Driver

About Optima Living
Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers.
Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 4,300 residents.
Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home™, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Recreation Manager, the Driver is responsible for providing safe, reliable, and courteous transportation services for resident appointments, outings, and events.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self-determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.
Responsibilities

Operates company vehicle safely and in compliance with traffic laws, organizational policies, and licensing requirements.
Transports residents to medical appointments, recreational outings, shopping trips, and other scheduled destinations as applicable.
Provides assistance to residents during boarding and exiting the vehicle, including use of lifts, ramps, or mobility aids as needed.
Conducts pre-trip and post trip vehicle inspections, and reports and addresses maintenance and safety concerns.
Maintains accurate records of trips, mileage, fuel use, and resident attendance as applicable.
Ensures vehicles are regularly cleaned and sanitized, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.
Responds calmly and appropriately in the event of an emergency or unexpected situation during outings.
Supports resident outings by actively participating and engaging as needed.
Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or concerns to supervisor, General Manager or Health & Safety Committee.
Identifies maintenance issues and reports them following established maintenance procedures.
Responds promptly during emergency codes in alignment with organizational standards and protocols.
Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
Completes orientation upon hire and annual mandatory education as assigned.
Supports new team members through their orientation process.
Participates in team meetings and stays informed on relevant internal communications.
Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience operating larger vehicles (e.g., shuttle bus, van) is an asset.
Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is an asset.
Maintains a valid Class 4 driver’s license with a clear driver's abstract.
Maintains an active CPR and First Aid certification.
Ability to assist residents with varying mobility and cognitive abilities.
Knowledge of vehicle safe-lifting techniques and use of mobility equipment is required.
Communicates in an approachable and respectful manner with the temperament to deal tactfully and cooperatively in all interactions.
Demonstrates the ability to effectively organize, prioritize and problem solve.
Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position including adherence to provincial health legislation.
Ability to safely operate equipment according to established protocols.
Computer literacy skills required.
Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.

Conditions of Employment

Clear Police Information Check
Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
Successful completion of all mandatory Provincial Health Requirements
Active CPR and First Aid Certification