Program Driver & Support Floater
Job Title: Program Driver and Support Floater
Reports To: Lead Programming Support Specialist
Hours: Full time (40 hours/week)
Pay Rate: $25 per hr
Job Summary
The Program Driver and Support Floater is a member of UTEC’s Programming team and plays a vital role in supporting proven-risk young adults (ages 17–25) as they engage in workforce development programs such as culinary arts, woodworking, and community organizing. This position ensures the safe and timely transportation of young adults across sites in Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill and occasional field trips, while also providing flexible support for both educational programming and administrative needs.
The role involves hands-on work driving, coaching and supervising young adults in programming spaces. The remaining focuses on planning, collaboration with staff, administrative support, and data entry. The Floater also supports the ordering and distribution of uniforms and assisting the Lead Programming Support Specialist with various programming tasks.
The ideal candidate is passionate about youth development, comfortable in dynamic roles, and excited to contribute to both the logistical and developmental goals of UTEC’s programming.
Duties/Responsibilities
Program & Youth Support:
- Supports multiple areas of the program as needed, assisting Transitional Coaches, Instructors, and Program Managers.
- Implements curriculum and coverage plans when staff are absent; communicates progress updates upon their return.
- Exemplifies youth work best practices and enforces UTEC’s Standards of Accountability.
- Coaches young adults and upholds consistent expectations for program participation and behavior.
- Assists in implementing social-emotional and social justice curricula.
- Leads or supports enrichment activities when programming needs to shift.
- Collaborates across UTEC departments (HiSET, Case Management, etc.) to holistically support young adults.
- Tracks and inputs attendance, daily activities, and other data into Quickbase.
- Contributes to the personal and professional growth of young adults to ensure successful program progression.
Transportation & Logistics:
- Provides safe and reliable transportation of young adults between home and UTEC sites in Haverhill, Lawrence, and Lowell.
- Maintains a safe, respectful, and engaging environment while transporting young adults.
- Creates and adjusts pickup/drop-off routes in collaboration with the team and maintains an updated document of the routes.
- Reports concerns, conflicts, or behavioral issues observed during transit.
- Follows all organizational policies and vehicle safety protocols.
- Ensures vans are cleaned and maintained after use.
- Completes incident reports when necessary.
- Builds positive relationships with young adults through meaningful, respectful conversations.
Administrative & Operational Support:
- Coordinates the ordering and distribution of young adult uniforms across programs.
- Provides general administrative assistance to the Lead Programming Support Specialist.
- Supports inventory tracking, data entry, filing, and other operational duties tied to programming.
- Contributes to planning and preparation for program needs across multiple departments.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Experience facilitating curriculum and activities in group settings.
- Understanding of young adult development; experience with high-risk youth preferred.
- A proven ability to give and receive feedback.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Comfort with administrative systems (e.g., spreadsheets, email, data entry).
- Knowledge of social-emotional learning, career readiness, and anti-racist practices.
- Willingness to learn and engage in UTEC’s values, including Restorative Justice and DEI.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and manage conflict with professionalism.
- Strong problem-solving and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
Education and Experience
- At least 1 year of experience working with young adults (ages 17–25) required; 1–2 years preferred.
- Experience with justice-involved youth strongly preferred.
- Experience in culinary arts or workforce programs is a plus.
- Prior supervisory or youth mentorship experience preferred.
- Familiarity with Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill communities strongly encouraged.
- Bilingual candidates preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Valid, unencumbered MA driver’s license with a clean driving record (no violations in the last 3 years).
- Minimum of 5 years of driving experience.
- Ability to safely drive a 15-passenger van across Merrimack Valley cities.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Willingness to travel between sites as needed.
Pay/Benefits: $25 per hour, plus benefits. UTEC offers a competitive benefits package that starts with 4 weeks of vacation (3 standard for all new employees and a week of agency-wide wellness closure between the Christmas and New Year holidays), 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, and health, dental and vision insurance. We also offer life insurance, first time homeowners support, an annual cost of living increase, a 401-K retirement plan, a $1,200- $1,800 annual wellness fund, and professional development support. With time, benefits grow to include up to 6 weeks of vacation, 80% coverage of employee health and dental insurance costs and availability for a 3 week sabbatical.
UTEC also stresses the importance of work-life balance and offers several wellness opportunities including additional time off (i.e. for the past two years we have closed at 3pm on Fridays during the summer months), an employee assistance program, down payment assistance for first time home buyers, parental leave, bereavement supports and unlimited free coffee! See more about our benefits here.
UTEC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, UTEC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.