Job Description: Skilled Nursing Facility Van Driver
Department: Transportation / Operations
Reports To: Director of Support Services
Position Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Van Driver is responsible for safely and reliably transporting residents of the skilled nursing facility to and from medical appointments, therapy appointments, recreational activities, and other approved destinations. The Van Driver ensures residents are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion while providing a safe, comfortable, and pleasant transportation experience.
The Van Driver is expected to follow all facility policies, traffic laws, and safety procedures while maintaining the cleanliness and proper operating condition of facility vehicles.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Safely transport residents to and from scheduled medical appointments, hospital visits, therapy appointments, and other approved destinations.
- Assist residents with entering and exiting the vehicle, providing appropriate physical assistance as needed and within training.
- Properly secure wheelchairs, mobility devices, and other assistive equipment using approved safety restraints.
- Ensure all residents are properly secured with seat belts before operating the vehicle.
- Maintain a courteous, patient, and professional attitude when interacting with residents, families, facility staff, and the public.
- Follow scheduled transportation routes and appointment times, allowing adequate time for resident loading and unloading.
- Communicate delays, schedule changes, or transportation concerns to the appropriate facility personnel.
- Complete required transportation logs, mileage records, vehicle inspection forms, and other documentation accurately.
- Perform routine pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and report any maintenance or safety concerns immediately.
- Keep facility vehicles clean, sanitized, organized, and presentable at all times.
- Ensure vehicles have adequate fuel and are ready for scheduled transportation.
- Follow all applicable traffic laws, facility transportation policies, and safety regulations.
- Maintain resident confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Report accidents, incidents, injuries, falls, or unusual occurrences immediately to the appropriate supervisor.
- Never leave residents unattended in the vehicle.
- Assist with other transportation-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean or acceptable driving record.
- Must meet facility and insurance carrier requirements for operating company vehicles.
- Previous experience transporting elderly, disabled, or healthcare residents preferred.
- Experience operating wheelchair-accessible vehicles preferred.
- Must demonstrate patience, compassion, dependability, and excellent customer service skills.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with residents, families, and facility personnel.
- Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Must successfully complete any required background checks and facility onboarding requirements.
- CPR/First Aid certification preferred or required as determined by facility policy.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to assist residents with entering and exiting the vehicle.
- Ability to safely operate wheelchair lifts and securement equipment.
- Ability to assist with wheelchairs and mobility devices within established safety guidelines.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while driving.
- Ability to bend, reach, and perform routine vehicle inspections.
- Ability to respond appropriately to resident emergencies during transportation.
Safety and Compliance Responsibilities
- Maintain resident safety, dignity, and privacy at all times.
- Follow facility policies and procedures regarding resident transportation.
- Comply with HIPAA and confidentiality requirements.
- Ensure wheelchair lifts, restraints, seat belts, and other safety equipment are used correctly.
- Immediately report any safety hazards, vehicle malfunctions, or resident incidents.
- Never operate a vehicle while impaired, fatigued, or otherwise unable to drive safely.
Performance Expectations
The Van Driver is expected to:
- Maintain a safe driving record.
- Arrive on time and ensure residents arrive at appointments as scheduled.
- Demonstrate professionalism and compassion when interacting with residents.
- Maintain accurate transportation documentation.
- Keep facility vehicles clean and in good working condition.
- Follow all facility policies and safety procedures.
- Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and teamwork.
Qualifications
Job Qualifications – Skilled Nursing Facility Van Driver
Education and Experience:
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience as a van driver, transportation aide, or in a similar position preferred.
• Previous experience transporting elderly, disabled, or healthcare facility residents preferred.
• Experience operating wheelchair-accessible vehicles and wheelchair lifts preferred.
Licensure and Certifications:
• Must possess a valid state-issued driver's license.
• Must maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with facility and insurance requirements.
• Must successfully pass required criminal background checks and applicable screening requirements.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred or required by facility policy.
• Must complete required facility transportation and safety training.
Knowledge and Skills:
• Knowledge of safe driving practices and applicable traffic laws.
• Ability to safely operate facility vehicles and wheelchair-accessible transportation equipment.
• Ability to properly secure wheelchairs and assistive devices.
• Ability to assist elderly residents with mobility needs while maintaining dignity and respect.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, and facility staff.
• Ability to follow schedules, directions, and facility transportation procedures.
• Basic recordkeeping skills, including maintaining mileage logs and vehicle inspection reports.
Personal Qualifications:
• Must demonstrate patience, compassion, dependability, and professionalism.
• Must have a positive attitude and enjoy working with the elderly population.
• Must demonstrate good judgment and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Must be punctual, responsible, and attentive to detail.
• Must maintain resident confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA requirements.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a healthcare team.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to sit and operate a vehicle for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, and assist residents with entering and exiting the vehicle.
• Ability to operate wheelchair lifts and securement systems.
• Ability to assist with mobility equipment within established safety guidelines.
• Ability to perform routine vehicle inspections and cleaning duties.
Additional Requirements:
• Must be available to work assigned schedules, including occasional weekends or holidays as needed.
• Must comply with all facility policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and courteous demeanor when representing the facility.
Note: All qualifications should be consistent with applicable state and federal requirements, facility policies, and insurance carrier standards.