Vashon Senior Center Driver and Transportation Assistant
HOURS: 15-20 hours/week, depending on scheduled activities
JOB TYPE: Hourly, Non-Exempt
SALARY: $24.50/hour to start
SUMMARY:
Vashon Senior Center is looking for our next Driver and Transportation Assistant! We are looking for someone who loves people and will offer a caring smile, a helping hand, and a genuine commitment to the transportation needs of seniors.
This position drives our 9- and 10-passenger buses and currently provides much-needed transportation for seniors to and from the Center a minimum of 3 days each week, on fun Senior Center-sponsored day trips both on-island and off-island, and occasional lunch deliveries. Future plans include taking groups to medical and other appointments. We are looking for someone who enjoys working with seniors and make rides on our bus a fun experience, while also adhering to all safety and transportation rules and regulations. This is a very customer-service oriented position.
START DATE: Position open until filled, but Driver will ideally begin by February 21 to allow time for orientation and training.
JOB DUTIES:
1. Drive the Senior Center bus to and from required destinations safely and according to schedule
2. Assist seniors entering and exiting the bus
3. Exercise proper safety protocols for walkers, scooters, and wheelchairs
4. Operate mechanical chair lift safely according to vehicle operating procedures
5. Interact with seniors in a pleasant and professional manner
6. Adhere to time schedules
7. Report concerns regarding safe and proper functioning of the bus to your supervisor
8. Keep accurate maintenance records on Senior Center vehicles
9. Keep buses clean at all times
10. Attend staff meetings
11. Other duties as assigned
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:
1. Excellent driving skills and record
2. Comfort driving on Vashon roads and driveways
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds
4. Experience working with seniors a plus
5. Excellent customer service skills and experience
6. Ability to work calmly under pressure and in emergency situations
7. Organization and time management skills
8. Keen attention to detail
9. Patience
10. Reliable and predictable attendance
11. Self-reliant and motivated
12. Strong commitment to teamwork
13. Sense of humor
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:
1. Knowledgeable about the Vashon community
2. Familiarity with Seattle and Tacoma
3. A self-starter
4. Interest in serving seniors
5. Able to make every passenger feel welcome and comfortable
6. Able to comfortably drive in a variety of weather and traffic conditions
7. Demonstrated compassion and respect for seniors, colleagues, and the Vashon community
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must be at least 21 years old
2. Hold a valid Washington State Driver License
3. Clean driving record. Any of the following violations within the last five years will automatically disqualify you from consideration:
a. Reckless or negligent driving;
b. DWI/DUI (driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs);
c. If you received a ticket for causing a hit-and-run incident;
d. Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault;
e. Open container violation;
f. More than one “at fault” accident within the past year;
g. Any license suspension for a moving violation; and
h. Two or more license suspensions for non-moving violations.
4. Ability to pass CPR and First-Aid courses
5. Ability to work varied hours and days as determined by schedule
6. Ability to read maps and use GPS
7. Ability to work calmly under pressure and in emergency situations
8. Relate well with various personalities and possess an awareness of human needs.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Work Schedule: The Senior Center is open M-Tu-W and F. Typical driving hours are M-W-F on a regular basis, with an additional one to three trips each month to on- and off-island spots. The typical work week is 15-20 hours per week. Some flexibility with advance approval.
Background Checks: Because seniors are considered a vulnerable population, employment is conditioned on successful passage of a criminal background check.
Vaccination: Seniors are considered high-risk for the COVID-19 virus therefore all staff are required to provide proof of vaccination and boosters.
TO APPLY:
Submit completed application form by email to admin@vashoncenter.org or by US Mail to P.O. Box 848, Vashon, WA 98070. Position will remain open until filled. Application forms are available at the Center, via email or downloadable here: Vashon Senior Center Job Application.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
The Vashon Senior Center does not tolerate discrimination of any type and offers equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or any other considerations made unlawful by Federal, State or local laws. The Vashon Senior Center is an at-will employer.