Vehicle Driver - Food Service

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Rusk, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Vehicle Driver III - Transportation performs highly complex motor vehicle operations work to transport ambulatory and non-ambulatory passengers on short and long-distance trips for the assigned State Hospital using state-operated motor vehicles such as Full-Size Van, Wheelchair Van, Paratransit/Small Bus, truck and/or car. Assists to on- and off-board passengers.  Ensures that passengers use safety restraints and that wheelchairs are properly secured in the vehicle prior to departure. Secures cargo as needed. Follows the assigned schedule for pick up and drop off to the scheduled activity and/or appointment(s).  Operates the vehicle in accordance with training protocols, best practices for safety, and complies with all state and local traffic laws. Maintains vehicles at optimal condition, performs basic vehicle maintenance, completes preventive maintenance checks, and documents results. Has no supervisory or financial responsibilities but is accountable for assigned vehicles, preparing, and maintaining forms or records pertaining to vehicle operations and ensuring vehicles are scheduled for general maintenance. Provides guidance and on-the job training to other drivers in accordance with experience and competency.  Works under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of methods used in transporting individuals.
• Knowledge and understanding of motor vehicle operations and traffic safety rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of passenger loading and unloading procedures and protocols
• Knowledge of the maintenance of motor vehicles.
• Skill in the operation/driving of motor vehicles such as Full-Size Van, Wheelchair Van, Paratransit/Small Bus, truck and/or car.
• Skill to safely maneuver vehicles into tight areas.
• Skill in securing passengers in accordance with rules and training.
• Ability to communicate with others in a cooperative and positive manner.
• Ability to follow schedules and instructions in operating vehicles.
• Ability to understand and to comply with written and oral instructions.
• Ability to do simple mathematic calculations.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of long periods of sitting/driving, standing, and to carry, push, pull and lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to tell time and work on a schedule.
• Ability to tolerate cold and hot weather conditions.
• Ability to complete the HHSC designated Defensive Driving Course and maintain this certification.
• Ability to understand and sign the “New/Existing Employee – Driver Qualification Statement” regarding driving eligibility.
• Ability to complete and pass the appropriate Van Driver Training courses for the type(s) of vehicle being operated.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure.  Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Driving record will be assessed annually for continued eligibility.
• Must have, or complete upon hire, the HHSC designated Defensive Driving Course and maintain this certification.
• Two years of work experience operating a motor vehicle with multiple passengers or transporting cargo.
• Two years of work experience performing vehicle preventative maintenance checks.
• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Operates state-operated motor vehicles such as Full-Size Van, Wheelchair Van, Paratransit/Small Bus, truck and/or car to transport ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals on and off-campus. Secures any cargo such as food and beverage coolers, clothing items, and/or medical supplies in accordance with the instructions provided. Complies with best practices for vehicle operation and safety such as obeying posted maximum and minimum speed limits. During periods of heavy traffic, inclement weather, low visibility, or other poor driving conditions, adjusts speed so that accidents will be avoided. Only uses electronic devices (such as cell phone) when the vehicle is safely parked and avoids other “distracted driving” practices in accordance with training. Follows agency protocols following an accident in accordance with the training received including immediate post-accident on-site action, notification of emergency personnel and/or law enforcement (if applicable) and SSLC administration and completing required reports.
• Assists in the safe loading and unloading of passengers in accordance with their individual care plans and in a manner consistent with facility rules and regulations and using established methods and/or techniques (including lifting, carrying, an/or pushing).  Ensures ambulatory passengers use safety restraints.  Operates vehicle power lifts to safely load and unload wheelchairs of various sizes and configurations. Ensures tailgate lifts, lift-gates, and wheelchair lifts are kept in the closed position except during actual loading and unloading. Ensures lifts are used only for the purpose intended by the manufacturer and the rated capacity is not exceeded.   Ensures the vehicle is not driven with the tailgate lift in the open position except when necessary for appropriate alignment when backing up to a loading area. Ensures that vehicle capacity is not exceeded. Ensures that all individual seat belts and the provided wheelchair securement devices are securely fastened before placing a vehicle in motion. Reports any issues with passenger compliance to the designated support staff.
• Follows the assigned schedule for pick up and drop off.  Determines trip routes and coordinates and pre- and post-trip tasks to ensure timely transport of passengers to the assigned activity whether on or off the SH campus.
• Maintains vehicles at optimal condition. Conducts safety checks of the assigned vehicle before departure including performing a vehicle “walk-around” visual inspection for tire inflation; glass, light, lens, and mirror condition; any visible fluid leaks; and visible body damage. Reports any issues in accordance with local policy and procedures. Performs basic vehicle maintenance such as checking tire pressure, fueling the vehicle, and removing all litter when the vehicle is returned from use. Ensures vehicles are scheduled for general maintenance.
• Ensures vehicle is parked safely. Before leaving a vehicle whether on- or off-campus, ensures that the transmission gear selector is in the proper position for parking, the parking brake is set, all switches are in the off or locked position, if so equipped, the keys are removed, all occupants have exited the vehicle and the windows are closed, and the doors are locked.
• Prepares and maintains records and logs related to vehicle operations.   Documents any vehicle problems and reports the need for minor vehicle maintenance and repairs to the designated person.  Accurately completes required paperwork such as updating information on the Monthly Use Report to track and reconcile trip information. Enters and totals the number of trips, passengers, and stops in the correct areas of the form. If the Driver has a specific vehicle(s) assigned, ensures that the Monthly Use Report is turned in to the motor pool or other designated department/person by the third working day of each new month.
• Provides guidance and on-the-job training to other drivers, in accordance with experience and competency, in the proper operation of vehicles to transport passengers, proper method to ensure passengers and wheelchairs are secured in the vehicle, the safe operation of lifts to load and unload wheelchairs, and techniques for maintaining an on-time schedule.
• Maintains eligibility to operate state vehicles. Complies with state and local traffic laws as evidenced by no citations.  Attends and passes required training including Defensive Driver Certification and Van Driver Training courses.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees