Description

Definition: Reporting to the Director of Social Work, the Transportation Specialist provides safe, reliable transportation and delivery services in support of meal delivery and related community service programs. The position is responsible for inspecting, operating, fueling, and cleaning assigned vehicles; packing, transporting, and delivering meals, beverages, supplies, and related equipment; maintaining required logs and documentation; and reporting vehicle, safety, or client welfare concerns promptly.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is a non-clinical, safety-sensitive position responsible for providing non-emergency transportation, meal delivery, courier services, and other assigned transportation support functions for Pershing General Hospital and Nursing Home. The position requires the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, adhere to established routes and schedules, transport passengers and materials in a timely manner, and interact professionally with clients, coworkers, supervisors, and the public. The Transportation Specialist exercises a degree of independence while working within established policies, procedures, and safety requirements; adapts to changing routes, schedules, weather conditions, and operational needs; and supports the efficient delivery of meals, supplies, correspondence, medical records, equipment, and other authorized items. This position is not emergency medical transportation and does not provide clinical care. The position has no direct reports and collaborates with supervisors, dietary staff, program staff, maintenance personnel, and other employees to meet daily organizational and community service needs.

Essential Functions: (Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned jobs/duties are not limited to the essential functions).

1. Inspects vehicle to ensure that it is in a clean and in operable condition; completes inspection paperwork/checklist; reports the need for service or repair; ensures that vehicles are scheduled for routine maintenance as required.
2. Assists with packing and transporting meals and beverages to isolated or homebound senior citizens and residents with disabilities; ensures that items are safely delivered and that meal temperatures comply with regulations and procedures; and reports unusual circumstances, including no response at the door, to the supervisor.
3. Drives assigned vehicle to and from various locations, following established routes and schedules; adjusts routes or schedules as required.
4. Maintains driver log; if required, lists client name, address and other information for each trip. 
5. Communicates any client welfare concerns to Supervisor.
6. Washes and cleans the interior of the vehicle; fuels the vehicle. 
7. Participates in in-service training to update skills and learn techniques for dealing with various clients.
8. Assists passengers with mobility limitations, including wheelchair users, by safely loading, securing, transporting, and unloading individuals and mobility devices in accordance with established safety procedures.
9. Ensures wheelchairs and other mobility equipment are properly secured during transport, provides physical assistance as appropriate, and maintains passenger safety, dignity, comfort, and respect throughout the transport process.
10. Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the division's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.
11. Represents Pershing General Hospital and Nursing Home with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff, clients, and the public.

Qualifications for Employment:

Qualifications for employment include the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform a job, which are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or training.

Knowledge of:

• Laws, rules and regulations for operating a motor vehicle in the state of Nevada.
• Food safety and handling principles, practices and equipment related to the work.
• Local geography, assigned routes, and delivery locations.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including records management.
• Effective oral and written communication practices.
• Techniques for interacting professionally with older adults, individuals with disabilities, coworkers, supervisors, and members of the public.

Skill to:

• Working independently and safely within established routes, schedules, policies, and procedures.
• Maintaining accurate logs, checklists, and records of work performed.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Driving a vehicle skillfully and safely.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, supervisors, and others contacted in the course of work.
• Interacting courteously and effectively with older adults, individuals with disabilities, and others who may need assistance.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or division goals, objectives and activities.

Ability to:

• Adapt to changing traffic, weather, route, delivery, and operational conditions.
• Respond appropriately to unexpected delivery issues, vehicle concerns, client welfare concerns, and schedule changes.
• Be flexible in scheduling, as some days may be longer or shorter depending on route and schedule. Work early mornings, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed based on operational needs.

Required Certifications and Licenses:

• Nevada Driver’s License.
• First Aid, CPR, and elder abuse training/certification within three (3) months of date of employment.

Experience and Training:

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical way to gain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is:

• One year of related experience, or customer service experience, is preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

The physical and mental requirements listed below are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position requires the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle for extended periods; enter and exit vehicles frequently; and sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, carry, and climb steps while transporting and delivering meals, beverages, supplies, and related equipment. The employee must be able to lift, move, load, and unload items weighing up to 50 pounds, including meal carriers and supplies. The position requires sufficient vision, hearing, coordination, and situational awareness to drive safely; follow traffic laws; observe road, weather, and environmental conditions; read route information; complete logs, checklists, and other required documentation; and identify and report potential client welfare or safety concerns. The employee must be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions, maintain accurate records, prioritize routes and assigned tasks, adapt to schedule or route changes, communicate courteously and professionally with clients, coworkers, supervisors, and the public, and remain calm, attentive, and safety-focused when responding to unexpected circumstances.

In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations. Incumbents and individuals are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a combination of vehicle, indoor, and outdoor settings under the following conditions:

This position involves frequent travel on public roads and may require driving in varying traffic, road, and weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, ice, and other environmental conditions. Duties may require entering homes, facilities, kitchens, storage areas, and other delivery locations; loading and unloading meals, beverages, and supplies; and working around food service equipment, vehicles, fuel, and cleaning products. The employee may occasionally be exposed to unpleasant odors, communicable illnesses, bodily fluids, aggressive animals, uneven walking surfaces, and other conditions encountered during community-based delivery services. The work schedule is flexible and may include early mornings, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and schedule changes based on operational needs. The employee is expected to follow all safety procedures, use required personal protective equipment when applicable, and report unsafe conditions, vehicle concerns, or client welfare concerns promptly.