Client Transportation Driver (Per Diem) in Canaan, Connecticut at Mountainside Treatment Center

About the Position:

As a Per Diem Client Transportation Driver, you will be responsible for providing safe, reliable, and compassionate transportation for prospective and current clients receiving care at Mountainside. Driving is the primary responsibility of this position, but success in the role also requires strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively communicate with and de-escalate clients when needed.

Client Transportation Drivers are often among the first and last members of the Mountainside team a client interacts with during their treatment experience. Whether transporting a new admission to campus, taking a current client to an appointment, or supporting a recovery-related activity, you will represent Mountainside and help create a safe, respectful, and positive experience for every client.

The ideal candidate is a safe and confident driver who is dependable, flexible, calm under pressure, and comfortable working directly with individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment. You should be able to maintain professional boundaries, respond appropriately to unexpected situations, and use effective communication and de-escalation skills when a client is upset, anxious, or otherwise experiencing distress.

This is a per diem position within a 24/7 treatment environment, and transportation needs may arise outside of traditional business hours. Candidates must be able to provide a weekly schedule of availability and be willing to pick up shifts with short notice when transportation needs arise. Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional hours as needed is required.

Schedule:

Per Diem | As Needed

• Provide a weekly schedule of availability.
• Flexibility to pick up shifts with short notice based on operational needs is required.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed is required.
• Must be able to support transportation needs within a 24/7 treatment environment, including occasional holidays and other non-traditional hours.

Your Role:

• Safely and reliably transport prospective and current clients to and from Mountainside locations, appointments, activities, and other approved destinations.
• Safely operate company vehicles in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Maintain a safe driving record and operate vehicles responsibly and without incident.
• Conduct appropriate pre-trip and routine vehicle safety checks and report any maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Serve as a professional, compassionate, and respectful point of contact for clients throughout the transportation experience.
• Communicate effectively with clients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Recognize and appropriately respond to clients who may be experiencing anxiety, distress, agitation, or other challenging behaviors.
• Utilize calm, respectful communication and appropriate crisis de-escalation techniques to help maintain a safe environment during transportation.
• Exercise sound judgment and follow established procedures when unexpected or potentially unsafe situations arise.
• Coordinate with the Client Services team to arrange transportation for new admissions, current clients, groups, appointments, and other scheduled or as-needed transportation needs.
• Assist clients with safely entering and exiting vehicles and with luggage or personal belongings as appropriate.
• Ensure passengers follow applicable vehicle safety requirements, including seat belt use and other safety procedures.
• Complete required transportation, vehicle, incident, and accident documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Perform transportation-related errands, including delivery or pickup of mail, packages, supplies, or other items as assigned.
• Maintain the cleanliness and general condition of assigned vehicles.
• Communicate schedule changes, delays, incidents, or other transportation concerns promptly to the appropriate team members.
• Maintain reliable attendance and demonstrate flexibility in responding to changing transportation needs.
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation requirements, as well as Mountainside policies and procedures.
• Provide a weekly schedule of availability and communicate any changes as far in advance as possible.

Compensation:

The base rate of pay for this position is $18.00 - $21.00 per hour. Actual pay is determined based on a number of job-related factors including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities, geographic location, performance, and working conditions.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent — Required
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record — Required
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and transport clients in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policies — Required
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills — Required
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and respectful when interacting with individuals who may be experiencing distress or challenging behaviors — Required
• Ability to use sound judgment and appropriate crisis de-escalation and conflict-resolution techniques — Required
• Reliable, dependable, and flexible with scheduling — Required
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional hours as needed — Required
• Ability to pick up shifts with short notice based on operational needs — Required
• Prior customer service experience — Preferred
• Prior experience working in behavioral health, substance use treatment, healthcare, transportation, or a similar environment — Preferred
• Experience working with individuals in crisis or high-stress situations — Preferred

Benefits:

• Paid Sick Time
• Free meals while working on the Canaan campus

About Mountainside:

Mountainside Treatment Center is a dynamic, fast-paced and growing recovery facility that values innovation and an obsession with providing Best in Class service to our clients. Founded in 1998, we are a leading behavioral healthcare provider dedicated to treating alcohol dependency and drug addiction. Accredited by The Joint Commission and CARF for its high standards of care, Mountainside seeks out passionate and talented individuals to join its staff. We believe that every employee, regardless of position, plays a vital role in our success.