Dial-A-Ride Driver

Job Description I. POSITION TITLE: Dial-a-Ride Driver II. POSITION SUMMARY: With the final authority resting with the ColesCounty Council on Aging, Inc. and under the direct supervision of the Executive Director and Operations Director, the Dial-a-Ride Driver will be responsible for the safe, efficient transport of passengers and/or movement of vehicles as dispatched to them by the Dial-a-Ride Dispatcher. *The CCCoA has determined that this position is a Safety Sensitive position.*The CCCoA has determined that this position is a "non-exempt" position (must be paid time and one half for pre-approved overtime.)*The CCCoA has determined that this position does require a pre-employment physical examination with satisfactory results (in accordance with the relevant funding sources).*The CCCoA has determined that this position cannot be considered for light duty restriction based on the nature of the job requirements*Any Driver of the Dial-a-Ride Program cited for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, whether driving a D-A-R vehicle or privately owned automobile will be subject to immediate termination of employment. III. DIRECT RESPONSIBILITIES:1. Transporting passengers to locations within the approved service area2. Maintaining the upkeep of the vehicles (expenses shall be incurred by the Program) under the supervision of the Operations Director and Maintenance Director3. Coordinating with the Secretary/Dispatcher on the schedule and routing of trips4. Assisting passengers to and from their homes (Drivers may not step into the dwelling itself), on and off the vehicle, on and off the wheelchair lift, with their packages, etc. on an as-needed basis5. Completing the required paperwork accurately and on time6. Having the vehicle inspected and maintained as required by State law7. Providing safe transportation by obeying all traffic laws, observing safety regulations and maintaining a safe driving record8. Performing a daily walk-around safety inspection, completing the daily vehicle and life inspection forms and reporting all defects to the Maintenance Director9. Not operating the vehicle to transport passengers when malfunctions and/or defects in equipment or in any vehicle system or device which could threaten safe operating performance is detected, until such defect(s) is (are) corrected10. Reporting all accidents and completing all required reports as soon as possible11. Exercising responsible leadership at all times12. Maintaining discipline on the bus and reporting any disciplinary problems to the Operations Director13. Becoming acquainted with and abiding by all new rulings and laws affecting Driver's job responsibilities and performance14. Demonstrating mature judgment capability15. Expressing and displaying a willingness to follow rules established by Federal and State law, the Department of Transportation, the Department on Aging and the CCCoA16. Presenting a neat, clean appearance17. Refraining from the use of vulgar, profane or obscene language in the presence of passengers or the general public18. Not eating or drinking while operating the vehicle (Exception: In extreme hot weather conditions, liquids may be brought on board the vehicle as long as they are properly secured)19. No smoking a pipe, cigar, cigarette or chewing tobacco while driving or on the vehicle20. Having a knowledge of proper placement of warning devices when vehicle is disabled or stopped for any reason21. Using a seat belt when vehicle is in operation22. Not operating vehicle until everyone is seated and belted and carry-on items are secured23. Knowing how to evacuate passengers safely and conducting periodic verbal/physical emergency evacuation drills of passengers24. Asking each wheelchair passenger how (s)he can best be handled in an emergency when the mobility device cannot be operated25. Demonstrating proper caution before crossing railroad tracks as per instruction from Mattoon Police Department26. Exercising extreme caution when operating in hazardous conditions such as snow, ice, fog, smoke, dust, rain or any other condition which adversely effects visibility and/or traction and reducing speed accordingly27. Knowing physical/mental/emotional condition of each passenger (learned at time of registration and made available to Driver)28. Knowing how to extinguish any type of fire29. Knowing exact location of nearest medical facilities within or near the service area30. Not allowing a greater number of passengers to be transported than the number of which the vehicle was designed and for which permanent seats are provided31. Not resorting to physical, verbal or emotional abuse of a passenger, regardless of provacation32. Treating all passengers courteously and respectfully33. Not allowing passengers on the vehicle that are not on the daily schedule as prepared by the Secretary/Dispatcher (does not refer to ZIP Line passengers)34. Being responsible for payment of any tickets or citations issued for violation of State of Illinois motor vehicle laws35. Performing any other related tasks as deemed necessary by the Executive Director, Administrative Assistant or Operations Director. IV. QUALIFICATIONS:1. Criminal Background Record Check with satisfactory results2. Be age 21 or over3. Undergo annual DOT physical examination, drug screen and TB test with acceptable results4. Driver's license record review, when required, with acceptable results5. High School diploma or GED required6. Maintain a neat and orderly appearance while at work/representing the CCCoA7. Display proof of a current and valid CDL driver's license with passenger and senior endorsements or pass the test to receive the properly classified license as a condition of employment within 6 months of hire date.8. Pass a Department of Transportation physical examination, drug screen and TB test prior to hiring9. Experience in safely driving the same type (or similar) of vehicle for not less than two years, including experience throughout the four seasons10. Completion of passenger assistance training, emergency procedures training, defensive driving course, CPR and the Heimlich Method, blood-borne pathogen training, drug and alcohol awareness training and any other training mandated by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Rural Transit Assistance Center or CCCoA11. Be willing to attend training as requested and/or required and complete annual refresher courses12. Be in sound physical and mental condition13. Have visual acuity of 20/40 (in each eye) with or without correction, depth perception and peripheral vision within normal limits, and must be able to distinguish between red, green and yellow (as determined by DOT physical)14. Shall not have a hearing loss that will inhibit ability to communicate with passengers or hear emergency signals15. Shall not be addicted to the use of narcotics, habit-forming drugs or alcoholic beverages, as evidenced by the required drug testing16. Adhere to random drug and alcohol testing policies established by Federal Transit Administration17. Shall not suffer from cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, diabetes (not diet controllable) or any condition which may result in loss of consciousness or control18. Shall have sufficient strength to assist passengers and to handle mobility devices19. Undergo annual DOT physical examination, drug screen and TB test with acceptable results20. Good work references V. OTHERThe Dial-a-Ride Driver shall be covered by the Personnel Policies and Procedures of the Coles County Council on Aging. Rate of pay shall be commensurate with experience, job performance, responsibilities, and availability of funding. Approved by CCCoA Board of Directors: 1979, revised March 1986, August 1992, October 2001, May 2006Effective: __January 1, 2017_____Ratified: April 26, 2018_