Transportation Specialist - Part Time

Turning Point of Central California, Inc. was founded in 1970. For over 50 years now, we have been transforming lives across the state of California. From Mental Health to Community Corrections, Children's Services, Housing Programs, Recovery Services, Substance Abuse Disorders & more; we serve people in need. Our desire is to see individuals reach their full potential, and create lasting change that will stand the test of time.

JOB SUMMARY

The Transportation Specialist reports to the Program Director and is responsible for providing transportation services to and from the Kennemer MCRP Center while also offering essential peer support services to help participants identify and build on their strengths to be empowered to choose for themselves, recognizing that there are multiple pathways to wellness and recovery.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Welcome participants warmly and create a supportive atmosphere during transportation and at the wellness center.
2. Adhere to transportation schedules and routes to ensure timely pick-up and drop-off of participants from designated locations.
3. Maintain accurate records of transportation activities, including participant pick-up and drop-off times, mileage, fuel purchases, fuel receipts, and any incidents or observations during transportation.
4. Monitor road conditions and weather forecasts to prioritize participant safety and coordinate with the management team to make schedule or route adjustments for potential road hazards, inclement weather, adverse road conditions, or route closures.
5. Conduct pre-trip inspections of the vehicle(s) used for transportation to ensure that all safety features, including seat belts, lights, and brakes, are functioning properly. Maintain operational safety standards and address any vehicle maintenance or repair needs.
6. Communicate any safety concerns or issues related to the vehicle or transportation routes to the management team promptly.
7. Maintain a clean and organized vehicle interior, free from any hazards or obstructions that may pose risks to participants.
8. Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations while operating the vehicle used during transportation.
9. Practice defensive driving techniques to anticipate and respond to potential hazards or emergencies on the road.
10. Stay alert and focused while driving; do not text message, talk on the phone, or engage in other activities that may impair driving performance.
11. Direct participants to adhere to safety guidelines and procedures while riding in the vehicle, including remaining seated with a fastened seat belt, keeping hands and arms inside the vehicle, and refraining from disruptive behavior that may compromise safety.
12. Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with other drivers, pedestrians, and community members while representing the Agency.
13. Use active listening, motivational interviewing, and peer support skills to understand an individual's needs and respond appropriately.
14. Serve as a mentor and role model wellness and recovery principles.
15. Maintain professional peer support relationships that are respectful, trusting, empathetic, collaborative, and mutual with the person served.
16. Provide assistance with connecting participants to supportive networks, natural supports, activities, and other community support options.
17. Maintain confidentiality and respect the confidential nature of conversations with individuals seeking support and adhere to professional boundaries, ethics, and legal guidelines.
18. Work collaboratively with other members of the team to ensure a coordinated and effective response to each individual served.
19. Participate in team meetings, trainings, workshops, and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to peer support, transportation services, and crisis intervention.
20. Remain flexible and adaptable to changes in workload and assignments.
21. Provide the management team with timely reports on any unusual occurrences that might impact the overall program operation or the health and safety of participants, family members, guests, or employees.
22. Think and act quickly and efficiently in emergencies.
23. Will drive on Agency business.
24. Will travel throughout Bakersfield as needed.
25. Must maintain good relationships with current, future, and past employees, co-workers, vendors, third-party administrators, and others with whom Turning Point is transacting business and relate to them in a professional manner.
26. May assist RCS and other staff with various duties when not transporting residents.
27. Comply with all Turning Point Safety policies and procedures, including but not limited to: workplace safety, reporting work related injuries, Infection Control and preventing potential safety risks for staff, clients and others.
28. Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at Turning Point. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start working. Employees also are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. Late arrival, early departure or other absences from scheduled hours are disruptive and must be avoided.
29. Other duties as assigned by the Program Director. Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Paid or volunteer experience providing transportation, customer service, or a related field is preferred.
3. Ability to work with individuals and staff members of diverse cultural backgrounds.
4. Ability to read and write in English at a level sufficient to successfully perform required duties.
5. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
6. Ability to make informed and ethical decisions in complex and sensitive situations.
7. Ability to generate timely, accurate, and legible written reports and documents.
8. Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software applications and programs.
9. Must complete at least 16 hours of assigned training on an annual basis.
10. Physical presence in the office is required
11. Basic computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Office 365, Teams, Zoom, and other communication/meeting platforms.
12. Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to a dependable means of transportation that is properly insured and operated in accordance with all laws throughout the course of employment in this position. Agency insurer authorization is required.
13. Pass a criminal background check.
14. Pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, general physical, and TB test.

COMPANY BENEFITS:

• Pay Range: Class 100 ($16.96 - $20.63/hour)
• On the job training including paid professional development and career development
• Rewarding work environment with excellent opportunities for career growth
• Meaningful relationships with your co-workers and the individuals we serve
• Family-oriented environment
• Mileage reimbursement for travel

We are a diverse, inclusive and equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age (40+), disability status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Turning Point of Central California, Inc. will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Turning Point of Central California, Inc. is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage.