Paratransit Minibus Operator (Sunshine Line)

Hillsborough County•Tampa, FL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for operating specially equipped minibuses and vans to provide safe and efficient transportation services for Transportation Disadvantaged citizens. The role involves assisting customers, performing safety inspections, operating communication devices, recording daily information, and attending training. Additionally, the operator may be required to perform some dispatcher, scheduler, and administrative duties, as well as respond to emergency situations.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate
One year of work experience transporting passengers with a transit/paratransit type vehicle in a transit, private for hire or nonprofit organization; OR Two years of work experience operating a van or larger vehicle for hire or nonprofit organization; OR An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above
Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License
Knowledge of providing assistance for people with disabilities, mobility restrictions, and other related transportation needs.
Knowledge of Hillsborough County roads, streets and traffic patterns.
Knowledge of the general policies, guidelines and procedures that govern providing door-to-door service
Skill in driving and maintaining a minibus, van or similar vehicle.
Skill in the application of first aid and CPR.
Skill in working with persons with disabilities and older adults.
Skill in working with mobility devices.
Ability to safely operate and maintain a minibus, van, or similar vehicle.
Ability to maneuver a wheelchair, operate a wheelchair lift, and properly use wheelchair tie downs.
Ability to read a street map and maintain records.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and conform to Departmental standards.
Ability to work flexible hours that may vary based on operational needs which may include evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays.
Ability to work from different locations as needed throughout the County.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively with others in a diverse population.
Regularly required to sit; use of hands and fingers, handle or feet reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
Requires ability to lift, push, pull, assist and secure wheelchair passengers at a minimum of 250 lbs.
Ability and willingness to perform work under extreme environmental and demanding physical conditions.
Heavy work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Passing a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) prescribed physical examination, a satisfactory driving record, and pass a background review prior to employment.
Passing all required driver training and possession of a valid CPR and First-Aid Certification; and conformance to Departmental standards within the probationary period.
Maintain the ability to pass the background checks required for the position. These background checks may include but are not limited to: Criminal History Background Check using Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Level 1 and Level 2 Background screening (Ch. 435 Florida Statutes) Child Abuse, Abandonment and Neglect Record Check using the State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) Sex Offender and Sexual Predator record check using the list maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

Nice To Haves

Employees without one-year of paratransit experience are required to successfully complete an extended training program as defined by the agency to which the position is assigned within the six-month probationary period. The training period may be extended by the Agency to which the position is assigned.

Responsibilities

Operates a specially equipped minibus, van or similar vehicle to transport passengers, including those with physical or mental disabilities to and from scheduled appointments by following a prescribed route and schedule.
Assists customers from the pick-up location door to the vehicle, including assisting with securing seatbelts, and from the vehicle to the door at a destination.
Performs safety inspections on vehicles before operating to detect and report any mechanical malfunctions or safety issues that would prevent the safe transportation of passengers.
Maneuvers wheelchairs, operates wheelchair lifts, and properly secures wheelchairs.
Operates electronic communication devices and maintains communications with Operations to ensure efficient daily operations.
Records daily information on passengers, trips, mileage, pick-up and drop off times using mobile data equipment or paper manifest.
Attends training and testing programs or seminars as required.
Cleans and performs minor preventive maintenance to vehicles.
Provides first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to customers during emergencies as necessary.
Responds to Emergency Operations Center requests to evacuate special needs citizens in the event of an emergency.
Performs some dispatcher, scheduler and administrative duties as required.
Performs other related duties as required.