50 new drivers needed at GLSS

LYNN – In stark contrast to sweeping job losses across the country, Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) is looking for 50 full-time drivers for its growing fleet of buses, sedans and wheelchair vans.”We currently have 50 openings,” said GLSS Executive Director Paul Crowley. “These are full-time jobs with full benefits.”According to Crowley, GLSS plans to hold a job fair on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the agency’s office at 8 Silsbee St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “These positions are for drivers and are in addition to the other part-time jobs that GLSS offers, depending on the various programs, on an ongoing basis,” he said.GLSS is currently relocating part of its operation to the Clock Tower Business Center on the Lynnway, where its transportation fleet will be headquartered.”We’re finishing the build-out stage now and the fact that our vehicles will be there by the early part of November should make these driver jobs attractive to Lynn residents. We definitely have a growing need because we recently signed a new contract with the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.)”Crowley said GLSS’ Transportation Department has immediate openings for drivers for both part-time and full-time shifts. The agency offers transportation services to its clients seven days a week. Drivers provide door-to-door service to elderly and disabled passengers, taking them to medical appointments, work, school, shopping and other activities throughout the North Shore and Boston.”We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical and dental insurance, pension plan, 11 paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, tuition remission, tuition reimbursement, disability and life insurance. Hours and shifts vary,” said GLSS representative Maria Copans.Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a clean driving record, and a minimum of three-years driving experience. As a condition of employment, GLSS conducts criminal background checks (CORI) and drug and alcohol testing for all candidates seeking employment. Candidates should bring a valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record when applying.”If they get past the criminal background and driving record checks, and they want to make a decent wage that affords quality-of-life elements as well, then this is a great opportunity,” said Crowley. “Getting hired as a driver doesn’t really describe the job because there’s much more to it than just driving people around. It’s getting to know them, helping them, and making a difference in their lives.”Positions as companions and other human-service occupations will also be offered at the job fair. Companions take senior citizens shopping, to medical appointments, or visit them at home.”We are looking for caring, reliable people who enjoy working with the elderly. We employ companions in cities and towns all over the North Shore and Cape Ann,” said Copans, noting that companions can choose the communities in which they want to work and enjoy a flexible work schedule.Companions must be at least 25 years old in order to drive seniors citizens. They are paid an hourly rate and a mileage reimbursement, when they use their personal car to transport the client. Bilingual candidates, particularly those who speak Russian or Spanish, with English fluency, are encouraged to apply.Applications for GLSS administrative and professional positions available throughout the agency’s departments. Information about volunteer opportunities will also be available at the job fair.GLSS is the Area Agency on Aging and Aging Services Access Point helping seniors citizens, people with disabilities, and their caregivers in Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott. Its Transportation Department, currently located at Summit Industrial Park in Peabody, is the MBTA’s contractor for the North Territory of “The RIDE,” providing more than 500,000 rides annually to disabled persons of all ages who live in 23 cities and towns north of Boston.To reach GLSS, log on at