Under supervision, transports/accompanies clients to a variety of sites; provides assistance with personal care, safety and needs; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in these positions normally work on a temporary basis for either the County Mental Health or the County Probation Offices; they may be expected to work variable shifts/hours as need arises with little or no advance warning; the bulk of their duties relates to driving clients to assigned destinations per departmental directives; however, they may be expected to assume non-driving duties as indicated on an as needed basis; Assistant Transportation Officers are not expected to assume driving duties, but are expected to assist Transportation Officers with routine duties. Transports and/or accompanies clients to and from place of residence, clinics, hospitals, board/care homes, juvenile homes, courts, Youth Authority and other locations. Assists clients in boarding transport vehicles. Ensures client, staff and public safety during transport. May assist clients with personal care needs. Ensures that clients adhere to schedules and arrive for appointments in a timely manner; checks vehicles for routine maintenance and safety needs. May assist professional and technical staff with client care activities and other related program needs.

Knowledge of:

Safe driving practices applicable to transportation of clients and other personnel.

Ability to:

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety, of individuals; assist with care activities pertinent to a mental health or clinical setting; deal effectively with safety and other crisis issues which may arise during the course of work; effectively and efficiently follow departmental policies and procedures.

Skill to:

Accurately assess transport and safety needs; handle scheduling demands, ensuring timely transport of clients; quickly assess client needs and respond appropriately.

Education, Training, and Experience :

Equivalent to high school education; experience working with mental health clients, juveniles and/or probationers helpful; demonstrated safe driving record highly desirable. Possession of current and valid California driver's license.