Incumbent operates one or more types of patient transport vehicles, including emergency vehicles, patient transport vans/buses and other types of transport vehicles, capable of carrying up to 14 passengers, to and from VA Medical Center facilities, private healthcare facilities, and other private sector areas like patient homes, railway, bus stations and airports. Incumbent drives predetermined and/or scheduled routes or special runs.

Duties

Incumbent is under the supervision of the Mobility Manager/MVO Supervisor/Transportation Coordinator. The incumbent receives work assignments and direction regarding work methods, procedures, and schedules from either the Transportation Coordinator and/or the Mobility Manager. Incumbent operates one or more types of patient transport vehicles, including emergency vehicles, patient transport vans/buses and other types of transport vehicles, capable of carrying up to 14 passengers, to and from VA Medical Center facilities, private healthcare facilities, and other private sector areas like patient homes, railway, bus stations and airports. Incumbent drives predetermined and/or scheduled routes or special runs. Arrives at and departs from pickup and discharge points at scheduled times. Driver cannot alter routes unless directed by dispatcher or due to road/traffic conditions; proceeds only to designated areas or hospital; cooperates in a coordinated, constantly flowing efforts. Operates the doors to allow passengers to enter and leave the vehicle. Reads installation maps and judges road/traffic conditions to determine the shortest and safest route. Provide friendly, polite, and courteous service. Enforce passenger safety and seatbelt use. Checks I.D. cards to ensure authorization of passengers as required. Vehicles are driven over roads and streets through various types of traffic and possible weather conditions. Vehicle types may include special purpose vehicles equipped with special purpose equipment and levers, buttons, pedals, and control equipment (e.g., wheelchair lifts). Responsibilities are to safely transport patients in a manner that minimizes disruption to personnel and ensure maximum comfort during travel. Knows and abides by rules, laws and traffic regulations pertaining to state laws. When transporting patients, the incumbent must be able to load and unload patients safely. Makes trip to medical facilities, homes, railway, bus stations and airport. Trips may require pick up from private homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and doctors' offices and in some cases housing and employment areas in a timely and courteous manner. Uses multiple variations of Mobile Data Computer (MDC) in and out of the vehicles for assigned trips and duties daily. Employee required to deal with patients, families of patients, charge nurses, doctors, and other medical staff in a professional and courteous manner. May be required to transfer neurotic patients with and without assistance depending on the patient's condition and medical approval. Incumbent loads and unloads patients, medical supplies and may be required to perform other duties as assigned. Incumbent may operate a stretcher van, 1-ton wheelchair van, a passenger van, a large passenger bus, Dual Use Vehicles and other vehicles as assigned and needed to transport patients. Required to pick up and deliver patients mainly throughout the Catchment area, as assigned by the Mobility Manager/MVO Supervisor/Transportation Coordinator. Vehicles will range from 8,900 GVW to 26,000 GVW with wheelchair lift or ramp. The Motor Vehicle Operator will follow all applicable and current laws, regulations, VA directives, policies etc. Perform operator maintenance such as checking fluid levels and air pressure in tires, cleaning and washing of vehicles, and performing inspection checklists to ensure safe and proper operation. Maintain records and document actions, such as operator inspection checklists/forms and accident/incident reports. Uses two-way radio (or other device) to maintain communications with dispatcher/supervisor on assignments and locations, in accordance with FCC rules and regulations. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing. May be required to drive other type motor vehicles on a non-recurring or incidental basis. Incumbent participates in Service Safety activities and attends scheduled safety training as directed by supervisor. Must practice and promote safe work and driving habits and follow standard safety procedures, identify existing or potential safety hazards, and promptly notifies supervisor, and initiates corrective action as required. A valid Driver's License Class (C) is required for the position. Must successfully complete Basic Life Support (BLS) training. Performs other related duties as assigned. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: HR Specialist Total Rewards Work Schedule: Full time M-F 8:00-16:30 Position Description/PD#: Motor Vehicle Operator/PD99793S Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/23/2023. Specialized Experience: Knowledge of and skill in operating patient transport vehicles, patient transport vans/buses and other types of transport vehicles, capable of carrying up to 14 passengers. Vehicle types include special purpose vehicles equipped with special purpose equipment and levers, buttons, pedals, and control equipment (e.g., wheelchair lifts). The vehicles range from 8,900 GVW to 26,000 GVW with special purpose equipment and wheelchair lift. Knowledge of the height, weight, width, and length of the vehicles to judge overhead and side clearance, the turning radius, braking distance, and safe distance to be maintained from other vehicles. Knowledge of safe braking distances of buses considering the extra load of passengers. Skill in applying this knowledge to maneuver vehicles in congested areas and when backing vehicle to loading docks/station. Knowledge of vehicle safety and traffic rules and regulations for operating various type vehicles. Skilled in defensive driving techniques. Must possess and demonstrate good customer service skills. Must demonstrate proficiency in safely operating wheelchair lift and ramp and the proper use of vehicle device restraint/lock down mechanisms to safely transport wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, and scooters (when applicable). Must be capable of detecting probable mechanical problems to the vehicle during operation and report to the garage mechanic any unusual noises or operating conditions. Skill in reading and understanding maps and other locator documents, and in determining the shortest and safest route, considering the weight and size of the vehicle and any road restrictions. Knowledge required to use a Mobile Data Computer (MDC) for GPS directional services, register Veterans boarding and unloading the vehicle, communicate via the MDC with the scheduler/dispatcher as needed, record on the MDC and keep accurate records related to fuel, maintenance and other vehicle documentation as may be required by the VA or the state. Knowledge of the standards of universal precautions and general principles of infection control in working with the patients being transported. Must be able to perform; CPR, patient transfer principles, utilization and maintenance of equipment and lifting principles, transfer/transport patients using portable oxygen tank, and follow infection control guidelines. Must be able to appropriately manage patients with behavioral problems per the skills and instructions received in training for the Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior. Knowledge of the operator's manual for assigned vehicles. Knowledge to recognize developing maintenance problems when conducting operator inspections and report problems to the supervisor. Knowledge of passenger safety rules including the use of seatbelts and tie-downs for wheelchairs. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Drive SafelyInterpret Instructions, Specifications (mobile equipment operations)Reliability And Dependability Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: Work requires reaching, turning, or moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to operate hand and foot controls. Incumbent will be required to assist patients with a variety of medical conditions and/or disabilities. Associated duties require stooping, bending, lifting, climbing, and securing patients, oxygen, and wheelchairs with appropriate securing devices. Lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier. Must follow prescribed safety procedures using appropriate lifting methods and body mechanics for heavy lifting or moving of heavy objects. Must be able to drive for a minimum of a four-hour period and stay mentally alert. If driver realizes they are not mentally alert, they must use good judgment in pulling over at the first safe area, road- checking vehicle with walk-around inspection, and continue driving as soon as possible. Incumbent must pass a VA Physical and adhere to all VA and DOT drug and alcohol testing and guidelines. Drivers work mostly outside and operate vehicles in all kinds of weather. Drivers are exposed to dirt, fumes, and to the possibility of cuts, bruises, and broken bones because of accidents when loading and unloading the vehicle. Must have ability to drive in rural areas, very congested metropolitan traffic and/or construction ones. Must safely handle patients, both stretcher and wheelchair, in loading and unloading from vans and buses. The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Shift work may be required. May be required to work overtime after normal working hours providing it is an emergency or their services are needed to transport patients. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Eugene Jacobs
• Email: [email protected]