• Full-time position with a flexible schedule based on program needs
• Regular transportation assignments with variability in daily workload
• Occasional evenings or weekends may be required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to remain in a stationary position approximately 50% of the time
• Ability to communicate via phone, email, and video
• Ability to drive for extended periods (up to approximately 7 hours per day with breaks)

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

CIL Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity), national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Persons with disabilities, veterans, women, and individuals from historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.