Organization Description
Youth Justice Network (YJN) was founded in 1990 at the alternative high school on Rikers Island to address the disproportionate incarceration of young people of color returning home from custody. YJN fosters strong connections with young people, primarily ages 16 to 24, through multiple touchpoints along the justice system continuum. We engage with young people for the long term, creating pathways for them to achieve goals in health and wellbeing, education, work, arts and recreation, civic engagement and youth leadership.
Shifting Gears was created by the agency three years ago to bring mobile career supports and advocacy to our participants’ neighborhoods throughout New York City. Our buses act as an innovative public safety solution that brings tangible resources to the doorstep, offers exposure and access to living wage career pathways, and serves as a long-lasting positive force for healing.
Role
We are seeking a driver(s) to be an integral part of the Shifting Gears team, to ensure that our two vehicles reach a minimum of eight neighborhoods per week. We are seeking candidates who are experienced in driving larger vehicles including sprinters, vans and/or trucks. We are looking either for two part-time drivers or one full-time driver to ensure adequate coverage of key neighborhoods throughout New York City, and who approach the work with care and pride. As a staff member of Youth Justice Network and Shifting Gears in particular, the driver is encouraged to leverage organization resources for personal growth both professionally and academically.
Hours: Flexible Full-time or part-time options
Reports to: Director of Shifting Gears
Location: All routes in either the Bronx and Manhattan; or Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island
OBJECTIVES OF THIS ROLE
Essential Responsibilities
Driver(s) [totaling a 40-hour week] for Shifting Gears needed to cover six to eight neighborhoods per week, per week, from 9 am to 5 pm weekdays, with potential for additional hours and flexibility to drive for occasional special events and/or on weekends.
Manage the cleanliness of the Shifting Gears bus on a daily basis, keeping all supplies and outreach materials meticulously organized and inviting.
Enter van location data into YJN database on a daily basis.
Assist outreach team in table and technology set up, while offering a welcome attitude to stakeholders that engage with the Shifting Gears program—potential youth members, mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, local community leaders.
Keep daily tabs on the fuel level of vehicle to be able to monitor ample notice for gas refill.
Monitor the condition of the vehicle’s engine, body, drivetrain, wheels, and electrical system to flag needed repairs. When repairs are needed, driver must bring the vehicle to the mechanic for drop off.
Keep vigilant tabs on vehicle registration and inspection, giving supervisor months notice for renewal.
Participate in relevant Shifting Gears and team and agency check-ins in person at offices.
REQUIREMENTS
Required Qualifications
Must have Valid New York State Driver's License and excellent driving record, with two years’ experience.
Must be insurable on Youth Justice Network transportation insurance.
Good knowledge of New York Metropolitan area pertaining to transportation routes.
Must be respectful, courteous, and patient.
Excellent navigation skills and proficiency in using navigation apps.
Good communication and interpersonal skills – enjoy people and maintain good humor.
Excellent time management skills with a strict adherence to being on-time on a daily basis.
Candidates who have a passion for our mission and a belief in the young people we work with are preferred.
Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
Depending on full or part-time status, benefits include a competitive vacation/sick leave policy including three days off between Christmas and New Year's Day, four-day summer weeks through July and August, generous health insurance, 403b match. Benefits pro-rated for part-time status.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Hourly Rate: $24 - $28
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour