Motor Vehicle Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Wilmington, DE

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the Veterans Transportation Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, VA Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware. The Motor Vehicle Operator drives patient transport vehicles—including emergency vehicles, vans, and buses capable of carrying eight or more passengers—to and from VA and private healthcare facilities, patients’ homes, and transportation hubs such as railway and bus stations and airports. The role includes scheduled and special trips, patient assistance, vehicle inspections and basic maintenance, recordkeeping, and maintaining a safe, clean work environment.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Drivers work mostly outdoors and operate vehicles in varied weather and traffic conditions, including rural areas, congested metropolitan areas, and construction zones. The position requires assisting patients with varied medical conditions and disabilities, including safe handling of stretcher and wheelchair patients. A current, valid state-issued Commercial Driver’s License with passenger endorsement is required. A pre-employment physical and drug screening apply.

Requirements

• Current, valid state-issued Commercial Driver’s License with passenger endorsement.
• Ability to perform the work of a Motor Vehicle Operator without more than normal supervision.
• Experience operating diesel, gasoline, or alternative-fuel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 and a hydraulic lift gate.
• Experience performing pre-trip and post-trip vehicle maintenance checks and loading and unloading cargo.
• Ability to read and understand road maps, road and traffic laws, and drive on interstate highways and two-lane roads, including maneuvering in congested loading dock areas and driving in dark or nighttime conditions.
• Ability to reach, turn, and move hands, arms, feet, and legs to operate vehicle controls.
• Ability to assist patients with varied medical conditions or disabilities, including stooping, bending, lifting, climbing, and securing patients and equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier, using prescribed safety procedures and appropriate lifting methods.
• Ability to drive for at least four hours while remaining mentally alert and to use good judgment if needing to pull over safely.
• Ability to drive in rural areas, congested metropolitan traffic, and construction zones and to safely handle stretcher and wheelchair patients during loading and unloading.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and required background or security investigation.
• Compliance with the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Willingness to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Resume must detail relevant experience, including month and year start and end dates and, for part-time work, hours worked per week.

Responsibilities

• Drive predetermined or scheduled routes and special runs, arriving at and departing from pickup and discharge points at scheduled times.
• Operate vehicle doors and use installation maps and road and traffic conditions to select a safe and efficient route.
• Transport patients safely and comfortably while minimizing disruption to personnel.
• Comply with state laws, traffic regulations, and applicable safety rules.
• Load and unload patients safely, including patients using stretchers or wheelchairs, and secure patients, oxygen, and wheelchairs with appropriate devices.
• Transport patients to medical facilities, homes, nursing homes, hospitals, doctors’ offices, railway and bus stations, airports, and other areas as assigned.
• Use Mobile Data Computers in and out of vehicles for assigned trips and daily duties.
• Transfer patients, including neurotic patients, with or without assistance depending on the patient’s condition and medical approval.
• Load and unload medical supplies and perform other assigned duties.
• Perform operator maintenance, including checking fluid levels and tire pressure, cleaning and washing vehicles, and completing inspection checklists.
• Maintain records and document actions, including inspection forms and accident or incident reports.
• Use required safety equipment and clothing and maintain a safe, clean work environment.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.
• Prior federal or military service may be considered for annual leave accrual credit, subject to prior approval and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed