The Care Center

Bringing the power of education, arts and culture to youth and their families in Holyoke, MA

Employment

Now Hiring: Van Driver

About The Care Center

The Care Center is a comprehensive and transformative educational program located in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Our mission is to provide opportunities for young mothers and all women facing systemic barriers to resume their education and acquire the education, resources, and skills for lifelong growth, wellness, and economic stability. We offer three integrated programs. Our award-winning high school equivalency program for parents under 24 pairs small-setting HiSET (GED) preparation classes with athletics, art, and poetry. Our highly supportive part-time college courses and fulltime onsite Bard Microcollege Holyoke associates degree program provide opportunities for women of all ages to begin or resume their studies. Support services to aid success include onsite daycare, nurse services, door-to-door transportation, breakfast and lunch, an individual counselor for each student, and housing resources.

Position Summary

The Care Center is seeking a van driver to transport students and their babies to and from the Care Center. The van driver also provides transportation to Care Center classes and  events at other agencies. The van driver needs to communicate effectively with all agency  staff, program participants and the public.

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain the highest level of professionalism and respect in interacting with the students and their children. 
  • Conduct daily safety inspections of the van (interior and exterior) each morning prior to operation.
  • Enforce all safety rules and regulations for passengers and comply with all traffic laws.
  • Keep assigned routes accurate, organized, and up to date.
  • Ensure all students are properly secured with seatbelts and appropriate car seats while the vehicle is in operation.
  • Remove car seats in the morning when the Lead Driver is unavailable.
  • Reinstall all required car seats prior to afternoon (“going home”) transportation and verify they are properly secured each day.
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections, monitor fuel levels, and promptly report any maintenance concerns. Submit the weekly log sheet to the Lead Driver’s mailbox each Friday.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the vehicle, including regular trash removal and vacuuming.
  • Transport the vehicle for required inspections every three months when the Lead Driver is unavailable.
  • Notify the Lead Van Driver immediately of any maintenance or repair needs.
  • Arrange for and complete maintenance or repairs when the Lead Van Driver is unavailable.
  • Ensure the vehicle maintains at least one-quarter tank of fuel at all times and notify the Lead Van Driver when refueling is needed.
  • Transport students to all assigned locations safely and efficiently.
  • Provide transportation support for evening functions as required.
  • Maintain a valid 7D license and renew it annually.
  • Complete all required trainings in a timely manner.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Qualifications

  • Massachusetts Driver license and clean driving record. 
  • Maintain a current 7D license (if necessary, this can be obtained with the offer of employment)). 
  • Be at least 21 years old. 
  • First Aid Certified.  
  • Knowledge of Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee. 
  • Strong communication and safety management skills.
  • CORI Check.  
  • You believe in The Care Center’s mission and values, and are committed to supporting the communities we serve.

Hours, Location and Compensation 

The pay for this position is $24 per hour.  This role averages 36 hours per week during the September–May period and 20 hours per week during June–August.  This is an hourly position with prorated benefits including holiday and personal time.  Benefits include 20 vacation days; 12 sick days; office closures the first week of July and between Christmas and New Years; 12 paid holidays; 70% of health insurance; 100% of life and disability insurance; and an employer 401(k) direct contribution and match. 

To Apply

Please submit your application to employment@carecenterholyoke.org along with a brief cover letter stating why you are interested in working for The Care Center and why you are confident that you would be a great fit for this job.  

This position will begin immediately.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are crucial to our mission and we are committed to cultivating a team that reflects the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunity Employer The Care Center does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, age, race, color, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, accessibility needs, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. As such, The Care Center strongly encourages people from marginalized communities to apply, recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to achieving our mission.