Paratransit Trainer

Position Summary

The Paratransit Trainer owns operator training at CDT South, running the classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction that gets new drivers road-ready and keeps current operators current. The role sets the standard for safe, ADA-compliant paratransit service and works closely with Operations and Safety to close performance gaps as they surface.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Exercise independent judgment to lead, design, develop, and implement initial and recurrent training programs for paratransit operators, across both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

• Assess and certify new operators as road-ready and confirm every operator stays current with company and contract training requirements.

• Supervise, direct, and schedule behind-the-wheel trainers and evaluators, set their objectives, and hold them accountable for consistent, standards-based instruction.

• Deliver classroom instruction to WeDriveU and client specifications, covering:

  • Defensive driving and service-area familiarization.

  • Passenger loading and unloading, including ADA-compliant securement, lifts, ramps, and wheelchair tie-downs.

  • Manifest documentation and use of on-board equipment.

  • Accident and emergency procedures.

  • Dispatch and radio communication.

  • Passenger assistance and sensitivity for riders with disabilities.

• Document all training activity and keep operator training records accurate and audit-ready.

• Provide ongoing coaching and performance evaluations, and partner with Operations to retrain operators flagged for safety or service concerns.

• Keep training materials, safety content, and job aids aligned with current company policy and contract requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred.

• Three or more years in transportation training preferred, ideally in paratransit or demand-response service.

• Experience leading, coordinating, or mentoring a driver or trainer workforce preferred.

• Valid driver's license appropriate to the vehicle class operated on the contract.

• Must complete WeDriveU's paratransit bus driver instructor certification; equivalent trainer experience may be substituted where appropriate.

• Safety-sensitive position. Must pass pre-employment physical, medical, and substance-abuse screening, and is subject to random substance-abuse testing under company policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of Google Workspace or Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and transportation-related software.

• Strong classroom and group-presentation skills, with clear coaching and feedback for a driver workforce.

• Organized, able to manage multiple training cohorts and schedules at once.

• Sound judgment under pressure and a service-first response to unexpected events.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The Trainer must be able to demonstrate and instruct behind-the-wheel technique, wheelchair securement, and lift and ramp operation. The role involves regular sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and boarding and exiting vehicles across a shift. Work is split across classroom, yard, and in-service vehicles, with outdoor exposure during behind-the-wheel training. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Information

This description conveys the general nature and level of the work and is not an exhaustive list of all duties or qualifications. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on contract requirements, service design, and business needs. WeDriveU is an equal opportunity employer.