Transportation Driver/ Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Company Overview The Foundation of Exceptional Achievers, Inc. is dedicated to empowering adults with developmental challenges to live and work with dignity. Our mission is to educate, advocate, and habilitate individuals to reach their fullest potential as active, self-reliant members of their communities. Overview We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Transportation Driver/Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team. In this vital role, you will provide safe transportation and supportive services to individuals with diverse needs, fostering independence and community engagement. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve while utilizing your driving skills and caring nature. Immediate Hire Depending on Background Check Transportation Driver/ Direct Support Professional (DSP) transport individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities served by FEA to various destinations, such as: the facility, provider homes, and other specified locations within the state. This position will also performs' DSP duties by directly facilitating services with the purpose of teaching, mentoring and supporting each individual served in a way that honors and respects their own preferences and needs. Drivers are responsible for managing individual and group activities within the Team Room(s), facility and within the community, local businesses, cultural and/or recreational venues, etc. Our strength stems from our person centered approached that permits us a collaboration of talent from a diverse group of staff and individuals served. This rewarding position requires consistent growth, creativity, engagement, dedication and communication.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

2 years of experience directly transporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is required for this position. OR Military, Corrections and/or law enforcement transportation experience is required for this position. Transportation Driver/ Direct Support Professional (DSP) work independently therefore must exercise discretion and use independent judgment, often facing critical and complex situations. Plans and executes various aspects of transportation including: inspection of vehicle(s), communicating information, search of the vehicle, safety precautions, emergency procedures, timing and routing of trips, accommodation of needs of individuals, possession of confidential documents, inspection and storage of individual's personal property, and the assurance of a safe and controlled travel environment. Assumes responsibility for significant FEA resources such as passenger vehicles and communication equipment. Observes individuals' activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior for the safety of the individual, fellow staff, other individuals served and the public. Maintains compliance with FEA policies and procedures. Observes, immediately responds, and documents all incidents, including but not limited to: physical aggression, individual disturbances, medical and/or other situations threatening safety and security. Controls and deescalates any disruptive behavior(s) to prevent increased behaviors such as possible elopement(s). Appropriate responses may only include the use of non-violence crisis intervention techniques. This is an unarmed, nonviolent response position.

JOB DUTIES

The job duties listed are only samples of the work performed by Transportation Officers and not a complete list of the full range of duties as duties change as assigned.

• Follows and maintains vigilant adherence to all FEA policies and procedures.
• Communicates with family/provider staff regarding absentees of individuals, departure times and approximate time of arrival, including any perceived tardiness.
• During transit stops and outings assess areas, including restrooms for the safety and welfare of individuals served, staff and the public.
• Maintains proper ratio coverage within and without the facility, prevents and assist with behavior incidents using CPI techniques.
• Communicates with individual(s) as appropriate to maintain a calm and stable environment during transit.
• Verifies individuals identification with picture ID cards and other methods to verify an individual is assigned the route.
• Performs visual observation of individuals as they approach vehicle for any abnormalities in his/her appearance and/or behavior, i.e., bruises, limps, new medical devices, over/under medicated, etc.
• Receives communication and/or documentation from family/provider staff and timely forwards all information to FEA.
• Evaluates routes to ensure the most efficient proper, shortest, and safest travel route to conserve gas and maintain optimum vehicle performance.
• Trains and instructs new transportation officers in their assigned duties and the individuals on route.
• Executes DSP duties, i.e., daily agenda/activities for individuals within assigned area.
• Prepares daily written records and reports in real-time.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

( Bold items below are basic requirement for consideration )

• 2 years of experience directly transporting individuals with ID/DD. (Basic Requirement) OR Military, Corrections and/or law enforcement transportation experience is required for this position.
• Proof of a valid GA driver's license, or valid out of state driver's license with the ability to immediately obtain GA license.
• Proof of current insurance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a CDL, if required.
• 7-year Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) provided at the time of interview. Transportation Officers must provide 3-year MVR to maintain employment quarterly/semi-annually at his/her own expense.
• Knowledge of GA geography, weather conditions, road conditions and alternative routes.
• Experience and knowledge of GA transportation laws, including the operation and basic mechanics of motor vehicles.
• Critical thinking skills to assess transportation planning details, including: type of vehicle used, timing of the trip, emergency procedures, contingencies, individual needs (consideration of medication, physical/mental impairments, food), etc.
• Experience and/or can react calmly and logically in an emergency and/or urgent situation with rational decisions, demonstrating good judgment and work ethic even in a hostile environment.
• Current and/or previous certification in first aid and CPR.
• Experience and knowledgeable of security procedures and techniques, preferably nonviolent intervention.
• Experience and/or basic knowledge of the techniques of self-defense, disturbance controls, detection of weapons, radio communication and emergency procedures.
• Experience working with various individual sub-cultures, behaviors, mental illness, as well as intervention techniques.
• Experience and/or basic knowledge of infection prevention and control procedures.
• Ability to performing inspections of individuals for prohibited items and behaviors, including but not limited to: weapons, food hoarding or sharing, paraphernalia, etc.
• Experience and/or basic knowledge of de-escalation and/or redirection techniques.
• Experience and/or basic knowledge of managing a hostile situation by employing nonviolent intervention techniques.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the work, which may include early hours and the performance of strenuous tasks.
• Critical thinking skills to observe, obtain accurate data, and prepare accurate written records and reports in real-time.
• Ability to successfully complete continuous on the job training.
• Experience and/or ability to assess risk and anticipate behaviors.
• Effective and professional communication abilities towards individuals served, family/provider staff and FEA.
• Understands the importance and able to present a continuous positive and professional image. Working Conditions
• Work environment various, i.e., public community settings with various variables, known and unknown.
• Transportation vehicles may contain up to 15 - 22 individuals served with various medical and mental disabilities.
• The environment may be extremely uncomfortable for individuals without knowledge and/or experience with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Team Rooms with a ratio 1:8, various cognitive and ambulatory levels.
• Some tasks require the ability to perform within high stress situations.
• All FEA staff performs DSP duties, i.e., ratio coverage, toileting, facilitate activities, etc. Physical Requirements
• FEA requires every employee to meet the physical requirements of the job, which include: the performance of strenuous tasks requiring muscular strength and coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.
• Must maintain a state of constant alertness to assess the risk, health, safety and behavior of individuals and to provide protection to the individuals served, staff and the public.
• Must maintain a professional demeanor as representatives of FEA.
• Transportation Officer duties requires that he/she is absent of any physical limitation which would impair effective performance.

EDUCATION

Minimum education: Completion of at least High School Diploma Knowledge of GA regulations and rules of the road Experience Two years of experience equivalent to a Law Enforcement Officer Transportation, Developmental disabilities Transportation, Corrections Transportation Officer, Medical Aide or Military Transport experience. And/OR Two years of experience directly transporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certifications

• Transportation Officers are subject to pre-appointment and random-selection drug and alcohol testing.
• Compliance with FEA's Dress code, i.e., grooming standards.
• Satisfactory completion of physical fitness standards, annual re-certification, and other training.
• Some vehicles require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) issued by the state of GA to operate a designated vehicle with passenger rating. Some vehicles may also require the air brake portion of the CDL.
• Any individual with a felony conviction, a controlled substance violation in any jurisdiction including military, pending felony or misdemeanor charges, a domestic violence conviction or outstanding warrants, is ineligible for consideration for employment.

FEA will not hire individuals who have been convicted of a felony or who have felony charges pending, in accordance with Public Act 140 of 1996. Applicants convicted of any other misdemeanor are not eligible for employment until one year after satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including probation. Shift Options (Depends on Assigned Route) 6:00AM-2:30

PM M-F No Weekends Job Type:

Full-time Salary:

$17.00 per hour

Pay:

$17.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off Paid training

Work Location:

In person