On-Call Lead Driver

Lead Driver (W-2 Employee)

Job Title: Lead Driver
Reports To: Transportation Coordinator
Location: Cincinnati
Employment Type: Part-Time or Full-Time (W-2, Non-Exempt)
Pay:

• $26/hour (Weekday Base)
• $28/hour (Weekend Rate - Saturday & Sunday)
  Minimum Age: 26+

Purpose & Organizational Context

Found Village exists to shift conditions for young people to thrive. Transportation is a critical operational function that ensures youth access to programs, relationships, and community opportunities.

The Lead Driver serves as both a working driver and field leader, ensuring transportation safety, reliability, compliance, and driver team coordination. This role supports operational excellence while modeling professionalism and youth-centered conduct.

Important Scope Note:
Drivers transport youth only to programs, events, appointments, and community activities. Drivers do not transport youth to coaching sessions. Drivers operate Found Village fleet vans only; personal vehicles are not authorized.

Position Overview

The Lead Driver:

• Operates routes directly
• Supports onboarding and mentorship of On-Call Drivers
• Serves as point of contact during active transportation windows
• Reinforces safety, documentation, and youth protection standards
• Assists with route troubleshooting and operational continuity

This role may provide input on driver reliability, safety compliance, and scheduling coordination but does not independently manage payroll or HR decisions.

Compensation

Base Rates

• $26/hour (Weekdays)
• $28/hour (Weekends - Saturday & Sunday)

Weekly Minimum Guarantee

Lead Drivers who complete at least one full return shift (pick-up and drop-off) in a workweek (Monday-Sunday) are guaranteed a minimum of $150 in total weekly pay.

• If total earned wages exceed $150, drivers are paid actual earnings.
• If total earned wages are less than $150 and a qualifying full return shift was completed, pay is adjusted to $150.
• The guarantee applies only when a full return shift is completed.

This structure rewards meaningful engagement while maintaining financial discipline and operational sustainability.

Cancellation Policy & Shared Risk

• If Found Village cancels a confirmed shift less than 2 hours before the scheduled start time, the Lead Driver will receive a 2-hour cancellation minimum at the applicable hourly rate.
• If a confirmed shift is canceled more than 24 hours in advance, no cancellation pay applies.
• Cancellation alone does not trigger the $150 weekly guarantee unless a full return shift was completed during that week.

Overtime

• Hours worked over 40 in a workweek are paid at 1.5× the regular rate of pay.
• If multiple rates apply in a week, overtime is calculated using the weighted average method in accordance with FLSA regulations.

Payroll is processed via ADP (direct deposit).

Key Responsibilities

Driving & Safety

• Safely operate Found Village fleet vans for scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs related to programs, events, appointments, and community activities.
• Conduct and verify pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and report maintenance issues.
• Follow all traffic laws, seat belt policies, and hands-free mobile device requirements.
• Ensure youth safety, confidentiality, and adherence to protection standards.

Leadership & Oversight

• Serve as point of contact during assigned transportation windows.
• Support onboarding, ride-alongs, and mentoring of new drivers.
• Reinforce documentation, timekeeping, and incident reporting compliance.
• Support adherence to routing protocols and scheduling procedures.
• Complete trip logs, timekeeping, and incident documentation accurately and on time.
• Escalate safety, conduct, or performance concerns to the Transportation Coordinator.

Operational Excellence

• Assist with route troubleshooting and real-time communication.
• Support schedule adjustments due to weather or program changes.
• Model professional communication with youth, caregivers, and staff.
• Maintain high standards of punctuality, reliability, and accountability.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Age 26 or older
• High school diploma or GED (Associate's degree preferred)
• Valid driver's license with clean motor vehicle record meeting insurance requirements
• Minimum 3 years of safe driving experience
• Prior leadership, supervision, or mentoring experience preferred
• Successful completion of background check and required screenings
• Completion of Found Village Driver Orientation & Safety Training

Skills & Competencies

• Calm and steady leadership presence
• Strong communication and conflict management skills
• High reliability and professional judgment
• Comfort using GPS routing systems and timekeeping
• Commitment to youth-centered service and organizational values

Schedule

Flexible; may include weekdays, evenings, and weekends based on program needs.

Performance & Conduct Standards

Lead Drivers are held to elevated standards of professionalism and accountability. Performance expectations include:

• Consistent punctuality and reliability
• Accurate and timely documentation
• Compliance with youth safety and conduct policies
• Positive collaboration with staff and driver team members

Failure to meet safety or conduct standards may result in corrective action or removal from driving assignments.