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Transporter

All applicants must have a high school degree or GED. Experience in working with juveniles, special needs children, and adults with mental health issues. A college degree in criminology or social work is preferred but not required.

Prerequisites

  • A valid driver's license in the state of Iowa.

  • Basic computer and technology skills (I.E. GPS operation, digital cameras, and Windows Office)

  • Have a residence and a phone number they can be reached directly at

  • Be a legal citizen of the United States

  • Able to pass an employment physical examination (including a drug screening)

  • Applicants must be clear from any abuse or violent crimes both past and present.

  • Applicants must be clear from any drug abuse crimes past and present.

  • Applicants must be clear from any abuse or neglect of a minor both past and present.

Essential Functions of the Job

  • Be able to show a safe driving history of at least 5 years

  • Ability to conduct thorough pat searches (if requested) before transport.

  • Be reasonably available to transport on short notice and communicate un-available dates.

  • Ability to keep accurate records and turn in the most direct route to the destination.

  • Ability to read a roadmap and determine the most direct route to the destination.

  • Ability to use good judgment in determining the safety of travel and in ensuring the safety of all passengers while transporting.

  • Proof of completion of training in applying mechanical restraints. (Provided at NIJDS)

  • Have proof of adequate insurance.

  • Ability to calculate travel time to get to a scheduled appointment.

Transport Policies

  • All Transports paid for by NIRS must be assigned through NIRS.

  • All transports will be gender matched whenever possible.

  • Weapons may not be carried on any transport.

  • Transporters must have a working cell phone at all times or the one provided by NIRS.

  • Interaction with youth shall be appropriate and professional at all times.

  • An Iowa road map and transporter handbook must be in the vehicle while on duty.

  • No stops are to be made en route. Youth must use the bathroom prior to leaving.

  • All medications and personal items of the youth must leave the vehicle with them.

  • The most direct route is to be used. Inaccurate mileage/time claims will result in dismissal.

  • All youth shall remain in the back seat of the vehicle, buckled into their seats at all times.

  • Drivers may transport no more than two youth per trip without another transporter riding along.

  • Leg restraints remain on during all court proceedings unless a Judge or JCO orders otherwise and signs release.

  • The transporter must have the ability to prevent escape while in route or at destination when doing a secured transport.

  • No transport may be accepted if alcohol was consumed by the driver 8 hours or less before the time of the transport. No alcohol may be consumed during transport.

  • In the event of an accident or major problem en-route, contact the nearest law enforcement agency and NIRS as soon as possible.

  • All youth being transported shall be in mechanical restraints before leaving the building where they are picked up and remain in them at all times during the trip.

  • Mechanical restraints shall not be removed until the youth is inside the destination building and turned over to the authorized person.

  • Youth under the influence of alcohol or drugs need to be able to at least follow instructions. Ask law enforcement authorities to administer a breathalyzer test to determine the severity of suspected inebriation. If an emergency room visit is deemed necessary to determine if alcohol poisoning or drug overdose is possible, the JCO must be contacted to get a court order

  • A plastic waste container, rather than a plastic bag, should be carried in the back seat to prevent interior vehicle damage. Protective gloves and a CPR mask will be provided by NIRS. A first aid kit, flashlight cell phone and blanket in the vehicle are recommended but not required.

  • If the driver must wait for the detainee at an appointment or court hearing release from restraint is not to occur unless a judge or a JCO requests this. In which case the judge/JCO must sign the receipt transferring responsibility to the judge/JCO. The transporter is to remain in the same room with the juvenile at all times (including medical appointments) and is prepared to physically restrain the youth if an attempt to escape is made.

  • Leg Shackles are to remain in place unless a JCO or a judge wants them removed, in which case they must sign the receipt transferring responsibility to the judge/JCO. Leg shackles remain on during all court hearings. Inclement weather will prevent the transportation of youth. The director and driver will make travel decisions based on highway report and weather forecast information. The safety of all will be the primary factor in determining if transport will be made.

  • Hostile/aggressive youth may need to be subdued in order to put mechanical restraints in place. This is not the function of the transporter. Authorities having custody should subdue the youth while the driver places on the restraints. If the transportee acts out while on the road, go to the nearest law enforcement center or call 911 for assistance.

  • All traffic laws, including speed limits, shall be followed at all times. A driving violation occurring while transporting may result in dismissal. Three or more driving violations in any consecutive 12-month period shall result in dismissal.

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