PT Driver (Non-CDL)

Paratransit Driver

The Driver is responsible for providing paratransit services throughout the County by operating a van / bus to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner according to the provided daily manifest. The individual in this position is responsible for driving defensively and reacting to emergency situations to ensure the safety of the passengers and the general public. Additional duties include completion of vehicle inspections, maintaining accurate records, assisting passengers as required including wheelchair securements, receiving and accounting for fares, radio communications, following emergency procedures, and other activities as assigned.

Essential duties include :

• Preparing for daily run by reporting to Dispatch at scheduled time, in physical condition to fulfill the essential functions of driving a vehicle and adhering to the dress code. Obtains assignment, reviews any posted notices, and communicates any irregularities to dispatch.
• Ensuring vehicle is safe and reliable prior to operation by conducting an inspection and performing daily pre- and post-trip inspection checklist and completing a non-compliance report and returning it to the Dispatcher or Supervisor for resolution if necessary.
• Providing public transit services by safely operating assigned vehicle to pick up and deliver passengers in a courteous and professional manner in accordance with manifest and under all weather, traffic and passenger load conditions. Works variable shifts, irregular hours and is available for work / overtime in accordance with policy and safety emergency response situations.
• Maintaining safe conditions by complying with traffic regulations; observing traffic conditions; avoiding dangerous situations, and enforcing passenger safety / conduct rules.
• Complying with all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates by assisting with boarding and departing passengers with disabilities including the operation of wheelchair lifts and securing devices according to policy and procedure.
• Representing the County in a professional and positive manner and ensuring a positive passenger experience by listening to complaints regarding delays or problems encountered in the provision of services. Answers questions from passengers regarding fares, schedules and routing. Regulates heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger comfort. Maintains the vehicle interior in a neat condition during service operation. Keeps all passenger information confidential.
• Assisting passengers requiring aid (including elderly individuals, individuals with hearing and sight impairments, physically / developmentally disabled individuals, etc.) by helping them board or depart from the vehicle, assisting them with packages, securing wheelchairs, informing all passengers that seatbelts must be worn on all vehicles where available. Waits according to procedures and policy for passengers to board and when exiting to enter a building before proceeding to the next assignment.
• Following proper emergency procedures in the event of an accident, safety, and or passenger incident by following established procedures including, but not limited to, notifying dispatcher or supervisor, securing accident / safety incident scene, tending to passengers, obtaining witness cards, deferring media statements to proper channels, and completing an accident report. Reports any undesirable behavior of a passenger to the Dispatcher and / or supervisor.
• Ensuring proper receipts to the County by collecting fares according to established fare categories, completing ridership forms for times of arrival and mileage at each point of pickup or drop-off, documentation of cancels or no shows, keeping daily mileage, records of gas / oil purchases, and driver's daily vehicle report.
• Ensuring operation communications and resolutions in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines by utilizing two-way radio to contact dispatch to timely and accurately report all irregularities, delays, accidents, incidents, requests for emergency maintenance, and safety / operation problems as they occur, preparing written report of event. Listens and complies with all communications / directions from Dispatch.
• Maintaining driving knowledge and skills by participating in safety and related training programs that are made available.
• Ensuring compliance by complying with County's and Department's policies and procedures and local, state and government regulations. Maintains regular attendance and performs duties and responsibilities as assigned. Responds as needed for emergency situations and maintenance of service. Based on division responsible for cleanliness of the bus including but not limited to removing personal trash from bus.
• Maintaining a safe working environment by complying with all County and Department safety procedures and policies and maintaining good housekeeping.
• Representing the County in a professional and positive manner at all times.
• Contributing to the team effort by training assigned employees, participating in problem solving methods, and maintaining a cooperative relationship with coworkers and management.
• Maintaining cooperative relationship with coworkers and management by communicating necessary information, responding to requests, building rapport; and participating in problem-solving methods.
• Keeping supervisor informed of critical incidents and information needed to ensure smooth operations.
• Meeting all legal and procedural requirements by ensuring compliance with provisions of the ADA, FTA, PennDOT, etc. Upholds and enforces all Substance Abuse Policy regulations, Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions, if applicable, and Chester County Department of Community Transit policies.
• Performing other duties as may be required or assigned.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Experience :

Education : This position does not require a high school degree or GED equivalent, but it is preferred.

Experience : Experience not required. Must be a minimum of 21 years of age with an acceptable driving record, and background verification in accordance with Chester County Department of Community Transit standards. At least two years of experience as an operator of public transit and / or school bus transportation is highly desirable.

Qualifications / Requirements :

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills Required : To perform this job successfully, an individual should have, at minimum :

Physical Demands : While performing the duties of this position, an individual is frequently required to sit, stand, walk and talk or hear. Occasionally, an individual will need to bend at the waist while working, and climb stairs. On rare occasions, the individual will need to reach or work with arms above shoulders, kneel, stoop, crouch or squat.

The specific vision requirement listed for this position is :

Work Environment : Duties will typically be performed within a paratransit vehicle (where the noise level is moderate to loud) and / or outdoors, which may necessitate dealing with excessive heat or cold and / or moderate to loud noise levels.

Certificates / Licenses / Clearances Required : This position requires the following documents to be obtained, reviewed as acceptable by the supervisor, and re-obtained every five (5) years :

This is a safety sensitive position subject to US DOT Drug and Alcohol pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and return to duty testing.