Driver/Outreach Worker

United Planning Organization • Washington, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is seeking a Driver/Outreach Worker for its Shelter Hotline Program. This role is crucial for providing transportation and outreach services to homeless individuals and families in Washington, D.C. The program operates 365 days a year, 18-24 hours a day, ensuring clients reach designated shelters and other program locations. The Driver/Outreach Worker will operate UPO vehicles, engage in street outreach to identify clients in need, and collaborate with various agencies to provide support.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience operating a 15-passenger vehicle.
• Must possess a current Class D driver’s license.
• Current five (5) year driving record cannot exceed more than two points.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule, including nights, holidays and weekends, and drive during all types of weather.
• Must have strong comprehensive geographic knowledge of Washington, DC.
• Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively use or learn to use Microsoft Office programs (specifically, Outlook and Word) and use electronic time-keeping program.
• Possess effective organizational and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to read, write, in order to submit written reports as required.
• Possess the abilities to work well under extreme pressure.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in team environments.
• TB test must be presented upon date of hire.

Nice To Haves

• First-Aid & CPR certification.
• Bilingual/Spanish.
• Possess current DOT card.

Responsibilities

• Present current, valid, actual driver’s license to Transportation & Logistics Manager/or designee prior to receiving daily driving assignment.
• Ensure the road worthiness of each vehicle to be personally driven by performing a pre-trip inspection, including checking fuel, water, tire pressure, and general condition.
• Complete Direct Fix forms for vehicle repair as required.
• Provide outreach and transportation services to homeless adults and/or families to designated or available shelters in the D.C. area.
• Canvas Washington, D.C. city streets looking for homeless, at-risk clients who need assistance with transportation and/or comfort items.
• Ensure passengers are properly seated and given proper safety instructions.
• Transport and escort clients to and from scheduled and approved locations, such as shelter vacancies and other approved destinations.
• Communicate with hotline dispatcher via two-way radios to obtain resources for clients.
• Collaborate with the Community Response Team, D.C. Fire and Police departments, and other service providers to relocate clients to shelter.
• Perform a post-trip inspection of the vehicle to ensure it is properly cleaned, fueled, and secured.
• Maintain a daily log of all trips, including passenger count, purpose, origin, and destination using an electronic iPad/tablet.
• Complete detailed DHS Unusual Incident Reports and/or UPO Incident/Accident Reports as required.

Benefits

• Health/Kaiser, 70/30 split
• Dental/MetLife, all employees paid
• Vision/VSP, all employees paid
• 401k, Safe Harbor Match-5.5% given as a benefit, will match 1% of staff contribution
• Sick Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
• Vacation Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
• 2 Personal Days
• Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED