Driver Trainer in Chula Vista, California at America West Transportation LLC

About America West Transportation LLC

America West Transportation LLC is dedicated to an exceptional passenger experience that puts comfort, safety and timeliness first, serving selective clients who demand the best in transportation solutions. If you dream of a working environment with an engaging leadership team, a positive atmosphere, and a rapid path for career growth, this is the team for you.

Be part of our exceptional wheelchair transport team!

About the Role

At America West, we are more than a transportation service; we are a community partner dedicated to improving lives and helping individuals thrive. By embracing the spirit of community service and giving, we can create a healthier, more connected society.

This fast-paced and rewarding role is perfect for a self-starter who is looking to build their resume by working closely with the immediate team leader.

We are hiring a Driver Trainer to provide hands-on, on-the-job wheelchair transport training to new and existing drivers as part of our non-emergency medical transportation fleet.

For more information about America West visit: https://www.america-west.com/

Watch - Get to know us better!

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What You'll Do

The Driver Trainer ensures all drivers are properly trained to safely and efficiently transport passengers, comply with company policies and safety regulations, and deliver excellent customer service. This role involves working directly in the field with drivers to assess their skills, provide real-time feedback, and ensure they meet the standards for quality and safety in non-emergency medical transportation.

Driver Trainer’s are responsible for providing on-the-job training, guidance, and evaluation to ensure new hires are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to perform their duties.

Work Location: On the road locally in the region

Qualifications

The Driver Trainer in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation holds a crucial responsibility: ensuring new drivers are ready to hit the road safely, efficiently, and confidently. They are not just trainers, but also mentors and evaluators, shaping the skills and knowledge of new hires.

On-the-Job Training:

· Provide on-the-road training, hands-on training, and mentorship to new and existing drivers in all aspects of non-medical transportation, including vehicle operation, passenger assistance, and customer service

· Train drivers on the safe and efficient operation of vehicles, including managing routes, handling equipment, and adhering to traffic laws and company policies

· Demonstrate safe and proper loading and unloading techniques, including ensuring passenger safety and comfort during transport

· Ensure that all drivers are familiar with company software systems for tracking routes, service logs, and customer records

Compliance & Safety Training:

· Educate drivers on all relevant safety protocols and regulations, including state and local traffic laws, vehicle safety checks, and emergency procedures

· Train drivers to follow all company policies regarding safe driving practices, including speed limits, seat belt usage, distracted driving policies, and the safe handling of passengers (especially those with mobility issues or special needs)

· Ensure that drivers comply with regulatory requirements, including maintaining proper vehicle documentation, valid driver’s licenses, and vehicle inspection reports

· Monitor drivers' adherence to safety and compliance standards during training and in real-time operations, offering corrective feedback as needed

Performance Monitoring & Feedback:

· Evaluate trainees’ skills in real-world driving situations, assessing their ability to manage routes, time, traffic, and customer needs

· Provide constructive feedback on driving performance, customer interactions, and adherence to company policies

· Identify areas where additional training or coaching is needed and create individualized development plans to address any performance gaps

· Conduct performance evaluations for each trainee to assess their readiness to handle independent driving duties

Operational Efficiency:

· Ensure that all non-medical transportation services are delivered in a timely and safe manner, meeting customer expectations

· Assist, guide, and recommend in any operational issues, such as delays caused by call ins etc., accidents, or vehicle breakdowns, to minimize service disruptions

Customer Service Training:

· Train drivers on providing high-quality customer service, including communication with passengers, professionalism, and handling difficult situations

· Emphasize the importance of being courteous, respectful, and empathetic toward passengers, particularly those with special needs or who may require assistance

· Address common customer service challenges, including how to handle delays, service disruptions, or customer complaints in a professional manner

Documentation & Reporting:

· Maintain accurate training records for each driver, including progress reports, feedback, and training completion

· Document any incidents or issues during the training process, including safety violations, customer complaints, or performance concerns, and report them to the Team Lead or Assistant Operations Manager, AOM.

· Complete daily or weekly training reports outlining trainee performance, areas of improvement, and recommendations for further development

Ongoing Support & Mentorship:

· Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to drivers even after the initial training period to ensure continued success in the role

· Offer refresher courses or re-training sessions for drivers who may need additional support or have received feedback on areas needing improvement

· Act as a resource for drivers when questions or issues arise during their shifts, offering guidance and problem-solving assistance in real-time

Equipment & Vehicle Training:

· Instruct drivers on the proper use and maintenance of vehicles, including performing basic pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety and readiness

· Ensure that drivers understand how to operate any additional equipment or assistive devices needed for passenger transport (e.g., wheelchair lifts, ramps, etc.)

· Demonstrate vehicle maintenance routines and emergency procedures, such as what to do in case of a breakdown or accident

· Other duties as assigned

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Additional certifications in transportation, logistics, or customer service are a plus

· Certification in first aid or CPR is preferred but not required

· Minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a driver in non-medical transportation, with a clean driving record

· Previous experience in a training, mentoring, or supervisory role is preferred

· Experience in customer service or public transportation is an advantage

· Strong knowledge of vehicle operation, safety protocols, and non-medical transportation regulations

· Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for delivering clear instructions and providing feedback

· Ability to evaluate and assess driving performance in real-world conditions

· Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with trainees.

· Problem-solving skills to address issues related to driver performance, customer service, or safety

· Ability to adapt training methods to suit different learning styles and individual needs

· Proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential for a Field Training Officer to communicate effectively

Certifications:

· Current Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (required)

· California driver’s license with relevant endorsements (if required by company or state regulations)

· First Aid/CPR certification (preferred)

Preferred Skills:

· Bilingual language ability preferred

· Previous wheelchair transport experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

· The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

· All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Working Conditions:

· Field-based role, requiring travel to different locations and work in various environments, including on the road, in vehicles, and at client facilities

· Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on operational needs

· Ability to work in various weather conditions and manage time effectively when on the road with trainees

Physical Work Conditions:

Constant - Communicates with patients, clients, and/or staff; Will detect, converse, discern, and have ability to exchange information - including through technical communication channel with others to exchange or view information

Constant - Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another

Frequent - Move, pick up, push weight up to 100 lbs. and with assistance at 250 lbs. and up

Frequent – See, read, and distinguish colors, with or without vision aides, for route sheets, rules, policies, and other printed matter

Frequent - Operate an enclosed sedan, van, or commercial vehicle

Frequent - Work close to others, especially when unloading equipment and patients

Frequent - May have to get into cramped positions to reach workspaces, such as the back of a company transport vehicle etc.

Occasional – Ascends/descends stairs and walk-up ramps

Occasional - Exposed to a variety of extreme weather conditions while working outside; Indoor temperatures may not be controlled

Occasional - Pushing and Pulling, unilaterally (one side of the body) and/or bilaterally (both sides of the body)

Occasional - Sits or remains in a stationary position 25% to a great part of the workday

Occasional - Work outdoors while loading and unloading equipment or patients. Work indoors while driving or filling out paperwork

Occasional – Exposed too often exposed to contaminants, such as diesel fuel or exhaust

Occasional - May be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids

Rare - Wear personal protective equipment as needed

Rare - Exposed to hazardous situations that might produce minor cuts or scrapes

Rare - Exposed to allergens or risks that result in the transportation of patient service animals during transport

Final pay rate is determined based on qualifications, experience, and performance, at the employer's discretion.

This job description outlines general duties but is not exhaustive.

Responsibilities may evolve to meet business needs. The company reserves the right to modify duties or assign additional tasks as required.

America West is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. In accordance with applicable federal, California, and local laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, age (40 and over), military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a non-emergency medical transportation provider, certain positions may be subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing, physical qualifications, and driving record requirements, where permitted by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances.