Travel Trainer (Transit Outreach and Education)

DESCRIPTION

Ready to ignite your career in public transportation with a thrilling role that's all about making a difference in your community? Look no further!  We are currently seeking to fill the role of Travel Trainer.  The Travel Trainer program empowers the individual to get where they need to go and explore their city at their own pace.  Our dedicated trainers compassionately guide individuals with disabilities and seniors through personalized or group sessions promoting independence by focusing on understanding bus routes, reading schedules, tips on navigating, using the Transit app, purchasing tickets, and seeking assistance within the public transportation system.  

Under the direction of a supervisor, the Travel Trainer will coordinate and perform activities related to the travel training program for individuals, including seniors, persons with disabilities, school programs and general population by designing and conducting both one-on-one and group trainings for commuters using Pierce Transit buses, Runners, local link light/commuter rail, and alternative public transit options.  

Responsibilities include coordination of transportation between agencies and working closely with Pierce Transit ADA department staff and ensures that training is current with Pierce Transit and Travel Training industry standards. 

To learn more about the Travel Trainer service at Pierce Transit .

If you're not currently living in the Lakewood-area, that's not a problem!  We may be able to help with reimbursing up to $2,500 in moving expenses for those who physically relocate their primary residence to the Pierce/King/Thurston County area (substantiated with receipts).  Washington State was recently recognized as being number 1 in the nation for quality of life; read more about that .

BENEFITS:
 At Pierce Transit, our employees? health is important to us too!
 That?s why we offer two on-site gyms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.
 
 If your career goals change while you?re employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a position at Pierce Transit.
 
 All of Pierce Transit are required to participate in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, and , as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation.
 
 Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare. 

Pierce Transit provides an ORCA Card benefit for each employee and a family member. This benefit provides free access to service on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Seattle Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Foot Ferry.
 
 PAID LEAVE:
 Full-time Pierce Transit employees are eligible to receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 12 vacation days per year, and the ability to earn up to 2 additional personal holidays by participating in a qualifying wellness activity and the annual survey.  Part-time employees, receive pro-rated leave, to include sick leave, vacation, personal holiday and holiday pay.  Vacation leave accrual rates increase per the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Design and present one-on-one and group travel training for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and other individuals, to prepare them to use fixed route services, including introduction to Pierce Transit's bus system, mobility device instruction, boarding and de-boarding, street crossing, safety skills, emergency awareness and trip planning.
• Conduct functional assessment of individuals related to using the bus.
• Schedule individual travel training, evaluate progress and follow-up with individuals.
• Design individual travel training based on assessment of client mobility and identification of client travel needs, travel routes and site assessments.
• May schedule trips with clients to obtain applicable passes.
• Coordinate paratransit pick-up and meet client at pre-arranged location.
• Model appropriate travel behavior, instruct trainee in emergency procedures.
• Instruct client in boarding and de-boarding using mobility devices and prompt trainee on appropriate behavior and process.
• Conduct  classes for persons with disabilities and senior citizen community groups to provide general information regarding the Agency's fixed route system, customer services trip planning, fare structure, and boarding and de-boarding buses to increase comfort in using the transit system.
• Develop and conduct public presentations at workshops and community events at a variety of locations while promoting Pierce Transit services and answer questions from the public. 
• Coordinate with contract service providers to conduct group and individual training that is tailored to their specific guidelines.
• Staff community events, service center meal sites, and resource fairs and speaking at community meetings to provide information regarding Pierce Transit's services and travel training program.
• Receive training referrals from care providers, service agencies, individuals, SHUTTLE eligibility staff and network through outreach events to expand opportunities. 
• Prepare correspondence for potential clients and current users of the travel training program. 
• Create, maintain and prepare reports and documents that analyze the Travel Training program. 
• Set up and maintain computerized and manual files related to travel training program including accurate, easily readable training histories of all persons who receive travel training; performing related work as assigned.
• Drive all job-related vehicles.
• Demonstrates reliable and consistent attendance.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required: 

• Completion of high school or GED. 
• Three years' experience delivering in-person customer services to a diverse clientele.

Licensing, Certifications and Other Legal Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver license with acceptable driving record throughout employment.
• Clearance is required prior to accessing Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Employees in this classification are subject to recurring background checks conducted by JBLM.
• First Aid and CPR certified.

Desired: 

• Experience working with the persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Experience working around service animals.  
• Coursework in training or instructional techniques, or one year of experience in training. 

Knowledge & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Basic training design and delivery methods;
• Pierce Transit's service area and fixed route and paratransit services;
• ADA regulations related to transit services;
• Functional abilities related to medical conditions;
• In-person, telephone and written communication techniques for providing service to customers;
• Presentation techniques;
• Proper English usage.

Ability to:

• Exhibit sensitivity to the needs of persons with disabilities;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Work tactfully and effectively with representatives of social service agencies, care-givers, patient advocates and the general public;
• Instruct in the use of mobility devices for the disabled;
• Use good judgment; represent Pierce Transit positively in the community;
• Explain Agency programs, rules and regulations to customers;
• Work with minimal supervision;
• Read and understand maps, street guides, timetables and policies;
• Follow oral and written instructions;
• Operate a computer to accomplish word processing and data entry

 Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work evenings on occasion; must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Must be mobile and able to travel distances up to two miles daily on all types of terrain.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions as described above including the ability to maneuver objects weighting up to 25 pounds.
• Must have CPR/First Aid certification and be able to render first aid as necessary.
• Must be well-organized and able to document all training activities.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION