Driver

• Full-Time Equivalent: 1.0 FTE

Summary

Ride Connection is looking for that special “one in a million” driver who is very reliable and customer service-focused to fill in some gaps to provide rides for those who would not get them any other way.

Drivers are the heart and soul of Ride Connection’s Transportation Program. Drivers provide transportation services using agency owned vehicles to help older adults, people with disabilities, and citizens who do not have access to reliable transportation or other alternatives to live independent, quality lives by providing them access to necessary community services.

For this position we are looking for a driver to be part of transportation services based in Gresham. We are trying to fill in some gaps to provide rides for those who may not get them any other way. This person will get at least 20 hours per week with the possibility of up to 40 hours per week. Work hours will be between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and may include occasional weekends. This driver will be driving one of our buses as these rides will be for group trips throughout Portland and the metro area. This driver might be asked to drive on short notice to fill in for someone who has called out sick and could include providing rides for one of our partners. These rides may include rides that didn’t fit into another’s schedule. The perfect driver for this position is able to work without a set schedule. This is a new position, so the details may change. Flexibility is a must.

This is a non-exempt position with a starting salary of $20.16 - $30.24 per hour depending on experience.

Ride Connection offers an excellent benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, 403(b)-retirement plan with automatic employer contribution plus a match up to 2%, Flexible Spending Account with up to $500 annual employer contribution, 10 days of paid vacation in your first three, twelve holidays, accrued sick leave, and TriMet annual public transportation pass.

Who You Ar e

• You are all about great customer service. You enjoy both driving and interacting with people. You go the extra mile to ensure that a customer feels supported, heard, and respected.
• You excel at connecting with others while understanding the importance of personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others.
• You maintain your composure in a crisis or an elevated exchange and help others keep their cool as well.
You like being on time and you set up your day and calendar to be where you need to be, often with a few minutes to spare.

What You’ll Do

Provide safe transport service and community connector services to customers with a customer service lens focused on dignity, respect, and patience. This includes:

• Transport of customers according to the schedule and/or instructions given by the Program Manager or the Service Center, notifying the Program Manager or the Service Center of any variations to the schedule in real time.
• Securement of wheelchairs for customers being transported. Assist customers with securing mobility devices, bags, packages, and other items, if appropriate.
• Assist customers between the vehicle and the door of their start location and destination location utilizing appropriate assistance techniques.
• Utilize smartphones and/or tablets to coordinate schedules, input ride information records, and connect with the Program Manager or the Service Center.
• Follow approved operational procedures.
• Report all vehicle incidents/accidents to the Program Manager.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, including monitoring and maintaining proper vehicle fuel levels.
• Maintain customer confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with at least three years driving experience and an excellent driving history as recorded by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds safely and secure wheelchairs safely in enclosed spaces.
• Ability to access reliable transportation.
• Experience with and comfort with using computers, computer programs, smartphones, and tablets.
Ability to pass a National Criminal Record Check which includes fingerprint identification. If a record exists, the nature and severity of charges will be discussed with candidates and, in some cases, may not be a barrier to employment.

This position may be required to perform “Safety Sensitive” duties per Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines. When required the employee assigned to this position must participate and remain in compliance with the FTA Drug and Alcohol testing program, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing.

Welcomed Additional Qualifications

• Bilingual or Multi-lingual individuals – especially those who speak Asian languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
• Experience operating a large vehicle.
• Experience, lived or otherwise, working with older adults and people with disabilities.

Application Instructions

You can apply directly via our website at https://rideconnection.org/about-us/careers or you can send a copy of your resume and a cover letter to jobs@rideconnection.org .

Applications will be considered as submitted, so you are encouraged to apply early. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

About Ride Connection

Ride Connection is a private, non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon. We offer ways for people to access the goods and services they need to survive and thrive. By giving people the means to get around, we offer independence, health, and inclusion.

The Ride Connection network comprises a collection of agencies that serve older adults and people with disabilities and low-income individuals, and the general public by offering a variety of transportation options in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

Together, we provide over 500,000 rides and support more than 2,000 individuals with training and access to public transportation each year.