Overview
Special Needs Transportation Driver – San Diego County Jobs in El Cajon, CA at CareRide SoSD
Professional Driver – Full-Time
Location: El Cajon (San Diego County Service Area)
Position Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $17.75/hr + Discretionary Bonuses
About Us
We are a growing transportation company serving clients across San Diego County, with a focus on quality, safety, and care. We are seeking a team of dedicated, professional drivers to join us on a full-time basis providing specialized passenger transportation services for individuals throughout the community, including passengers who utilize wheelchairs or mobility equipment.
Some routes involve transporting passengers using ADA-accessible vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts and securement systems. No prior wheelchair transportation experience is required. Paid training will be provided on proper wheelchair lift operation, passenger securement procedures, safety protocols, and client assistance techniques to ensure all drivers are confident and prepared before entering active service.
Key Qualifications
Driver’s License: Valid California Class C Driver’s License (Standard license is sufficient for hire). Class B licensing is welcomed but not required.
Driving Record: A safe, clean driving history. To meet our commercial insurance requirements, preferred candidates will have no moving violations, reckless driving incidents, or at-fault accidents within the past 3 years. Due to the safety-sensitive nature of passenger transportation, a history free of DUI or impaired driving offenses is highly preferred.
Vehicle Familiarity: Candidates must be comfortable and confident operating large passenger vehicles, including the high-roof, long-wheelbase Ford Transit van platform as well as the Ford E350 platform.
Preferred Experience: Previous experience in delivery driving, medical transportation, shuttle services, trucking, commercial fleet operations, or other large-vehicle driving environments is preferred. Experience operating heavy machinery or large equipment is also highly regarded due to the vehicle awareness and operational discipline those roles require.
SENTRI Pass (Preferred): Applicants who currently hold a valid SENTRI pass are preferred to assist with operational flexibility.
Military Backgrounds: We highly value the leadership, safety discipline, and operational skills developed during military service. Candidates with military backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Candidates without prior commercial driving experience are still encouraged to apply. We look for individuals who demonstrate safe driving habits, professionalism, reliability, and the ability to confidently operate larger vehicles.
Application & Interview Process
We will be hosting an invitation-only Weekend Hiring Fair, where we will interview a select group of candidates in person. The live assessment will include a one-on-one interview followed by a behind-the-wheel parking and handling assessment using a Ford Transit (high-roof, long-wheelbase platform) to evaluate spatial awareness, comfort, and safety. Candidates who excel in these areas may be extended a conditional offer of employment on-site.
Onboarding, Certification, & Paid Training
Final employment is contingent upon successfully completing standard state and federal regulatory clearances for passenger transportation. While completing these pre-employment requirements, which typically takes approximately 1–2 months, selected candidates will enter our qualification and training program.
Paid Onboarding & Training: Candidates will receive a weekly onboarding stipend to compensate them for their time during the training and qualification process. During this period, you will report to our yard three (3) times per week for four (4) hours per visit (12 hours total per week) for check-ins, training support, vehicle familiarization, and light duties. This compensation ensures you are fully paid for all required training time in compliance with California labor laws.
Required Steps for Final Placement:
Paid training during onboarding does not constitute a guarantee of permanent placement. Final assignment to a full-time driver position is contingent upon successfully passing all regulatory clearances, medical requirements, and company safety evaluations.
Pay, Benefits, & Workplace Policies
Starting Base Wage: $17.75 per hour.
Performance Bonuses: Drivers may qualify for discretionary, performance-based premium bonuses awarded based on attendance, reliability, vehicle care, safety, professionalism, and on-time client service.
California Live Scan Background Check: In compliance with the California Fair Chance Act, a criminal background check will be conducted only after a conditional offer of employment is made.
DOT Medical Examination: Completion of a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam and issuance of a valid medical certificate (Form MCSA-5875).
CHP VDDP Certification: Enrollment and approval through the California Highway Patrol Vehicle Driver for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (VDDP) program.
CPR / First Aid Certification: Completed during the onboarding period based on class availability.
Sick Pay: Accrued in strict compliance with California law (1 hour of paid sick leave earned for every 30 hours worked).
Safety-Sensitive, Drug-Free Workplace: To ensure the safety of our passengers and comply with Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification standards, we maintain a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy. All conditional hires will undergo a pre-employment drug screening that complies with federal safety standards for commercial operations, and employees will be subject to random sobriety testing during employment.
Pay: From $17.75 per hour
Work Location: On the road
Title: Special Needs Transportation Driver – San Diego County
Company: CareRide SoSD
Location: El Cajon, CA
