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 commercial general liability insurance and any other 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 driving roles. The contractor proceeds in this engagement understanding that classification may be subject to review.
Description of Services
The Driver provides non-emergency transportation services to adults with developmental disabilities, transporting them safely to and from scheduled destinations including medical appointments, day programs, community activities, family visits, and other authorized stops. The Driver is often the first and last representative of Above & Beyond Transportation that a consumer interacts with each day. Professionalism, kindness, and safety are core to the service.
Service Components
Safe Vehicle Operation
- Operate provided company vehicles safely and in compliance with all California Vehicle Code requirements, FMCSA regulations (where applicable), and applicable safety standards
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections; document findings
- Maintain a clean, sanitary, and well-presented vehicle interior and exterior
- Report mechanical issues, damage, or safety concerns immediately to dispatch and the Operations Manager
- Follow assigned routes and schedules; communicate delays promptly through dispatch
Passenger Safety and Securement
- Properly assist consumers entering and exiting the vehicle, including those who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices
- Secure all passengers using seatbelts; do not operate the vehicle until all securements are confirmed
- Operate wheelchair lifts, ramps, and tie-down equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and ADA standards
- Verify 4-point wheelchair securement plus separate occupant restraint (lap and shoulder belt) before every trip
- Inspect securement equipment before each shift; refuse to operate the vehicle if equipment is faulty
Consumer Interaction
- Treat every consumer with dignity, respect, and patience
- Communicate clearly and adapt to the consumer's communication style
- Respect consumer rights including privacy, choice, and freedom from harassment
- Recognize and respond appropriately to medical or behavioral concerns during transport
- Coordinate with the Driver's Aide (when assigned) on consumer support during the trip
Documentation
- Maintain accurate trip logs including time in, time out, mileage, pickup, drop-off, and any incidents
- Complete all required paperwork timely and legibly
- Comply with HIPAA — consumer health information is confidential and protected
- Maintain own service records for tax and business purposes
Emergency Response
- Respond to medical emergencies during transport — pull over safely, call 911 if needed, contact dispatch, document
- Respond to vehicle accidents per company procedure — 911 first, dispatch second, no admission of fault, gather information, photograph scene if safe
- Recognize and respond to consumer behavioral concerns calmly and safely
- Submit Special Incident Reports for any qualifying event 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)
- Valid California driver's license appropriate to the vehicle class operated
- Clean Motor Vehicle Record — fewer than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years; no DUI in the past 7 years; no driving-under-suspension in the past 5 years
- 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
- Drug test (negative result required for each new engagement period and as triggered by post-accident, reasonable suspicion, or random testing)
- Wheelchair securement and lift operation training
- Defensive driving certification
- Annual MVR review submitted to the company
- Contractor's commercial general liability insurance coverage
Experience
- Minimum 1 year of professional driving experience required
- NEMT, paratransit, school bus, ride-share, or taxi experience strongly preferred
- Experience working with people with disabilities preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong knowledge of Los Angeles County street network and freeway system
- Ability to read maps and use GPS navigation systems
- Excellent customer service orientation
- Patience, professionalism, and emotional steadiness
- Ability to communicate respectfully with consumers across communication styles
- Basic English reading and writing for documentation
- Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
Physical Requirements
Driving the vehicle requires the ability to sit for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds (with assistance for heavier items), assist consumers entering and exiting the vehicle, operate wheelchair lifts and securement equipment, climb in and out of the vehicle multiple times per service day, work in varying weather conditions, and remain alert during long service periods. The contractor must have visual and auditory acuity sufficient to operate a motor vehicle safely.
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
