Driver in Pensacola, Florida at The Arc Gateway Inc

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Since 1954, The Arc Gateway has been dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a trusted non-profit organization serving the greater Pensacola area, we offer life-enhancing programs that empower those we support to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Our mission is rooted in celebrating abilities, fostering independence, and creating meaningful opportunities for every individual we serve.

SUMMARY:

Operates a minibus, van, or light-duty truck to safely transport individuals with disabilities, carrying out assigned responsibilities to ensure their comfort and security.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITES: Additional tasks may be assigned as needed:

• Transport passengers safely from their homes or designated pick-up points to training sites, job placements, or other destinations, ensuring timely return according to the schedule.
• Operate vehicles responsibly, with professionalism and care, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all riders.
• Follow all regulations and policies, including Florida driver licensing requirements, Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, and organizational rules such as the Arc Transportation Policy. A clean driving record is required.
• Assist passengers with disabilities when boarding or exiting the vehicle.
• Secure wheelchairs properly using approved restraining devices to ensure stability during travel.
• Communicate effectively with the Transportation Coordinator or other drivers using a cell phone or similar device, especially in cases of service disruption.
• Support individuals’ growth by encouraging social and daily living skills during transport, when appropriate.
• Conduct daily safety checks on the vehicle and document results before operation.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and ensure it is fueled, serviced, and equipped with necessary supplies.
• Keep accurate records of trip details and submit documentation required for billing.
• Report all accidents promptly, regardless of severity, and complete necessary documentation for the Transportation Coordinator.
• Prepare and submit incident reports in line with organizational procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: There are no supervisory responsibilities attached to this job description.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to pass Level 2 fingerprint background check, (https://info.flclearinghouse.com), Dept. of Children and Families abuse registry check, and local law enforcement check, Affidavit of Good Moral Character.
• Must pass a drug screen
• Must be 21 years of age, have valid driver's license, a good driving record and proof of vehicle insurance and registration with a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report.
• Maintain punctual attendance and report to work on time for all scheduled shifts.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED);
• One-year experience driving transportation vehicles preferred.
• Experience transporting developmentally disabled population preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's; ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in limited standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must be able to achieve a CPR and Supported Employment Coach Certification within 60 days of employment.
• Successful completion of Core Competencies, Zero Tolerance, HIV, and HIPAA certifications will be required. (This training is provided by the agency).
• Annual defensive driving training conducted in-house, or submission of documentation showing completion of an equivalent course outside the agency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical requirements outlined below represent those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these responsibilities.

• Regular activities include sitting, using hands to handle or feel objects, reaching with arms, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and communicating verbally.
• Frequent activities include standing and walking.
• Employees must be able to lift and/or move items weighing over 100 pounds on a regular basis.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Vision must be sufficient to meet the standards required for maintaining a valid Florida driver’s license.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The following conditions represent the typical environment encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

· Employees are regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, outdoor work conditions, and vibration.

· Employees are frequently exposed to fumes and airborne particles.

· The noise level in the work environment is generally loud

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Must have a good knowledge of city and county streets and roads. May perform duties in other programs on an as needed basis.

Beginning Salary: $15.00/hr.

Working Hours: Part time 24 hours a week, hours to be worked within a Monday-Friday schedule.