Driver- Good News Garage

Summary:

Ready To Go drivers provide a critical service in local communities by providing transportation to vulnerable populations who are otherwise at risk of isolation. The riders (program clients) include adults who are working to achieve financial independence, unaccompanied minors whose families receive state support, and school children who are not on a traditional school bus route. Ride services are provided throughout the state of Vermont and parts of Massachusetts. Drivers are responsible for securing children safely in the vehicle, using scheduling and tracking-related technology on a smart phone to determine their daily routes, maintaining clean vehicles, and bringing vehicles in for maintenance and repair as needed. Additionally drivers are expected to assist in communication with clients and partners (day-cares, schools, state employees) to help find solutions to scheduling or behavioral challenges that may come up during the course of the day. Drivers are supported by the scheduling / dispatch team at the Good News Garage office in Burlington, VT. Drivers report directly to the Assistant Program Manager, and Program Manager provides support as needed.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Transport Ready To Go participants in a safe, courteous, and timely manner.
• Execute route as represented by the schedule / dispatch software on a company smartphone, adjusting the route to address the changing needs of people served (including additions and cancelations of stops).
• Record accurate ride data such as pickup & drop-off times/location using smartphone technology.
• Maintain communication with the dispatch office; communicate about route conditions, consistently check schedule, email, and text messages to operate with the most up-to-date ride information.
• Assist child riders when entering/exiting the vehicle and escort from vehicle to destination as needed.
• Respond to child behavioral challenges with compassion and professionalism; maintain a calm demeanor and participate in positive solutions to serve riders with special requirements.
• Assist in de-escalation of situations that might arise and participate in solution-focused communication with partners (day cares, schools, families) around behavioral or scheduling issues that may come up.
• Ensure all riders are utilizing an appropriate restraint including seat belt/child safety seat in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements at all times when vehicle is in motion.
• Maintain a clean vehicle including observing all applicable sanitization requirements between riders in pursuit of infection control.
• Coordinate vehicle maintenance and repairs with local garages and dispatch team
• Remain alert and attentive to traffic and weather conditions; maintain a distraction-free driving environment; utilize sound judgment to respond to changing weather and traffic conditions.
• Maintain confidentiality of program clients.
• Provide a friendly and supportive environment for riders; report rider behavioral challenges to the dispatch office as needed.
• Model professional behavior in daily interactions with clients including maintaining appropriate conduct, appearance, etc. Provide positive and supportive interaction for clients utilizing our services while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.