Paratransit Operator (Full-Time)

Department: Care-A-Van | Full-Time – Regular

About the role

Under general supervision of the Care-A-Van Manager, the Paratransit Operator is responsible for safely transporting elderly passengers and individuals with disabilities along specified routes while maintaining professionalism and ensuring passenger comfort and safety. This position requires excellent communication skills, adherence to schedules, and the ability to assist passengers with mobility challenges.

Responsibilities

• Operate a Paratransit vehicle to transport elderly passengers and individuals with disabilities safely and efficiently.
• Assist passengers from the door of pick-up to the door of delivery, ensuring their safety and comfort.
• Provide physical assistance as needed, including kneeling, bending, twisting, and standing to support passengers with disabilities.
• Maintain established time schedules and ensure timely arrivals and departures.
• Communicate professionally and courteously with passengers, caregivers, and the public.
• Address passenger concerns and provide necessary assistance while ensuring a positive experience.
• Process daily paperwork and complete required reports accurately.
• Adhere to all safety protocols, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Follow all traffic laws and company operating procedures to ensure safe and legal operation of the vehicle.
• Recognize and follow ADA rules and regulations related to passenger transit services.
• Complete all mandatory training classes.
• Review and comply with all CARTA policies, procedures, and directives.

Requirements

• Must be 21 years old or older.
• CDL class A or B license with Passenger endorsement or Passenger permit.
• Clean driving record: Cannot have 3 or more traffic violations in the last 5 years or may have 3 years without any traffic violations.
• Valid Department of Transportation medical examination card.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must have been a licensed driver for a minimum of two (2) years.
• Must be able to read a map.
• Must be able to use good judgment and carry out instructions given by Supervisors or dispatch personnel via radio.
• Must be able to keep accurate records and communicate clearly and concisely via a radio handset.

Skills

• Ability to lift at least 25lbs and push objects such as doors, windows, emergency hatches, wheelchairs, and wheelchair lifts.
• Ability to repetitively bend, kneel, squat, and twist safely.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Basic proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehension.
• Effective communication in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to see and judge a variety of object distances and traffic patterns.
• Ability to quickly respond to objects and traffic patterns.
• Ability to manage time effectively and adhere to schedules.

Physical Demands

• Sit for prolonged periods.
• Perform repetitive motion.

Schedule

• Must be willing to work nights, holidays, weekends, split shifts, split days off, and any hours assigned.

Pay

• Training Pay: $18.54/hour
• Starting Pay (Upon Successful Completion of Training): $23.35/hour
• Top Pay: $27.47/hour

Benefits

• Pension Plan
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Personal Days
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employer-Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Location: 1617 Wilcox Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37406