Transportation Specialist

Job Summary

The Transportation Specialist is responsible for driving passengers and/or packages (meals, boxes, medical equipment, newsletters, other items) to locations; assisting passengers as necessary to embark and disembark from the vehicle pursuant to established procedures; delivering packages to assigned locations; maintaining the assigned vehicle in a clean condition; checking the assigned vehicle for compliance with established safety and maintenance standards.

Essential Job Functions

• Picks up and delivers passengers according to established procedures; assists passengers, including those in wheelchairs, to embark and disembark from the bus.
• Picks up and delivers packages according to the assigned routes and established procedures.
• Ensures timely and efficient loading, unloading, and delivery of passengers/packages.
• Utilizes electronic routing software according to procedures and communicates any problems with dispatch.
• Maintains complete, accurate and timely log sheets and route sheets, including confirmation of the number of passengers/packages, methods of payment, fuel, etc.
• Completes daily pre- and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicle pursuant to an established checklist, including lights, fluid levels, tires, belts, hot and cold compartments (if applicable).
• Maintains general running conditions and daily cleanup/sanitizing of assigned vehicle including cabin, rider area, food compartments, etc.
• Safely empties fare box and deliver contents to Transportation Manager and/or Dispatcher daily.
• Completes food safety training as required.
• Observes and ascertains the well-being of participants and reports problem conditions to corresponding program manager.
• Adheres to assigned routes and follows written/oral directives.
• Maintains a neat, clean appearance including Township issued apparel.
• Attends meetings and various training seminars and conferences as required.
• Training and providing shadow opportunities for new potential drivers.
• Availability for evening/weekend/holiday opportunities to represent the Township, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Material and Equipment: Paratransit transportation bus with lift-equipment. Home Delivered Meal Truck with hot/cold compartments.
• Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent. Experience with paratransit preferred. Social Service background preferred. At least one year customer service experience required.

Training and Certifications

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License Passenger endorsement, preferred.
• Safe driving record as demonstrated by the Secretary of State Driving Record Abstract within 15 days of hire and annually thereafter.
• ServSafe Food Safety/Manager Certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Streets in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park.
• Skill in time management.
• Customer service.
• Verbal communication.
• Ability to maintain professional composure and take appropriate action when confronted with difficult situations.
• Maintain a safe driving record and proper food handling procedures.
• Utilize electronic routing software, tablets, scanning devices, as needed.
• Effectively work as part of a team and maintain a flexible mindset.

Physical Abilities

• Sit, drive, hear and speak for extended periods.
• Ability to climb multiple flights of stairs/ramps easily to deliver packages to assigned participant’s home.
• Ability and willingness to work in various weather conditions.
• Reach into truck to put meals in and pull meals out of truck.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.