Paratransit Driver

About the Department

                          

Under close supervision, operates wheelchair accessible mini-buses and other vehicles safely and effectively; follows established City policies and procedures regarding the transportation of elderly and/or passengers with physical disabilities; reports mechanical, traffic or behavioral problems encountered; maintains positive public relations with a broad range of passengers in the provision of transportation services; and performs other related duties.

Position Duties

Works under the close supervision of the Neighborhood Center Manager; does not exercise supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. 

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Follows operator checklist to insure vehicle safety prior to trip; inspects bus and performs necessary vehicle pre-trip checks (tires, lights, lifts, doors etc.) prior to starting scheduled run.
• Reports equipment malfunctions to dispatcher or supervisor for resolution.
• Drives assigned vehicle from individual locations or central loading area to various destinations according to assigned schedule or plan; assists disabled passengers in the provision of program services.
• Secures passenger wheelchair to restraining/locking devices to stabilize wheelchair during trip; maneuvers wheelchair helping clients up and down stairs; carries groceries or small packages from vehicle to home or requested area.
• Answers questions from passengers regarding schedules and routing; listens to complaints regarding delays or problems encountered in the provision of services.
• Regulates heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger comfort.
• Maintains timely and accurate radio and telephone contact with dispatcher; keeps dispatcher informed regarding delays, breakdowns and client transportation problems encountered; completes required paperwork.
• Complies with all local traffic regulations while running scheduled route.
• Maintains appearance, behavioral and physical standards necessary to fulfill City’s essential mission.
• Maintains courteous, professional and efficient manner in passenger relations.
• Participates in safety and related training programs.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Other Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Possession of a High School diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent; AND six (6) months of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid California Class B Driver’s License with passenger endorsement.
• First Aid and CPR.   

Required Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• City Code, City Ordinances, and Standard Operating Manual.
• Transit operations and area streets and highways.
• Safety practices including first aid.
• Telephone/radio etiquette and customer service protocol.

• Following established City policies and procedures regarding the transportation of elderly and/or passengers with physical disabilities.
• Safely driving/maneuvering small buses or vans for extended periods of time.
• Operating 2-way radio system and learning/using 10-codes.
• Promoting and enforcing safe work practices. Following oral and written instructions.
• Effective verbal and written communication including hearing normal conversation.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, City departments, outside agencies, passengers and the general public.

• Majority of time is spent in vehicle that is heated in winter and cooled during the summer.
• Regularly exposed to unpleasant noise, fumes, drafts, etc. when vehicle is in operation; regular exposure to the elements such as rain, high or low temperatures.
• Work involves regular standing, sitting, walking and occasional crouching, crawling, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and maneuvering objects such as wheelchair with passengers with a broad range of body weights.
• Work requires continuous use of hands arms, feet, and legs to push/pull or activate essential controls (pedals, levers and knobs) in recurring operational motions.
• Work requires the ability to extend hands and arms in any direction; right and left side body extremities are used in steering, opening and closing doors, assisting disabled and elderly passengers into and out of vehicle, carrying bags of groceries and related tasks.
• Work requires the capacity to exert up to 50 pounds of force frequently to move aforementioned controls and to push and assist disabled passengers weighing in excess of 200 pounds.
• Requires the capacity to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with hands to turn steering wheel, shift gears and manipulate mechanical levers and controls and secure wheelchairs; use of legs and body torso to climb steps in bus, assist passengers in ongoing tasks and maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when working on slippery surfaces.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.

EXAMINATION

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled. 
 
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process.
 
Phase one (1) is an oral examination (weighted 100%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for the oral exam is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail.
 
The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS 
 
The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.
 
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.
 
ELIGIBLE LISTS 
Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).
 
PLEASE NOTE:
All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.
 
Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.
 
EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE 
A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).
 
EXAMINATION RECORDS 
All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.
 
VETERAN’S PREFERENCE 
In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.
 
FRINGE BENEFITS 
The City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.