DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Driver/Courier is responsible for the safe operation of agency vehicles to transport staff, residents, and materials associated with the Jobs Plus Program at Oxford Place Apartments to designated locations. This position ensures the timely and secure delivery of interoffice mail, packages, and documents while providing professional shuttle services to staff, residents, and visitors as needed. The Driver/Courier will represent the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) in a professional manner, supporting the agency’s mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing while upholding confidentiality and excellent customer service.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely operate HHA vehicles to provide shuttle services for staff, residents, and authorized visitors between Oxford Place and agency locations, housing sites, and designated events.
• Pick up and deliver mail, packages, files, and supplies between Oxford Place and designated locations, including the main HHA office, and partner organizations.
• Maintain accurate logs of deliveries, mileage, fuel usage, and schedules in accordance with agency procedures.
• Assist passengers with boarding and exiting vehicles, including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities, elderly residents, or those needing mobility support.
• Procurement department will ensure vehicles are fueled. Driver/Courier will keep the vehicle, clean, and maintain in good working order; promptly reporting any mechanical issues or safety concerns to the Procurement department, as needed.
• Adhere to all traffic laws, safety protocols, and agency policies regarding vehicle use.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and ensure proper handling of agency documents and resident materials.
• Provide courteous, professional, and respectful service to passengers and staff at all times.
• Support emergency preparedness efforts by transporting staff, residents, or supplies associated with the Jobs Plus Program in the event of severe weather or other emergencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the operational and administrative needs of associated with the Jobs Plus Program.

REGULATORY AND OPERATIONAL COMPLIANCE

• Safety & Compliance: Adheres to relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to transporting passengers, mail, packages, and agency property; including, but not limited to, all applicable motor vehicle and traffic safety codes.
• Confidentiality: Safeguards sensitive documents, resident information, and agency materials in transit.
• Dependability: Ensures punctuality in all shuttle and courier assignments; communicates proactively regarding delays or scheduling issues.
• Emergency Preparedness: Supports evacuation or transport needs during storms, flooding, or other emergencies, consistent with HHA’s emergency response protocols.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of local traffic laws, roadways, and safe driving practices.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain schedules and delivery logs.
• Ability to interact professionally with diverse groups, including residents, staff, vendors, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and HUD requirements.

GUIDELINES

• Operates under HHA policy, HUD regulations, and applicable laws.
• Exercises sound judgment in areas where guidelines may be ambiguous or evolving.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

• The employee does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.
• Receives direct supervision from the JOBS PLUS Program Manager.
• The employee performs routine tasks without direct supervision.
• Normally, the instructions are broad and general.
• Situations not covered by instructions may be referred to the supervisor or handled by the employee, depending on the circumstances.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

• The employee has continual contact with other employees, program participants, and landlords, federal, state, and local government officials, representatives, and community agencies. Most contacts are structured in nature, and the employee is expected to use normal tact and professional courtesy. Occasionally, a contact may be uncooperative or antagonistic, and the employee would be expected to use above-average tact and courtesy. Failure to respond courteously could adversely affect the public’s opinion of the program and the Houston Housing Authority.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Position requires frequent and extended periods of driving, sometimes under varying traffic and road conditions.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods while maintaining alertness and safe operation of the vehicle.
• Frequent exposure to changing weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and inclement weather, when assisting passengers or loading/unloading materials.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds (packages, equipment, or mobility aids) on a routine basis.
• Regularly requires bending, stooping, reaching, and assisting passengers with mobility limitations.
• Work is primarily performed in an agency vehicle and at a residential complex and delivery points, with intermittent exposure to outdoor environments.
• Position requires constant awareness of surroundings to ensure passenger, pedestrian, and vehicular safety.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Two (2) years of professional driving, courier, or shuttle experience preferred.
• Bondable.
• Eligible for coverage under Houston Housing Authority fleet auto insurance.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. NOTE: This position is grant-funded; employment in this position is contingent upon continued grant funding.