Elder Services - Transporter

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

Drive a medi-van equipped to provide non-emergency transport of mobility-impaired Puyallup Elders by accommodating wheelchairs, walkers, and or other durable medical devices (DME) to health-related appointments and treatments. Provide transportation for activities via 22 passenger bus or similar for Puyallup Elders in a safe and timely manner.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one year of related work experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience driving a Medi- van and 22-passengar bus.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Patience and tact necessary for contacts with elders and caregivers.
Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class C with appropriate endorsements at time of hire.
Must have a valid and unrestricted Washington State Driver’s License. Driver’s License must not contain any restrictions that would otherwise prevent an employee from driving a GSA vehicle.
Must have and maintain a current First Aid/CPR certification.
Must have and maintain a current Food Handler’s permit.
Must be culturally sensitive, exhibit patience and good listening skills.
Must be able to drive a 22-person passenger bus and Medi-van.
Must be reliable and capable of working independently and remaining calm in case of emergency.
Must submit to and be able to pass a criminal background check prior to employment and periodically throughout employment.
Must be flexible in order to provide service to clients with varying levels of needs and behaviors.
Ability to lift, push, pull and position elders frequently
Ability to perform considerable reaching, stooping, and bending.
Hearing and vision abilities within normal range (corrected) to drive safely and to observe and communicate with the elder.
Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.

Responsibilities

Ensures the safe and timely transport of clients to health-related appointments, and social events as assigned.
Ensures vans are ready for transport and in front of pick-up area 15 minutes prior to departure.
Checks with schedulers throughout shift for any changes in the day’s assignments and adjusts routes accordingly.
Complies with traffic regulations.
Recommends and facilitates approved routine maintenance and repairs on program vehicles.
Walks around the van(s) to observe any visible defects, and checks operating systems- brakes, horn, windshield wipers, lights, first-aid kits, emergency flashers, and door opening devices before starting trips. Checks working condition of cell phone to ensure communication with scheduler. Inspects vehicles and corrects inadequacies; and logs mileages prior to and during assigned transports.
Loads or unloads DME – w/chairs, walkers, O2, bags, and other necessary personal items.
Picks up elders at home or other noted facilities. Provides whatever assistance is required for boarding of patient and any caregiver. Makes sure wheelchair and passenger are properly secured before starting the van. Assists clients in safely entering and exiting the vehicle
Depending on route, may pick up several elders for a common destination.
Upon arrival at health care facility, assists elders in leaving van and reaching proper offices or treatment areas. Checks van to ensure that no personal items have been left behind.
Depending on scheduled transports, the driver will confer with scheduler to decide whether additional pick-ups can be done before beginning to return elders to their homes.
After all trips are complete, return van to designated parking area, make final inspection, lock van, and returns keys to the office lock box.
Review schedule for next day, check map for unfamiliar destinations, double check times and appointments with scheduler.
Picks up and delivers supplies, medications, and daily meals for homebound clients.
Provides first-aid/CPR if required during elder transport. Immediately notifies EMS/911, supervisor if skilled assistance is required. Completes report/documentation at the end of each shift.
Reports traffic accidents immediately to scheduler/supervisor, requesting police or ambulance services as needed. Assists injured persons with first-aid until these services arrive. Completes accident report and any other documentation required.
Maintains strict client confidentiality.
Maintains professionalism and mindful regard to client’s privacy, personal effects, safety, health and well-being.
Maintains integrity and standard of personal ethics on and off the job, as not to call their trustworthiness with client’s personal effects into question.
Be available as back up for delivering Elders’ lunches when needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.