Paratransit Driver

Title: Paratransit Driver

Department: Program Services

Reports To: Vice President of Enrichment Services

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Work Location: 7209 Seawright Drive Savannah, GA 31406

Position Type: Part-Time

Effective Date: July 1, 2026

About the Organization:

EmployAbility is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live meaningful, self-directed lives. Through innovative programs, community partnerships, and employment pathways, we work to remove barriers to inclusion and expand opportunities for those we serve.

As a growing organization committed to excellence, EmployAbility combines compassionate service with strategic leadership to deliver high-quality, person-centered supports that promote independence, community engagement, and long-term success.

We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive — and we are committed to building communities where ability is recognized, valued, and supported.

About the Role:

The Paratransit Driver provides safe, reliable, and respectful transportation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to and from EmployAbility programs, community activities, and other approved locations.

Operating agency vans and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, the Paratransit Driver is responsible for safely assisting passengers with boarding and exiting vehicles, properly securing wheelchairs and mobility equipment, completing required vehicle inspections and transportation documentation, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment throughout each trip.

This is a part-time, split-shift position that typically includes morning and afternoon routes. Success in this role requires reliability, safe driving practices, patience, professionalism, and a commitment to providing a positive transportation experience for the individuals we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

Safe Transportation & Passenger Support:

1. Safely transport individuals with disabilities using agency vans, buses, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

2. Follow assigned routes, schedules, pickup/drop-off instructions, and transportation procedures.

3. Assist passengers with boarding and exiting vehicles, including individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility equipment.

4. Properly operate wheelchair lifts, ramps, securement systems, seat belts, and other vehicle safety equipment.

5. Provide appropriate physical assistance to passengers when needed while promoting dignity, independence, and safety.

6. Maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for passengers throughout transportation.

Vehicle Safety & Readiness:

1. Complete required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and promptly report safety, mechanical, or maintenance concerns.

2. Verify that required safety equipment is present and operational, including lights, brakes, mirrors, wheelchair equipment, first aid supplies, and fire extinguishers.

3. Maintain the cleanliness and general readiness of assigned vehicles.

4. Follow all traffic laws, defensive driving practices, agency transportation policies, and vehicle safety requirements.

5. Immediately report accidents, incidents, vehicle damage, or other safety concerns according to organizational procedures.

Documentation & Communication:

1. Maintain accurate transportation records, passenger information, inspection records, and other required documentation.

2. Communicate delays, route issues, passenger concerns, absences, or other transportation changes promptly to the appropriate team member.

3. Report behavioral, health, safety, or other concerns involving individuals served according to established procedures.

4. Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding individuals served and organizational information.

5. Maintain professional and respectful communication with individuals served, families, staff, and other stakeholders.

Program & Team Support:

1. Coordinate with program staff to support safe and timely transportation.

2. Participate in required driver meetings, training sessions, and organizational meetings as assigned.

3. Maintain required certifications and complete assigned training.

4. Represent EmployAbility professionally while operating agency vehicles and interacting within the community.

5. Perform other related duties as assigned to support transportation and program operations.

Professional Accountability:

1. Demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and preparedness.

2. Uphold participant confidentiality and organizational policies.

3. Represent EmployAbility with professionalism in both onsite and community settings.

Competencies:

1. Demonstrates safe, attentive, and defensive driving practices.

2. Demonstrates reliability and punctuality and consistently follows assigned routes and schedules.

3. Interacts respectfully and patiently with individuals with varying abilities and support needs.

4. Communicates clearly and professionally with individuals served, families, coworkers, and other stakeholders.

5. Responds calmly and appropriately to changing conditions, delays, emergencies, or passenger needs.

6. Follows established safety procedures, transportation protocols, and documentation requirements.

7. Demonstrates sound judgment and appropriately communicates concerns or issues.

8. Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.

9. Demonstrates familiarity with the local service area and the ability to safely navigate assigned routes.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or GED.

2. Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

3. Ability to meet organizational and insurance requirements for operating agency vehicles.

4. Ability to pass required background screenings and other applicable pre-employment requirements.

5. Ability to safely operate passenger vans and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

6. Ability to obtain and maintain required First Aid and CPR certification.

7. Ability to complete required transportation, safety, and organizational training.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Previous experience providing transportation services, particularly paratransit, school transportation, senior transportation, human services, or similar services.

2. Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other individuals requiring additional support.

3. Experience operating wheelchair-accessible vehicles, lifts, ramps, and securement systems.

4. Knowledge of Savannah and surrounding communities.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

1. This position is primarily performed in agency vehicles and is subject to varying traffic and outdoor weather conditions.

2. Must be able to safely assist individuals with boarding and exiting vehicles.

3. Must be able to operate wheelchair lifts, ramps, and wheelchair securement equipment.

4. Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and provide physical assistance as required to safely support passengers and mobility equipment.

5. Must be able to safely respond to emergencies or unexpected situations involving passengers or vehicles.

6. Must be able to work a split-shift schedule based on transportation needs, typically including morning and afternoon routes.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is eligible for overtime compensation when applicable.

Benefits and paid time off eligibility are based on employment status and regularly scheduled hours in accordance with EmployAbility policies.

Additional Information:

This position will remain open until filled. EmployAbility reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a sufficient candidate pool has been identified.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be modified at the discretion of leadership.

EmployAbility is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 1.0 – 29.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid training
• Retirement plan

License/Certification:

• Driver's license (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Savannah, GA 31406 (Required)

Work Location: In person