Van Driver; Ravenna)

Summary

Education Alternatives is seeking van drivers for the Ravenna location. Van drivers are paid hourly and are responsible for driving clients on an agency‑owned vehicle to and from our sites located throughout the greater Akron/Cleveland area and on field trips to various locations. This part‑time position is Monday through Friday. Ohio Department of Education certification training will be provided by Education Alternatives.

• Applicants must be at least 25 years old.
• Must hold a valid Ohio driver’s license.
• Must have a good driving record, as determined by the Ohio Department of Education.
• Must be able to pass a pre‑service physical and drug test.
• Must not have a criminal background that would disqualify applicants from working with children.

• Skills: Adhering to safety practices, administering first aid, operating agency vehicles, using a fire extinguisher, cell phone, and standard office equipment, and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Knowledge: Reading a variety of manuals, writing documents following prescribed formats, presenting information to others, analyzing situations, and understanding basic vehicle maintenance, first aid, health standards and hazards, cell phone communication, and the use of wheelchairs, tie‑downs, child safety seats, lifts, etc. (by assignment).
• Abilities: Attention to detail, communicating with diverse groups including school‑age riders, displaying tact and courtesy, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, exercising sound judgment, understanding the special needs of students and their parents, maintaining confidentiality, and working as part of a team amid constant distractions.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics include occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. The job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. Work may involve exposure to temperature extremes and risk of injury or illness. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

• Assesses incidents, complaints, accidents and/or potential emergency situations for the purpose of resolving or recommending a resolution.
• Works with clients with emotional and behavioral disabilities and intervenes when necessary to ensure order and safety.
• Assists clients and other passengers (e.g., seating, restraints, special equipment) for safe loading and unloading from vehicles in both emergency and normal transport.
• Advises clients and passengers of appropriate behavior to reinforce established guidelines and maintain safety.
• Safely transports clients to/from their residence to designated drop‑off points in a timely manner.
• Informs day treatment personnel and parents of events, policies, and practices for clarification of procedures.
• Responds to inquiries from clients, parents, and staff for necessary information regarding transportation services.
• Maintains assigned vehicles, both interior and exterior, ensuring safety, appearance, and sanitation.
• Fuels assigned vehicle to maintain operating condition.
• Monitors passengers during transit to maintain order and safety.
• Performs first aid as necessary to meet the immediate health care needs of passengers.
• Maintains ongoing communication with staff including teachers, building directors, fleet manager, and director of transportation.
• Prepares documentation (daily log, incident reports, behavior ratings, mileage) for written support and information conveyance.
• Conducts safety checks on van before each departure and submits a daily pre‑trip inspection form for safety and compliance.
• Attends all agency trainings, including quarterly in‑service trainings, to maintain skills and meet agency requirements.