Motor Vehicle Operator

Summary

This position is located at the VA Medical Center in Tomah, WA. The purpose of this position is to operate patient transport vehicles, including emergency vehicles, patient transport vans/buses and other types transport vehicles, capable of carrying up to 8 or more passengers, to and from VA Medical Center facilities, private healthcare facilities, and other private sector areas like patient homes, railway, bus stations and airports.

Responsibilities

• Drive patient transport vehicles to and from VA Medical Center facilities, outpatient clinics, other healthcare facilities, patient homes, bus stations, airports, etc.
• Drive predetermined routes, scheduled routes, and unexpected/special trips;
• Operate van/bus doors to allow patients on and off the vehicle, checking ID cards, and taking measures to ensure patient safety;
• Read installation maps and judge road and traffic conditions to determine the shortest and safest route;
• Load and unload patients, medical supplies, wheelchairs, etc.
• Check fluid levels, check tire pressure, maintain vehicle cleanliness, and perform inspections to ensure safe and proper operation;
• Maintain records, document actions, and submit accident/incident reports;
• Use two-way radios to maintain communication with dispatcher/supervisor;
• Provide friendly and courteous customer service;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6am to 4:30pm

Qualifications

• Physical effort and work conditions: Work requires reaching, turning, or moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to operate hand and foot controls. Incumbent will be required to assist patients with a variety of medical conditions and/or disabilities. Associated duties require stooping, bending, lifting, climbing, and securing patients, oxygen, and wheelchairs with appropriate securing devices. Lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier. Must follow prescribed safety procedures using appropriate lifting methods and body mechanics for heavy lifting or moving of heavy objects. Must be able to drive for a minimum of a four-hour period and stay mentally alert. If driver realizes they are not mentally alert, they must use good judgment in pulling over at the first safe area, road-checking vehicle with walk-around inspection, and continue driving as soon as possible. Incumbent must pass a VA Physical and adhere to all VA and DOT drug and alcohol testing and guidelines. Drivers work mostly outside and operate vehicles in all kinds of weather. Drivers are exposed to dirt, fumes, and to the possibility of cuts, bruises, and broken bones as a result of accidents when loading and unloading the vehicle. Must have ability to drive in rural areas, very congested Metropolitan traffic and/or construction zones. Must safely handle patients, both stretcher and wheelchair, in loading and unloading from vans and buses. The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Shift work may be required. May be required to work overtime after normal working hours providing it is an emergency or their services are needed to transport patients.