Driver Trainer

America West Transportation•Chula Vista, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At America West, we are more than a transportation service; we are a community partner dedicated to improving lives and helping individuals thrive. By embracing the spirit of community service and giving, we can create a healthier, more connected society. This fast-paced and rewarding role is perfect for a self-starter who is looking to build their resume by working closely with the immediate team leader. We are hiring a Driver Trainer to provide hands-on, on-the-job wheelchair transport training to new and existing drivers as part of our non-emergency medical transportation fleet.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a driver in non-medical transportation, with a clean driving record
Strong knowledge of vehicle operation, safety protocols, and non-medical transportation regulations
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for delivering clear instructions and providing feedback
Ability to evaluate and assess driving performance in real-world conditions
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with trainees.
Problem-solving skills to address issues related to driver performance, customer service, or safety
Ability to adapt training methods to suit different learning styles and individual needs
Proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential for a Field Training Officer to communicate effectively
Current Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (required)
California driver’s license with relevant endorsements (if required by company or state regulations)

Nice To Haves

Additional certifications in transportation, logistics, or customer service are a plus
Certification in first aid or CPR is preferred but not required
Previous experience in a training, mentoring, or supervisory role is preferred
Experience in customer service or public transportation is an advantage
First Aid/CPR certification (preferred)
Bilingual language ability preferred
Previous wheelchair transport experience

Responsibilities

Provide on-the-road training, hands-on training, and mentorship to new and existing drivers in all aspects of non-medical transportation, including vehicle operation, passenger assistance, and customer service.
Train drivers on the safe and efficient operation of vehicles, including managing routes, handling equipment, and adhering to traffic laws and company policies.
Demonstrate safe and proper loading and unloading techniques, including ensuring passenger safety and comfort during transport.
Ensure that all drivers are familiar with company software systems for tracking routes, service logs, and customer records.
Educate drivers on all relevant safety protocols and regulations, including state and local traffic laws, vehicle safety checks, and emergency procedures.
Train drivers to follow all company policies regarding safe driving practices, including speed limits, seat belt usage, distracted driving policies, and the safe handling of passengers (especially those with mobility issues or special needs).
Ensure that drivers comply with regulatory requirements, including maintaining proper vehicle documentation, valid driver’s licenses, and vehicle inspection reports.
Monitor drivers' adherence to safety and compliance standards during training and in real-time operations, offering corrective feedback as needed.
Evaluate trainees’ skills in real-world driving situations, assessing their ability to manage routes, time, traffic, and customer needs.
Provide constructive feedback on driving performance, customer interactions, and adherence to company policies.
Identify areas where additional training or coaching is needed and create individualized development plans to address any performance gaps.
Conduct performance evaluations for each trainee to assess their readiness to handle independent driving duties.
Ensure that all non-medical transportation services are delivered in a timely and safe manner, meeting customer expectations.
Assist, guide, and recommend in any operational issues, such as delays caused by call ins etc., accidents, or vehicle breakdowns, to minimize service disruptions.
Train drivers on providing high-quality customer service, including communication with passengers, professionalism, and handling difficult situations.
Emphasize the importance of being courteous, respectful, and empathetic toward passengers, particularly those with special needs or who may require assistance.
Address common customer service challenges, including how to handle delays, service disruptions, or customer complaints in a professional manner.
Maintain accurate training records for each driver, including progress reports, feedback, and training completion.
Document any incidents or issues during the training process, including safety violations, customer complaints, or performance concerns, and report them to the Team Lead or Assistant Operations Manager, AOM.
Complete daily or weekly training reports outlining trainee performance, areas of improvement, and recommendations for further development.
Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to drivers even after the initial training period to ensure continued success in the role.
Offer refresher courses or re-training sessions for drivers who may need additional support or have received feedback on areas needing improvement.
Act as a resource for drivers when questions or issues arise during their shifts, offering guidance and problem-solving assistance in real-time.
Instruct drivers on the proper use and maintenance of vehicles, including performing basic pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety and readiness.
Ensure that drivers understand how to operate any additional equipment or assistive devices needed for passenger transport (e.g., wheelchair lifts, ramps, etc.).
Demonstrate vehicle maintenance routines and emergency procedures, such as what to do in case of a breakdown or accident.
Other duties as assigned.