Motor Vehicle Operator, Elderly and Handicapped Persons

Overview

Motor Vehicle Operators for RIDE are responsible for providing safe transportation to Middlesex County residents 60 years of age and older, persons with disabilities age 18 years and older, Veterans and the public within Middlesex County. MVOs are required to transport passengers to and from their destinations, observe and report the condition of passengers pending certain situations, as well as maintain a positive, friendly, courteous, and professional manner with everyone.

Environment

• Works outdoors 100% of the time, including during inclement weather, and varying temperatures from extreme heat to extreme cold.
• May be exposed to bodily fluids (bodily fluid clean-up kits and training provided).
• Work hazards encountered are traffic and mechanical (wheelchair lifts and securement systems).
• May work on different terrains including slippery, sloping, unstable, and/or uneven.

Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification.  Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below and address business needs and changing business practice.

• Assist passengers in and out of vehicles when necessary.
• Operate a hydraulic lift mechanism to assist passengers confined to wheelchairs, or mobility devices, on and off the vehicle, and assist them into and out of seats, as necessary. Safely secure mobility device or wheelchair. Manual operation of wheelchair lift may also be required.
• Assist passengers boarding or dismounting vehicles, when necessary or requested.
• Drive a bus and/or other vehicle to transport older adults, persons with disabilities, and the public to and from their origins and destinations.
• Operate transportation vehicles in a safe and professional manner.
• Provide curb to curb services for all passengers.
• Follow all safety/ job instructions as directed.
• Inspect vehicle at start and end of each trip for safe operation, cleanliness, and general condition. Clean, and perform minor servicing of vehicles (i.e., filling oil, windshield washer fluid, etc. when necessary).
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness throughout the day.
• Prepare and maintain daily reports including vehicle repair requests, and daily trip reports.
• Communicate with Dispatch for any changes to daily schedule using 2-way radio or tablet.
• Utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording device information systems used by RIDE, the County or related units.
• This position is classified as “Safety Sensitive” under the Federal Transit Administration (Title 49, CFR parts 653-655), and is subject to Drug & Alcohol Regulations & Testing (Title 49 CFR part 40).

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid New Jersey CDL-B or higher with Passenger endorsement, preferably with no restrictions. NOTE: Licenses with restrictions may be considered pending Authorizing Authorities discretion.
• Knowledge of safely operating a vehicle, and procedures in transporting the elderly, persons with disabilities and the public.
• Ability to learn the geography of Middlesex County.
• Ability to understand the needs and concerns of the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the public. Be compassionate, sympathetic, and maintain a calm demeanor.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign language may also be considered as an acceptable form of communication.
• Must be able to manipulate wheelchairs with occupants, other mobility devices, and be able to safely fasten them to the floor.
• Must be able to push and pull passengers with wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds frequently.