Paratransit Operator

Is responsible for the safe and courteous operation of Dial a-ride vans while transporting the elderly and persons with disabilities throughout the Coachella Valley over specified routes.  Assists passengers as needed.  Maintains established time schedule.  Communicates with people in a friendly and courteous manner. Complies with local traffic regulations; Reports delays and/or accidents to Dispatch.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide door to door pick and drop to clients in company issued vehicle in a responsible and courteous manner
2. Follow the scheduled route on daily basis with punctuality
3. Conduct pre and post trip vehicle inspections 
4. Set appropriate destination boards and route signs before every trip
5. Operate various kinds of vehicles following printed operator schedules irrespective of weather conditions or route timings.
6. Use company installed communication system to communicate any mechanical problem, road blockage of weather condition 
7. Report the dispatch office in neat and clean uniform on time, sign in, collect and follow the days’ schedule
8. Operate wheelchair lifts and mobility scooters expertly to facilitate clients in boarding and un-boarding the vehicle
9. Carry the guests’ baggage into and out of the vehicle in a respectful and courteous manner
10. Follow cash fare collection procedures to book and collect payments from clients
11. Report any accident, incident or unusual occurrence to the dispatch office immediately through radio communication system and submit a written report of the same at sign out time.
12. Carryout daily duties including passenger assistance, ensuring enter and exit safety and operating wheelchair lifts with proper safety restraints in compliance to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
13. Courteously answer client queries and provide them with transit route, fare and schedule details
14. Plan and evaluate route detours in coordination with dispatch office in case of unexpected road blockage or emergencies
15. Demonstrate excellent and safe driving skills in a customer service oriented manner
16. Open and close doors for guests and take out their luggage from the vehicle boot carefully
17. Comply to traffic regulations and maintain prescribed speed while driving
18. Take meter reading for each trip and keep record of mileage covered and fuel refills made
19. Maneuver manual ramps for moving wheelchairs up and down for guest transportation Communicate effectively with guests and cater for their special needs while demonstrating empathy and compassion
20. Perform regular safety checks on all equipment installed in the vehicle
21. Maintain, support and promote a safe traveling environment for the guests while catering for their special needs
22. Maintain updated information of common routes in the assigned locality
23. Immediately report any signs of malfunctioning noticed in the vehicle while driving to dispatch office.

QUALIFICATIONS

      Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent

      Experience: At least 1 year driving experience required. 

Licensure: A current, valid and unrestricted California Class B driver license with passenger endorsement or obtain the CA Class B license upon completion of classroom and behind-the-wheel training

     Must sustain the ability to pass a drug and alcohol test under the established agency policy.   

Training/Knowledge: Basic computer knowledge

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.