Community Bus Driver

PURPOSE
 
Community Transport provides transport to assist eligible Nillumbik residents to access shops, services, social activities and health-related services. The target group is older people, people with a disability & their carers. There is also scope to provide short term transport services for residents who usually travel independently but are temporarily unable to drive or access other transport options e.g. due to injury.
The community transport is much more than a transport service. The volunteer recognises Council’s commitment to a positive ageing experience for older residents by emphasising social connectedness, practical support and active community participation.
Drivers use Council owned – 12 seater buses (only car licence required) to pick up the passenger at their residence and drive them to their designated location on the drivers run sheet/s.
 
LOCATION
The Council operate 3 community buses. Two buses are garaged at the Council’s Civic Drive Office and the other bus is located at the Panton Hill Living & Learning Centre in Bishops Rd. Bus use is determined by the volunteer’s residence and availability of the bus due to bus hires.
The buses predominantly operate within the Nillumbik Shire Council region however, they occasionally travel outside the region.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 Pick up clients from their residence and transport them to their location in accordance with the driver run sheet,
 Provide respectful assistance to clients on entry & exit of the bus (Transport Service is a non-contact service). Manual step extension may be used on some buses and use is in accordance with the Council’s manual handling procedures.
 Awareness and sensitivity to the requirements of elderly people and people from different cultural backgrounds,
 A non-judgmental service,
 Walkers are folded and stored in a safe manner for transport,
 Notify the Transport Officer of any concerns about passengers’ health, safety and wellbeing,
 Carry a charged mobile phone,
 Respect clients’ right to privacy and maintain the confidentiality of client’s information at all times and
 Enter required data into the volunteer management database, myvolunteerpage.com.au (access to the internet essential)
 
REPORTS TO
Community Support Services - Transport Officer.
 
TIME COMMITMENT
Usually 1 day per week/fortnight/month or according to your availability.
 
REQUIRED SKILLS
 Good communication skills,
 Minimum 5 years' driving with full licence,
 Competent driver with excellent driving history,
 Non-judgmental,
 Basic computer skills and
 Patience, compassion and flexibility.
 
SUPPORT
Training and orientation for this position will be provided by the Community Transport Officer. Ongoing support will be provided throughout the volunteer’s involvement in the program.
 
CERTIFICATION/LICENCE REQUIREMENT
Current, valid and full Victorian Drivers’ Licence.
 
SECURITY/MEDICAL CHECKS AND REFERENCES
 Police Check,
 Medical Examination,
 Current Working With Children Check,
 Driver History Check,
 Comprehensive Car Insurance and
 Two Reference checks.
 
POLICIES:
Please refer to Councils Volunteer handbook for details regarding occupational Health and Safety, Equal Opportunity, privacy and confidentially and Code of Conduct policies. Full policy documents can be requested from the Transport Officer.