Paratransit Driver

Keolis America•Van Nuys, CA

About The Position

The Paratransit Driver operates assigned vehicles to transport passengers safely according to the daily manifest, including designated pickup and drop-off locations and times. The role involves assisting passengers, including people with disabilities, and following applicable ADA requirements, safety procedures, and company and client policies. Drivers work a Monday–Friday schedule with weekends and holidays off. The listed pay rate is $24.55 per hour, with overtime eligibility and annual pay increases. Drivers must complete vehicle inspections and radio checks, follow fare-collection and radio procedures, report incidents promptly, and complete required reports. The position requires a valid California CDL or CLP with a Passenger Endorsement, a DOT physical, a pre-employment drug test, and Vehicle for Developmental Disabled Persons (VDDP) certification. Employment is also contingent on a background check. The work may involve operating a vehicle for more than eight hours per day and exposure to variable weather, noise, fumes, and airborne particles, along with physical activities such as walking, standing, bending, lifting, and assisting passengers.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Valid California CDL or CLP with Passenger Endorsement.
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and DOT physical.
Must pass Vehicle for Developmental Disabled Persons (VDDP) certification.
Excellent written and verbal communication and decision-making skills.
High degree of comfort working with people with disabilities.
Must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
Employment is contingent on completion of a background check consistent with applicable laws.

Nice To Haves

Customer service experience.

Responsibilities

Report to work on time in a clean, neat uniform and ready to work.
Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicles.
Check the bus radio before leaving the yard and maintain proper two-way radio etiquette.
Safely operate assigned vehicles in varying weather and traffic conditions, following the daily manifest and designated pickup and drop-off locations and times.
Safely pick up and discharge passengers at designated stops and regulate heating and ventilation equipment for passenger comfort.
Follow fare-collection procedures.
Immediately report accidents, incidents, and unusual occurrences to dispatch and submit written reports as required.
Complete reports accurately and follow Keolis and client policies and procedures.
Comply with ADA-related regulations and operate wheelchair lifts and safety restraints as required by customers.
Interact positively with the public and provide transit information to passengers as needed.
Help maintain a secure passenger environment, including escorting riders to and from the vehicle and providing physical assistance when requested.
Treat passengers with patience and sensitivity and act professionally with family members, office and agency staff, and the public.