The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is "UPO's Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents"; our Mission is "Uniting People with Opportunities."
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services.
POSITION: Driver/Outreach Worker -
Seasonal (6 Positions)
PROGRAM/DIVISION: Shelter Hotline Program/
Community Health Division
BULLETIN No: 1092024
HOURLY RATE: $18.00 per hour
OPENING DATE: September 13, 2024
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
FIRST SOURCE: N/A
BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
The Shelter Hotline Program transports clients to various shelters and other programs designated locations 365 days per year, 18-24 hours per day. Driver/ Outreach workers are expected to operate UPO Shelter Hotline vehicles to transport clients along assigned routes and/or designated point to point service destinations.
MAJOR DUTIES:
Present to Shelter Hotline Call Center to receive daily driving assignment as well as related items. Ensure the road worthiness of each vehicle to be safely driven, by performing a pre-trip inspection (Include, but not limited to checking levels of fuel, water, tire pressure and general condition, both interior and exterior for damage and wear and tear prior to departure from assigned site). Perform a post-trip inspection of vehicle driven to ensure it is properly cleaned, fueled, and secured for use by next driver at the end of respective shift. Document all assignment activities on/in driver's manifest log (such as mileage, number of passengers transport, items distributed etc). Provide outreach and transportation services to homeless adults and/or families to (designated/or) available shelters in the DC area. Canvas the Washington, DC city streets looking for homeless, at-risk clients who need assistance with transportation and/or comfort items (such as blanks, cots, socks, beverages, food etc). Ensure passengers are properly seated and given proper safety instructions that must be observed and abided by while being transported in any UPO vehicle. Transport and escort, as required, identified clients to and from scheduled and approved locations; such as vacancies within the overnight shelter system, and other approved destinations as directed. Communicate with hotline dispatcher via two-way radios to obtain resources to assist persons identified as at-risk or requiring services to combat hazards due to inclement weather.
Work closely with the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), DC Fire and Police departments, to relocate clients from the streets to shelter.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Candidate must have the qualifications listed in this section to be considered for the position. High school diploma or GED. Two years of experience operating a 15- passenger vehicle. Must possess a current Class D driver's license. Current five (5) year driving record cannot exceed more than two points.
Must be able to work a varied schedule, including nights, holidays and weekends, and drive during all types of weather. Must have strong comprehensive geographic knowledge of Washington, DC in order to effectively navigate the streets and neighborhoods. Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to effectively use or learn to use Microsoft Office programs (specifically, Outlook and Word) and use electronic time-keeping program. Possess effective organizational and professional communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to prepare written reports as required. Possess the abilities to work well under extreme pressure. Ability to work effectively both independently and in team environments.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS :
First-Aid & CPR certification. Bilingual/Spanish.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS :
In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.
ESSENTIAL POSITION : x YES o NO
UPO designates an employee as essential if s/he is required to work during a business closure (e.g., federal/District holidays, snow closures, pandemic) in order to meet operational requirements. Essential employees who are customer-facing (e.g., nurses, transportation, facilities) who deliver essential services are not eligible for Teleworking/Remote Work.
This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to mandatory random drug and alcohol testing.
Additionally, this position requires the incumbent to submit to yearly tuberculosis testing.
This position IS NOT in the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.
NOTE: This position requires a recent driving record with no more than two (2) points.
TB test must be presented upon date of hire
To be considered for this position:
Submit your resume AND driving record on the Career Center Online.
THIS SEASONAL POSITION IS FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 1,2024 THROUGH April 16, 2025.
Resumes submitted without driving records will not be reviewed .
UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer