Part-Time Youth Autism Program Van Driver – After-School

Department: Youth Autism Services

Reports To: Program Manager

Employment Status: Part-Time (after school)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $18.00 / Hourly

Schedule:

After-School / Part-Time

• Primarily weekday afternoons and early evenings

• Schedule based on Youth Autism Services program needs

• Additional hours may be available for special activities, community outings, or program coverage

---

POSITION SUMMARY

The League for People with Disabilities is seeking a dependable, safety-conscious, and compassionate Part-Time Youth Autism Program Van Driver to provide safe and reliable transportation for participants enrolled in Youth Autism Services (YAS) after-school programming.

The Van Driver is responsible for transporting youth participants between approved locations, including schools, homes, The League, community-based activities, and other authorized program locations.

This position plays an important role in ensuring that participants have safe and consistent access to meaningful after-school programming and community activities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate patience, professionalism, sound judgment, and an understanding that transportation is more than simply driving from one location to another. The Van Driver is expected to provide transportation in a manner that promotes participant safety, dignity, independence, choice, inclusion, and quality of life.

The Van Driver will work collaboratively with YAS staff and leadership to ensure transportation procedures are followed and that participants arrive at their destinations safely, on time, and ready to participate in programming.

---

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

SAFE TRANSPORTATION

• Safely transport YAS participants using a League-approved vehicle.

• Follow all applicable Maryland motor vehicle laws, organizational policies, transportation procedures, and safety requirements.

• Maintain a safe driving environment at all times.

• Operate the vehicle responsibly and defensively.

• Obey all posted speed limits, traffic signals, parking regulations, and other applicable traffic laws.

• Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.

• Ensure required vehicle safety equipment is present and operational.

• Confirm that participants are properly seated and secured before the vehicle is placed in motion.

• Ensure seat belts and other approved safety equipment are used appropriately.

• Never operate the vehicle while distracted, impaired, fatigued, or otherwise unable to safely perform driving responsibilities.

• Never use a handheld cell phone or other prohibited electronic device while driving.

• Maintain appropriate awareness of participants throughout transportation.

---

YOUTH AUTISM SERVICES SUPPORT

• Provide transportation support for youth participating in after-school YAS programs.

• Interact with participants in a patient, respectful, calm, and professional manner.

• Recognize that participants may have different communication styles, sensory needs, mobility needs, behavioral support needs, and levels of independence.

• Follow established participant-specific transportation procedures and support strategies.

• Work with YAS staff to understand relevant transportation-related safety considerations.

• Support participants in entering and exiting the vehicle safely.

• Encourage participant independence whenever safely appropriate.

• Provide assistance consistent with the participant's approved support needs and the employee's training.

• Avoid unnecessary physical intervention or assistance.

• Notify YAS leadership of significant behavioral, medical, safety, or transportation concerns.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants and families.

---

PICK-UP & DROP-OFF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow assigned transportation routes and schedules.

• Arrive at designated pick-up locations on time.

• Verify the identity of the participant before transportation when required by program procedure.

• Follow approved release and drop-off procedures.

• Never leave a participant unattended in an unsafe or unauthorized location.

• Confirm that the appropriate authorized person or location is available for drop-off when required.

• Immediately notify the supervisor of delays, missed pick-ups, changes, or unexpected circumstances.

• Communicate professionally with parents, guardians, caregivers, school personnel, and League staff.

• Maintain accurate transportation records as required.

---

PARTICIPANT SAFETY & SUPERVISION

• Maintain awareness of participant safety before, during, and after transportation.

• Follow participant-specific safety plans and applicable program procedures.

• Recognize potential risks, including unsafe behaviors, medical concerns, environmental hazards, and transportation-related emergencies.

• Respond appropriately to participant distress or behavioral escalation within the scope of training.

• Notify appropriate YAS staff when a situation requires additional support.

• Follow emergency procedures in the event of an accident, medical emergency, missing participant, vehicle emergency, severe weather, or other safety concern.

• Never transport unauthorized passengers.

• Never make unauthorized stops or changes to an approved route without appropriate authorization.

• Maintain appropriate supervision during loading, transportation, and unloading.

---

VEHICLE CARE & INSPECTION

• Complete required vehicle inspection procedures before operating the vehicle.

• Report mechanical problems, warning lights, damage, unusual noises, or other concerns immediately.

• Keep the assigned vehicle reasonably clean and organized.

• Ensure participant belongings are safely stored.

• Monitor fuel levels and communicate when fueling or vehicle maintenance is needed.

• Follow procedures for vehicle keys, fuel cards, mileage logs, maintenance records, and other transportation documentation.

• Report accidents, vehicle damage, citations, or other incidents immediately.

• Do not operate a vehicle that has been determined to be unsafe.

---

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The Van Driver must be prepared to respond appropriately to transportation-related emergencies.

Responsibilities may include:

• Safely stopping the vehicle during an emergency.

• Calling 911 when appropriate.

• Following The League's emergency response procedures.

• Providing first aid or emergency assistance only within the employee's current training and certification.

• Maintaining participant safety until additional assistance arrives.

• Communicating promptly with YAS leadership and appropriate emergency personnel.

• Completing required accident or incident documentation.

• Cooperating with post-incident procedures and investigations.

---

PERSON-CENTERED & DDA-ALIGNED PRACTICE

The League is committed to providing services that promote independence, dignity, participant choice, and quality of life.

The Van Driver is expected to:

• Treat every participant with dignity and respect.

• Promote independence whenever safely possible.

• Respect individual preferences and communication styles.

• Support meaningful participation in after-school and community activities.

• Avoid making assumptions about a participant's abilities based on disability.

• Use respectful, age-appropriate communication.

• Follow applicable participant rights and organizational policies.

• Support inclusion and equitable access to League programming.

• Maintain a safe environment that allows participants to participate to the greatest extent safely possible.

• Work collaboratively with program staff when a participant requires additional support.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding participant information.

---

COMMUNICATION

• Maintain professional communication with YAS leadership, program staff, parents/guardians, caregivers, schools, and other authorized individuals.

• Communicate transportation delays or changes as soon as possible.

• Report concerns involving participant safety, behavior, health, attendance, or transportation.

• Document incidents and transportation-related issues accurately.

• Maintain confidentiality of participant, family, employee, and organizational information.

• Communicate respectfully and professionally, even during stressful situations.

---

DOCUMENTATION & COMPLIANCE

Complete all transportation-related documentation required by The League, which may include:

• Daily vehicle inspection forms

• Mileage logs

• Transportation schedules

• Participant transportation records

• Incident/accident reports

• Vehicle maintenance reports

• Attendance or transportation documentation

• Other required program documentation

All documentation must be completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with organizational procedures.

---

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Maryland driver's license appropriate for the vehicle being operated.

• Acceptable driving record in accordance with The League's driver qualification requirements.

• Ability to successfully complete required motor vehicle record/background screening.

• Ability to successfully complete required employment and background screening.

• Ability to complete required League onboarding and compliance requirements.

• Ability to maintain required driver qualifications throughout employment.

• Reliable transportation to and from assigned work locations.

• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and professional conduct.

• Ability to communicate effectively with youth, families, staff, and supervisors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience transporting children, youth, or individuals with disabilities.

• Experience working with individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities.

• Experience in human services, education, recreation, behavioral support, healthcare, or transportation.

• CPR/First Aid certification.

• Experience operating a passenger van or similar vehicle.

Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred but may not be required when the candidate otherwise meets the qualifications and can successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

---

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

The successful candidate should possess:

Safety

• Strong defensive driving skills.

• Excellent situational awareness.

• Ability to identify and respond to safety hazards.

• Ability to remain calm during emergencies.

Communication

• Clear verbal communication.

• Professional interpersonal skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with varying communication abilities.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Participant Support

• Patience and compassion.

• Respect for individuals with disabilities.

• Understanding of person-centered support.

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries.

• Ability to respond appropriately to unexpected behaviors or situations.

Reliability

• Consistent attendance.

• Punctuality.

• Dependability.

• Ability to follow established schedules and transportation routes.

Judgment

• Ability to make sound decisions in safety-sensitive situations.

• Ability to recognize when a situation requires supervisor assistance.

• Ability to follow policies and procedures consistently.

---

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements represent the essential functions of the position and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, where applicable:

• Ability to safely operate a League-approved passenger vehicle.

• Ability to enter and exit the vehicle and assist participants with safe boarding and exiting as required.

• Ability to remain seated and attentive while driving for periods appropriate to assigned routes.

• Ability to perform visual and auditory monitoring necessary for safe vehicle operation and participant transportation.

• Ability to communicate emergency and safety information effectively.

• Ability to perform essential transportation-related tasks.

• Ability to respond appropriately to transportation emergencies.

• Ability to work in varying weather and traffic conditions.

• Ability to maintain appropriate situational awareness in school, residential, community, and League environments.

• Ability to perform limited physical assistance consistent with training, participant needs, and safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities when the essential functions of the position can be performed safely and effectively and the accommodation does not create an undue hardship.

---

WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee may work in a variety of environments, including:

• League facilities

• Schools

• Residential neighborhoods

• Community locations

• Parking lots

• Public roadways

• Outdoor environments

• Participant homes or designated pick-up/drop-off locations

The position may involve exposure to:

• Traffic

• Inclement weather

• Noise

• Crowded environments

• Unexpected participant behaviors

• Variable transportation schedules

• Vehicle-related conditions

---

SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY

This is a Part-Time After-School position primarily supporting Youth Autism Services.

Typical hours may fall within:

Monday–Friday, approximately 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., depending on program and transportation needs.

Actual hours and routes may vary based on:

• School dismissal schedules

• Participant schedules

• Program schedules

• Community activities

• Special events

• Transportation needs

• Organizational staffing needs

Additional hours may be available based on operational needs and employee availability.

---

TRAINING & ONBOARDING REQUIREMENTS

Before independently transporting participants, the employee must successfully complete applicable League requirements, which may include:

• New-hire orientation

• Transportation policies and procedures

• Defensive driving/safe driving training

• Vehicle safety procedures

• Participant rights and confidentiality

• DDA-related training applicable to the position

• Autism awareness and participant-support training

• Emergency response procedures

• CPR/First Aid/AED training, when required

• Mandated reporting requirements

• Abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention/reporting

• Incident reporting procedures

• Participant-specific transportation procedures

• Any additional training required by The League or applicable regulatory requirements

The League may require additional training based on participant needs, vehicle type, program requirements, or changes in applicable regulations.

---

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Successful performance in this position will be demonstrated through:

• Safe and responsible vehicle operation.

• Consistent adherence to transportation procedures.

• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

• Timely and accurate pick-up and drop-off.

• Appropriate communication with participants, families, and staff.

• Respectful and person-centered interaction with participants.

• Proper completion of required documentation.

• Immediate reporting of safety concerns and incidents.

• Proper care and use of League vehicles.

• Maintenance of required licenses, certifications, and qualifications.

• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies.

• Positive contribution to the safety and success of Youth Autism Services.

---

CONFIDENTIALITY

The Van Driver may have access to confidential participant, family, medical, behavioral, educational, transportation, or organizational information.

The employee must:

• Protect participant privacy.

• Discuss participant information only with authorized individuals.

• Follow The League's confidentiality and privacy policies.

• Avoid discussing participants in public or inappropriate settings.

• Safeguard all records and information obtained through employment.

---

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & ADA COMPLIANCE

The League for People with Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining an inclusive workplace.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, job-related requirements, organizational needs, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

The League will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law, provided the individual can perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

This job description is not intended to exclude qualified individuals with disabilities from consideration.

---

DDA & PARTICIPANT-CENTERED COMMITMENT

The League for People with Disabilities is committed to supporting individuals in achieving greater independence, self-sufficiency, meaningful participation, and quality of life.

Employees in Youth Autism Services are expected to support this mission by providing services that are:

Participant-Focused • Respectful • Inclusive • Safe • Person-Centered • Choice-Driven • Quality-Focused

The Van Driver is an important part of the participant's experience and is expected to recognize that safe transportation is a critical component of access to meaningful services and community participation.

---

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions.

The duties and responsibilities may be modified based on organizational needs, participant needs, program requirements, vehicle requirements, applicable laws, regulations, and reasonable accommodations.

The League for People with Disabilities reserves the right to revise this job description at any time based on organizational and program needs.

---

THE LEAGUE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Mission:
Offering individuals the opportunity to gain independence, increase self-sufficiency, and improve their quality of life.

Core Values:
Accountability • Independence • Mutual Respect • Participant Focus • Quality