At On Time Ambulance, we are always hiring qualified wheelchair van, also known as MAVT (Mobility Assistance Vehicle Technician) drivers. Interested in applying with us? Below you'll find information on what we look for in an ideal driver, what to expect with the application and orientation processes, what prior experience is helpful, and what prior experience is not necessary.
Personality Traits/Characteristics
Responsible --- We look for people who are reliable, accountable for the work they do, and who always show up to work on time.
Compassionate --- Caring for patients is what we do. We move people, not cargo, so we want our employees to understand this and conduct themselves accordingly.
A good driver --- We need people who are comfortable driving oversized vehicles and who possess a clean abstract which will show that his or her driver's license is in good standing and has been for the past five years. A clean abstract would include minimal (or zero) citations, no citations for being ticketed as an unlicensed driver, etc. To request your abstract from the NJ DMV, you can use their Driver History Abstract Request Form.
Empathetic --- We're seeking staff members who will treat a patient as if he or she is their own family member.
Motivated --- We're looking for people who are trying to better themselves and their careers.
Valuable prior experience
We find that experience in the service industry, i.e., customer service or transporting clients in some capacity is helpful for MAVT applicants. Also, if you have been an MAVT or a CDL driver in the past, that certainly helps. A CDL driver with both a "P" (Passenger) and an "S" (School Bus) endoresement is ideal, but having just the "P" endorsement is also extremely valuable. While this experience can certainly be beneficial and help one stand out, it is not required to be hired for the position.
For more information on the different types of New Jersey CDL endorsements, visit the Motor Vehicle Commission's webpage on that topic here.
Don't worry...
If you don't have any experience in the medical field at all, applying for an MAVT position is perfectly fine because we provide all of the training needed to become a certified MAVT driver. The only requirements necessary are:
- having a clean abstract
- maintaining a driver's license for at least three years
- possessing a willingness to learn
The application process
The On Time application process starts with completing our online application form which includes a personality assessment. When a position opens for hire, we'll review all eligible applications and conduct a phone screen. From there, the information collected from the application and the phone screening is reviewed by the hiring manager and/or recruiter from On Time and we'll determine whether or not an applicant will be selected for an interview. Once an interview is completed we'll check all references that have been listed on an application.
Once an applicant has been formally considered for hire, the pre-employment process includes the review of the applicant's abstract, a drug screen, and a background check. All employees wishing to be considered for a field position under an MAVT certification must also meet the criteria set forth by Logisticare (New Jersey's Medicaid transportation broker). These include, but are not limited to a background check, fingerprints, drug screen, and qualifying driver's abstract. For conditions set forth by Logisticare, please refer to their company standards.
What will be taught in training?
The goal of our orientation is to put all employees in a position to be successful. Each new-hire undergoes a five to seven day orientation process in which they're taught the On Time way of doing things. The first two days consist of classroom training in which we'll provide an introduction to our company and our goals, as well as an overview on how, together, we can excel in medical transportation. Every employee goes through this part of orientation whether office or field personnel.
The first day of orientation includes coffee, donuts, as well as a complimentary lunch to make the welcome to On Time warm and inviting. The second day of classroom training covers topics specific to the field and the proper way of performing job duties, both physically and mentally. Examples include proper body mechanics when lifting and moving patients, and how to correctly fill out paperwork.
Orientation days three through seven involve on-the-job road training with one of our experienced Field Training Officers (FTOs).
We make sure that all new employees obtain all necessary certifications before they are sent out on the road. Once they've gone through classroom orientation and obtained all of necessary credentials, they will receive on-the-road training with a supervisor before they are released to go out on the road by themselves. We make sure that both the Field Training Officers and the new employee feel comfortable with the training that they've received before this is determined as well.
Plenty of opportunity for growth
We take pride in promoting employees from within. Many of our medical car drivers have been trained and promoted to wheelchair van drivers and many of our wheelchair van drivers have become EMTs with our help and support. We provide ongoing training and education to make sure all of our staff have up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends. Our supportive environment sets us apart from the rest of the companies in the New Jersey medical transportation industry.
Have additional questions?
Please contact us through our website or give us a call at (908) 298 9500.
