Vehicle Driver II -Food Service

Brief Job Description: 

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below. 

The Vehicle Driver II performs complex (journey-level) motor vehicle operations and work under the supervision of the Director of Food Services. Duties include maintaining cleanliness of the vehicle and the cargo space in a sanitary manner and operating motorized vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with facility rules and state traffic laws. Deliver and pick up cargo as scheduled. The Vehicle Driver II is required to maintain forms and records pertaining to vehicle operations. The completion of work requires use of established methods and/or techniques. The Vehicle Driver II assists in all areas Food Service distribution sites. The Vehicle Driver II has no financial responsibility but is accountable for assigned property. All tasks will be performed within established time frames. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.  

Safely operates a Class  C vehicle, a single rear axle vehicle and other state vehicles in accordance with agency and facility rules/guidelines while obeying all state/federal/local traffic laws. Operates an authorized over the road vehicle and any other vehicle in accordance with Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) rules and regulations between state facilities. Possesses and maintains a valid Texas driver license  class C or higher. Carries facility radio always, when on/off campus trips.  

Delivers/picks up food to/from the warehouse /kitchens. Performs operator vehicle preventative maintenance checks. Specific checks will be made before, during and after operations; and reports any issues related to the vehicle as soon as possible. Checks for proper fluid levels for crankcase oil, transmission and power steering fluid, and brake master cylinder fluid prior to each over the road trip; makes all safety checks (windshield wipers, lights, etc.) prior to, during, and after operations; drains brake air lines daily, if applicable to the assigned vehicle; follows all driver checklist items, and performs all operators preventative maintenance service on schedule;; fuels and checks tire pressure in all Food Service vehicles; checks and ensures load is secure and lift gate is secure before leaving. 

Processes paperwork to fulfill departmental needs and requests. Initiates, processes, and completes paperwork according to local/state guidelines and without significant errors or time delays. Records all mileage Log by recording date, mileage, and gallons at maintenance and mileage log in the truck. Completes detailed maintenance check list weekly/monthly. 

Delivers cargo in a safe and timely manner. Safely accounts for and properly loads, ties down and unloads cargo. Ensures food cartstand vehicle will not be damaged in any way due to a failure to properly load and tie down the cargo. Uses tie downs and keeps an inventory log for replacement. Maintains cargo integrity and safety. Ensures vehicle cargo capacity is not exceeded and that cargo is distributed to reduce maximum axle loading. Receives and maintains certification for using lifts, pallet jacks, and other loading/unloading equipment in a safe manner following appropriate guidelines and policies while performing this position. 

Conducts vehicle operation and safety training. Ensures new driving staff are trained to safely operate the medium duty trucks and to safely use lift gates on all food service vehicles. Ensures new staff are trained to safely load and unload cargo using the appropriate straps. 

Maintains delivery vehicles at optimal condition. Properly cleans and sanitizes the vehicle interior. Cleans the vehicle, walls, and floor with a strong, acceptable disinfectant and/or power washes/steam cleans. Cleans the exterior of the vehicle at least once a month or as weather permits. Cleans the vehicle of all trash after each use and sweeps out the floorboard. Cleans the windows and mirrors after each trip. Pressure washes the inside of the vehicle once a week or more if needed. Keeps tie downs in place and in good condition and replaces when needed. 

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of safe motor vehicle operations and preventative maintenance 

Knowledge of safe cargo loading/unloading, storage, and securing methods 

Knowledge of operations/instruction manuals, and safety materials 

Knowledge of all Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) driving rules and regulations 

Knowledge of infection control policies 

Knowledge of food service techniques and procedures 

Skills and safety in operating a single vehicle  

Verbal and written communications skills with internal customers and external vendors to convey information, clarify issues, and/or respond to inquiries

Good physical stamina, hand to eye coordination, and reflexes 

Ability to use lift gates, pallet jacks, forklifts, or other loading/unloading equipment

Ability to possess and maintain appropriate certification for forklift or other equipment operation required by the position

Ability to use proper lifting techniques

Ability to lift and carry 40-50 pounds 

Ability to throw 20 pounds 

Ability to maneuver loaded food cart with dimensions up to 57” (high) x 28” (depth) x 48” (wide) 

Ability to push and pull carts mounted on 6” wheels weighing between 50-900 pounds

Ability to operate commercial scale

Ability to train others

Ability to identify problems and/or solutions to problems

Ability to communicate effectively with people with diverse back grounds 

Ability to count, read, follow, comprehend, and interpret documents such as maps, safety rules, operating procedures, instructions, and manuals 

Ability to follow, give, record, document written/verbal directions, instructions, communications, schedules, reports, documents, records, to and from subordinates and other program related customers

Ability to maintain accurate records and write effectively and legibly

Ability to become computer literate and use Office 365 and Webmail 

Ability to work in all weather conditions

Ability to safely operate vehicles with limited visibility utilizing mirrors, spotters or other safe backing techniques as required by policy/law 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

Current Valid Texas Class C License or higher. 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Two years of experience in the operation of motor vehicles on a commercial basis required. 

Additional Information: 

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.  

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age. 

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. 

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.