The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services.
POSITION: Driver/Outreach Workers
PROGRAM/DIVISION: Shelter Hotline Program/
Community Health Division
BULLETIN No: 04042026
HOURLY RATE: $19.37 per hour
OPENING DATE: April 22, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.
FIRST SOURCE: N/A
JOB SUMMARY:
The Shelter Hotline Program transports clients to various shelters and other
programs designated locations 365 days per year, 18-24 hours per day. Driver/ Outreach workers are expected to operate UPO Shelter Hotline vehicles to transport clients along assigned routes and/or designated point to point service destinations as well as engage in outreach services to support unhouse customers.
MAJOR DUTIES:
At the beginning of each shift, driver/outreach worker must:
Present current, valid, actual driver’s license to Transportation & Logistics Manager/or designee prior to receiving daily driving assignment. Ensure the road worthiness of each vehicle to be personally drive, by performing a pre-trip inspection prior vehicle operation: this includes checking levels of fuel, water, tire pressure and general condition, both interior and exterior for damage and wear and tear prior to departure from assigned site. Complete Direct Fix forms for vehicle repair, as required.
While operating UPO SHL vehicle, driver must:
Provide outreach and transportation services to homeless adults and/or families to (designated/or) available shelters in the DC areas. Canvas the Washington, DC city streets looking for homeless, at-risk clients who need assistance with transportation and/or comfort items. Ensure passengers are properly seated and given proper safety instructions that must be observed and abided by while being transported in any UPO vehicle. Transport and escort, as required, identified clients to and from scheduled and approved locations, such as vacancies within the overnight shelter system, and other approved destinations as directed. Communicate with hotline dispatcher via two-way radios to obtain resources to assist persons identified as at-risk or requiring services to combat hazards due to inclement weather. Collaborate with the Community Response Team, DC Fire and Police departments and other service providers, to relocate clients from the streets to shelter.
At the conclusion of each shift, driver/outreach worker must:
Perform a post-trip inspection of the UPO vehicle to ensure it is properly cleaned, fueled, and secured for use by
next driver, following the conclusion of the driving shift as required.
Driver must complete forms and reports as required:
Maintain a daily log of all trips, including recording the number of passengers, purpose of trips, origin, destination in electronic iPad/tablet. Complete detailed DHS Unusual Incident Reports and/or UPO Incident/Accident Reports, as required, for submission by supervisor
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidate must have the qualifications listed in this section to be considered for the position. High school diploma or GED. Two years of experience operating a 15- passenger vehicle. Must possess a current Class D driver’s license. Current five (5) year driving record cannot exceed more than two points.
Must be able to work a varied schedule, including nights, holidays and weekends, and drive during all types of weather. Must have strong comprehensive geographic knowledge of Washington, DC in order to effectively navigate the streets and neighborhoods
Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to effectively use or learn to use Microsoft Office programs (specifically, Outlook and Word) and use electronic time-keeping program. Possess effective organizational and professional communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to read, write, in order to submit written reports as required. Possess the abilities to work well under extreme pressure. Ability to work effectively both independently and in team environments.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
First-Aid & CPR certification. Bilingual/Spanish. Possess current DOT card.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Full Time/Regular (37.5 hours per week) with benefits Includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift Hour: 3:45pm-12:00am
Competitive Benefits:
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Health/Kaiser, 70/30 split
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Dental/MetLife, all employees paid
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Vision/VSP, all employees paid
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401k, Safe Harbor Match-5.5% given as a benefit, will match 1% of staff contribution
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Sick Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
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Vacation Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
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2 Personal Days
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Paid Holidays
This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to mandatory random drug and alcohol testing.
Additionally, this position requires the incumbent to submit to yearly tuberculosis testing.
This position IS in the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.
NOTE: This position requires a recent driving record with no more than two (2) points.
TB test must be presented upon date of hire.
To be considered for this position:
Submit your resume to the Career Center Online.
UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer
