Community Outing and Transportation Specialist

Schedule: Full-Time | 32 hours per week
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
Additional Hours: Opportunity for up to 40 hours per week based on special events and program needs

Position Summary

The Community Outing and Transportation Specialist plays an important role in supporting Eisenhower Center's mission to provide innovative, trauma-informed, evidence-based, and patient-centered rehabilitation services.

This position provides safe, reliable, and compassionate transportation for individuals recovering from brain injuries, behavioral health conditions, and other complex medical needs. The Specialist promotes dignity, independence, community integration, and meaningful therapeutic engagement while supporting each individual's rehabilitation goals.

The Transportation Specialist works as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team and may assist with therapeutic programming, resident engagement, behavioral support, and environmental safety when transportation duties are completed.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent customer service, strong safety awareness, effective trauma-informed communication, and a commitment to providing a positive and supportive experience for every resident and participant.

All duties are performed in accordance with applicable organizational policies, CARF standards, CMS requirements, CMH expectations, LARA regulations, DOT requirements, and state and federal guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Transportation & Community Access

• Safely transport residents and participants between Eisenhower Center locations, treatment programs, vocational opportunities, community activities, medical appointments, and other destinations.
• Operate wheelchair-accessible vehicles and lift-equipped buses in accordance with safety regulations and organizational procedures.
• Properly secure wheelchairs, mobility devices, and adaptive equipment before operating the vehicle.
• Use defensive driving techniques and proactive risk-management practices to protect passengers, staff, and community members.
• Complete required pre-trip, post-trip, and routine vehicle inspections.
• Report mechanical problems, safety concerns, or maintenance needs promptly.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic, respectful, and supportive transportation environment.
• Encourage independence, autonomy, and community participation.
• Engage residents in meaningful and enjoyable activities that support recovery, healing, and overall well-being.

Trauma-Informed & Person-Centered Care

• Provide transportation using trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive approaches.
• Promote psychological safety, dignity, respect, and emotional regulation.
• Respond calmly and appropriately to behavioral, emotional, cognitive, or environmental challenges.
• Use de-escalation and therapeutic communication techniques consistent with organizational training.
• Encourage independence while providing appropriate supervision and support.
• Advocate for residents and support individualized rehabilitation goals.

Program & Resident Support

• Participate in therapeutic, vocational, recreational, and community integration activities when transportation responsibilities are completed.
• Assist program staff with participant engagement, supervision, and safety.
• Collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Observe and communicate changes in resident status, behavior, or safety concerns to appropriate clinical staff.
• Support individualized treatment and rehabilitation plans.

Safety, Compliance & Documentation

• Follow all applicable organizational policies and regulatory requirements, including CARF, CMS, CMH, LARA, DOT, and HIPAA standards.
• Complete required documentation related to transportation, incidents, accidents, and safety concerns.
• Submit timely event reports through Safety Zone and other designated reporting systems.
• Participate in quality improvement, risk management, and safety initiatives.
• Maintain all required certifications, training, and competencies.
• Protect resident confidentiality and sensitive information.

Vehicle & Equipment Management

• Keep assigned vehicles clean, sanitary, safe, and ready for use.
• Coordinate with maintenance staff regarding repairs, preventive maintenance, and safety concerns.
• Ensure transportation equipment remains functional, accessible, and compliant.
• Participate in fleet safety and transportation quality improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Michigan Chauffeur License or Commercial Driver's License (CDL), as applicable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all driving credentials required by Eisenhower Center.
• Ability to safely operate wheelchair-accessible vehicles and transportation equipment.
• Commitment to resident safety, exceptional customer service, and person-centered care.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals recovering from brain injury, behavioral health conditions, developmental disabilities, or complex medical needs.
• Previous experience in healthcare, rehabilitation, behavioral health, transportation, or human services.
• Training or experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, behavioral support, or de-escalation.
• Familiarity with CARF standards and healthcare regulatory requirements.

Core Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Trauma-informed and person-centered care.
• Therapeutic communication.
• Resident advocacy and community integration support.
• Behavioral observation and reporting.
• Defensive driving and vehicle safety.
• Risk management and emergency response.
• Safety and regulatory compliance.
• Accurate incident reporting.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Problem-solving and sound professional judgment.
• Accountability and adaptability.
• Excellent customer service.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to:

• Safely assist individuals entering and exiting vehicles.
• Secure wheelchairs, mobility devices, and adaptive equipment.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull items within organizationally established limits, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Sit, stand, bend, walk, and complete vehicle inspections throughout the workday.
• Safely operate transportation vehicles in varying weather and road conditions.

Typical Daily Schedule

8:30 AM–8:45 AM
Review incident reports, prepare for the day, and coordinate daily transportation needs.

8:45 AM–9:15 AM
Assist residents with boarding and ensure necessary supplies and equipment are ready.

9:15 AM–10:00 AM
Coordinate with Day Program staff and transport residents to the farm.

10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Support day program activities, community integration, and resident engagement. Includes a 30-minute lunch break.

2:00 PM–3:00 PM