CLIENT TRANSPORT DRIVER

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Client Transport Driver combines safe driving practices with direct client care and supervision to promote client well-being, accountability, and overall program effectiveness. This role serves as a critical link between clients and clinical staff by monitoring client behavior, reinforcing treatment expectations, a:nd communicating relevant observations to ensure continuity of care. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring routine vehicle maintenance; maintaining accurate and complete transportation and travel logs; documenting incidents in accordance with agency policy; and communicating timely, relevant information to supervisors and clinical personnel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide safe, punctual transportation of clients to and from residential facilities, treatment programs, contractor worksites, medical appointments, errands, and approved community outings.
• Safely assist clients with boarding and exiting vehicles, ensuring compliance with all safety procedures and agency protocols.
• Monitor client behavior, emotional status, and physical condition during transport and promptly report relevant observations to clinical or supervisory staff.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral or medical emergencies (e.g., suicidal ideation, aggression, psychotic episodes) by following agency protocols, de-escalation techniques, and approved crisis intervention procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required, or successful completion of the reading and writing sections of the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education).
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with no current suspension, revocation, or disqualifying driving-related convictions and must possess or obtain a Non-Commercial Driver’s License, Class C (for smaller vehicles), within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Minimum of one (1) year of passenger transportation experience.
• Successful completion of required drug and alcohol testing.
• Successful completion of fingerprint-based criminal background checks.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and ability to work effectively with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

REQUIRED TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of annual Defensive Driving Training.
• Maintain a valid and properly classified Illinois driver’s license with an acceptable driving record in accordance with State of Illinois law.
• Completion and maintenance of the following certifications prior to solo driving: o Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) safety training certification (every three years, as applicable) o Must have CPR and CPI certification with refresher training every two (2) years o Mental Health First Aid training every three (3) years