Mini Bus Driver

Transportation Division

Must be available between the hours of 6:00 am and 5:00 pm

Essential Functions

• Performs duties assigned to ensure eligible county residents are picked up and transported to their destination in a safe, reliable and courteous manner. This may include providing courteous assistance to elderly and/or residents with disabilities. The driver will need to transport residents in all weather conditions.
• Maintains the digital manifest which includes recording passenger pick-up/drop-off times, tracking mileage and recording any no-show passengers. Shall also maintain a written daily vehicle inspection/safety check detail.
• Ensures that passengers requiring assistance at home or at a destination are met by staff or family members. In the absence of staff or family member, notifies the office and waits for direction on what action to take in the individual situation.
• Follows all safety instructions per the direction of Manager/Supervisor, Dispatcher or an administrative staff member.
• Follows the route described on the vehicle manifest and alerts dispatch when the route is delayed due to roadway issues or when there are significant delays in keeping to the assigned schedule.
• Ability to ambulate/walk on even and uneven surfaces, including stairs/steps, in all weather conditions.
• Delivers hot and cold meals, when required by management or administrative staff to eligible clients and ensures that emergency procedures are followed in the event the client does not respond to attempts to deliver the meal.
• Checks message center for any additions, changes or information pertaining to the daily schedule
• Under Federal Transit Administration guidelines (title 49 CFR parts 653,654,655), this position is classified as "safety sensitive" and subject to drug & alcohol regulations (title 49 CFR part 40) and testing.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• This position requires possession and retention of a valid New Jersey commercial driver's license (NJSA 39:5B-32, FMCSR Title 49 CFR 390-397) with a passenger endorsement as well as the possession and retention of a valid Federal Motor Carrier/NJMVC approved Medical Examiner Certificate (NJAC 13:21-14.5 c 6).
• Additionally, the incumbent must complete and pass the Community Transportation Associations Passenger Assistance Safety & Sensitivity (PASS) course, and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission approved Defensive Driving Course (DDC) and must be able to retain certification.
• This position requires the incumbent to work extensively with senior citizens and/or persons with disabilities; therefore, experience in this area is highly desirable.
• The incumbent will be required to read a map and determine appropriate routing to a stated destination and must be sufficiently proficient in written and spoken English to able to read road signs, recognize addresses, and understand route sheets. Additionally, the incumbent must have strong customer service skills and the ability to maintain positive relationships with a diverse client base.
• The incumbent may also be required to deliver meals to residents, and in this case will be expected to enforce county safety policies regarding the safe and efficient delivery of food materials.
• Familiarity with the geographic makeup and/or municipalities of Somerset County is preferred.
• Bilingual ability to speak and comprehend Spanish/English is preferred.

Salary: $48,000/year

Benefits include health coverage (medical, prescription, and dental), paid time off (vacation, holidays, and sick), a deferred compensation plan, and enrollment in the NJ State Pension System.