Client Drivers provide more than just a ride. They are the first person and last person from Leader Dog that the client interacts with in person. They provide a reassuring presence and help make clients feel welcome and cared for. Volunteers fill a vital role in making the client’s experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Client Drivers use Leader Dog vehicles to provide safe transportation for Leader Dog clients to and from the Leader Dog campus in Rochester Hills, MI. In addition to providing transportation, volunteers also escort clients through airport security and to their gate, problem-solve if a flight is delayed or cancelled, and make clients feel at ease under stressful travel situations. Drives are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays, so weekend availability is required for this position.
Skills and Attributes:
Ideal candidates for this role will have the following attributes.
•Have an impeccable driving record
•Have the ability to drive a large passenger van
•Have a flexible schedule with weekend availability
•Be friendly, helpful, dependable, professional, compassionate, and a good problem-solver
•Be able to comprehend, follow, and retain both written and verbal directions
•Use discretion, sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality
•Ability to work closely with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) through airport security checkpoints
•Comfortable working with people who are blind and low vision, using Human Guide techniques (training provided)
•Comfortable around large dogs (Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers)
•Be commitment to our mission: “Our mission is empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel.
Requirements:
•Must be at least 18 years of age.
•Complete an online application, pre-screening phone call and in-person interview
• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass a Department of Motor Vehicles check (this is in addition to the regular background check performed on all on-campus volunteers)
• Complete onboarding documents and participate in all trainings
• Regularly record service hours in our online database
• Have a cell phone to use in case of emergencies
• Ability to bend at the waist, stoop at the knee, and walk with excellent balance
• Be able to assist clients with luggage and packages (up to 50 lbs)
*Be able to commit to at least 2 weekend drives per month
