Independent Contractor Relationship
This engagement is offered to the contractor as an independent contractor relationship, not as employment. Under this engagement:
- The contractor is responsible for all federal, state, and local income taxes, self-employment taxes, and any other taxes related to compensation earned
- The contractor is not entitled to employee benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, paid time off, sick leave, holiday pay, retirement plan contributions, overtime pay, meal and rest break premiums, or workers' compensation coverage through the company
- The contractor is responsible for maintaining their own general liability insurance appropriate to the work performed
- The contractor may accept or decline service days offered by the company
- The contractor agrees to be subject to a signed Independent Contractor Agreement that governs the full terms of the engagement
Important: California law (including AB 5, codified at Labor Code §§2775–2787) establishes specific tests for independent contractor classification. The company has informed the contractor that the company's HR consultant has advised the company that California's ABC test creates classification risk for passenger-care roles in the company's usual course of business. The contractor proceeds in this engagement understanding that classification may be subject to review.
Description of Services
The Driver's Aide rides on the vehicle alongside the Driver to support the safe, dignified, and compassionate care of consumers during transportation. The Aide assists consumers entering and exiting the vehicle, secures wheelchairs and other mobility devices, monitors consumers throughout the trip, and provides hands-on support so the Driver can focus on the road.
Service Components
Passenger Assistance
- Assist consumers entering and exiting the vehicle, including those who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or other mobility devices
- Operate wheelchair lifts and ramps in accordance with manufacturer specifications and ADA standards
- Secure wheelchairs using 4-point securement plus separate occupant restraint before the vehicle moves
- Verify all passenger seatbelts are properly fastened before signaling the Driver to depart
- Provide hands-on physical support for consumers requiring assistance, while honoring consumer dignity and consent
Consumer Care During Transport
- Monitor consumers throughout the trip for medical or behavioral concerns
- Provide reassurance, conversation, and companionship as welcomed by the consumer
- Respect each consumer's communication style, preferences, and personal space
- Assist with door-to-door support — escorting consumers between the vehicle and the destination doorway when authorized
- Coach calming techniques during anxious moments without imposing or directing
Equipment Support
- Inspect securement equipment before every shift; report concerns immediately
- Keep the vehicle interior clean and organized during service days
- Restock supplies (sanitizer, masks, water, emergency kit items) as needed
- Support the Driver in pre-trip and post-trip inspections
Communication & Documentation
- Communicate respectfully with consumers, families, healthcare providers, and the public
- Coordinate with the Driver and dispatch on schedule, route adjustments, and consumer needs
- Complete required documentation including trip logs, incident notes, and consumer observations
- Maintain HIPAA confidentiality — consumer information is private and protected
- Maintain own service records for tax and business purposes
Emergency Response
- Respond to medical emergencies during transport — alert the Driver, call 911 if appropriate, provide first aid within scope, contact dispatch
- Stay with consumer during emergencies — never leave the consumer unattended
- Assist with safe evacuation in case of vehicle accident or breakdown
- Submit Special Incident Reports for qualifying events per Title 17 §54327 timeframes
Mandated Reporter Status
Per California Welfare and Institutions Code §15630, any person who provides care or services to a dependent adult — including independent contractors — is a mandated reporter and must report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to Adult Protective Services within hours of observation (LA County: 877-477-3646). This statutory obligation applies regardless of classification.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Credentials and Clearances (At Engagement Start)
- DOJ and FBI Live Scan fingerprint clearance per W&I Code §4689.2
- Current TB clearance
- Current CPR and First Aid certification
- Mandated Reporter (CANRA) training certificate
- HIPAA Privacy training certificate
- Wheelchair securement and lift operation training
- Defensive passenger care training
- Valid California driver's license preferred (for backup driving in emergencies; not a primary requirement)
- Contractor's general liability insurance coverage
Experience
- Prior experience supporting people with disabilities, in caregiving, or in customer service strongly preferred
- No prior NEMT experience required
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Patience, kindness, and emotional steadiness
- Genuine interest in supporting adults with developmental disabilities
- Ability to communicate respectfully across communication styles, including with non-speaking consumers
- Comfort with physical assistance tasks including transferring consumers and operating mobility equipment
- Basic English reading and writing for documentation
- Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
- Ability to remain calm during medical or behavioral situations
- Reliable availability and punctuality
Physical Requirements
Service requires the ability to climb in and out of the vehicle multiple times per service day, lift and assist with weights up to 50 pounds (with proper technique and equipment), operate wheelchair lifts and securement equipment, bend, kneel, and reach to assist consumers, stand and walk during boarding and exiting, and remain alert and patient during long service periods. The contractor must have visual and auditory acuity to monitor consumers during the trip.
Compensation Structure
- Daily rate: $130.00 – $140.00 per service day, per the contractor's agreed rate
- Compensation is reported on IRS Form 1099-NEC at year-end if the contractor's annual total meets the IRS reporting threshold
- Contractor is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and self-employment taxes
- No tax withholding is performed by the company
- No employee benefits accrue to this engagement
This engagement description summarizes the services to be provided. The full terms and conditions of the contractor engagement are governed by a signed Independent Contractor Agreement between the parties.
Pay: $130.00 - $140.00 per day
Work Location: In person
