Job Title: Driver
Organization: People for a Healthy Community (PHC)
Location: Gabriola, British Columbia
Job Type: Part-time Casual
Hourly Wage Range: $23-27 hourly
Application Deadline: Open until filled

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Are you passionate about transportation and supporting your community? On the ball when it comes to time management? Committed to safety? Capable of creating a friendly and welcoming environment for our seniors? If so, we have a position for you! 

About Us:

People for a Healthy Community (PHC) exists to provide services and support to residents of Gabriola, Mudge, and DeCourcy Islands throughout their lives, and especially at vulnerable points to improve their health and quality of life in a manner that builds community, maintains dignity and challenges inequities.

 

Through our own initiatives and in collaboration with others, we deliver programming that includes:

• Food programs, ranging from elementary nutrition to family grocery support to seniors’ lunches

• Seniors’ programs ranging from adult activity days to aging in place support

• Providing access to services such as advocacy, caregiver support, hospice, physical and mental health, and transportation.
   

Position Summary:

Our drivers are responsible and accountable for the safe and punctual transport of both program participants and goods, on and off island. In our Transportation and Seniors Programs, this role supports program participants’ mobility, independence, and access to medical and social activities while ensuring comfort, dignity, and safety. In our Food Program, this role supports our food recovery efforts and our Grocery Program (aka Food Bank) by ensuring the timely transport of recovered and donated food between grocery stores, distribution sites, and PHC program locations.

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Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Transport program participants to and from non-emergency medical appointments (as close as Nanaimo and as far as Victoria), PHC’s Adult Day Program, and various recreational outings;

• Assist passengers entering and exiting the vehicle, including individuals with mobility challenges or assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.);

• Ensure passengers are safely seated and secured before travel;

• Transport food from locations on Gabriola and in Nanaimo back to the PHC program locations on Gabriola;

• Assist with safely loading food at pick up sites and safely unloading food upon arrival back at the PHC offices;

• Perform routine vehicle inspections prior to each scheduled ride, including checking fuel levels, tire pressure, safety equipment, lifts/ramps, and overall vehicle condition;

• Utilise navigation tools to map and follow the most efficient routes;

• Operate vehicles in compliance with all traffic laws and safety regulations;

• Document trip start and end odometer readings, times arriving at, and departing from, the ferry terminal, and times arriving at, and departing from, appointments; 

• Observe and report on any vehicle issues and/or maintenance concerns;

• Communicate effectively with dispatch;

• Ensure vehicle gas tank is left at appropriate level after each ride;

• Ensure the vehicle remains clean, sanitized, and organized throughout the shift;

• Ensure internal policies and procedures are observed and followed at all times;

• Support the delivery of PHC programs by fostering positive group dynamics, maintaining open and respectful communication with program participants, and addressing conflicts in a timely and constructive manner;

• Maintain program participant confidentiality at all times and treat all passengers with dignity and respect;

• Maintain a broad knowledge and understanding of all programming offered by PHC, and other organizations in the community, to ensure an ability to refer program participants to further appropriate supports.

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Education & Experience & Core Competencies:

• High school diploma or equivalent;

• Valid class 5 driver’s licence with a clean driving record;

• Previous experience as a driver in a professional capacity is required; 

• Previous experience driving older adults and seniors is an asset;

• Previous experience working in a not-for-profit environment is an asset;

• Proficient in operating and parking larger vehicles;

• Proficient in operating both right hand and left hand drive vehicles;

• Familiarity with local streets and neighbourhoods of Gabriola and Nanaimo, at minimum;

• Ability to lift and move 25-50lbs and be physical throughout the work day;

• Current Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level 3 (or willingness to obtain);

• Friendly and approachable demeanor and a strong sense of compassion for others;

• Sensitivity to creating inclusive environments;

• Ability to maintain a professional and respectful approach to working with program participants and volunteers.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, analytical thinking, problem solving, multi-tasking, and time management skills;

• Basic computer skills.

Working Conditions:

• Combination of outdoor activities working in varied weather conditions and in-vehicle time;

• Working alone, long periods of sitting;

• This position may require heavy lifting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching;

• Working with a team of staff and volunteers;

• Working additional hours, including evenings, weekends, or statutory holidays may be required to fulfill the duties of this position and to meet the operational needs of the organization;

 

Equal Opportunity Statement:

People for a Healthy Community (PHC) is committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and where all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed. In accordance with the BC Human Rights Code, we will not discriminate against any person based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, Indigenous identity, religion, political belief, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or because of a conviction for an offence unrelated to employment. 

 

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable work environment that reflects the diverse communities of British Columbia. We still strive to identify and remove barriers to employment, and provide equitable opportunities for hiring, training, and promotion based on skills and abilities. All members of our team are expected to contribute to a respectful workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and passion for
non-profit and community social services to hr@phcgabriola.org

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Applications will be accepted until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.