Challenge Unlimited Inc
Alton, IL
The nonprofit corporation was originally founded as Specialized Services, Inc., (now Challenge Unlimited) formed by concerned parents of children with disabilities. The parents wanted their adult children to participate in some form of productive activity and hopefully gain vocational experiences that would lead to employment.
Specialized Services, Inc., opened its doors to provide services to six individuals. It was initially funded by contributions from parents, concerned citizens, and local businesses. With a growing need, Specialized Services secured a grant from the Department of Mental Health and grew rapidly to 50 participants. A new building was purchased to provide additional services to individuals with disabilities.
The agency began providing production services as a subcontracted business solution for local companies. Individuals with a disability were able to work according to each person’s abilities under a special minimum wage certificate.
Tom Moehn is hired as President and CEO with a vision for community integration.
Specialized Services, Inc., with a renewed vision to develop human potential through work related opportunities grows to become a social enterprise with the expansion of its production services and the launch of the custodial services line of business employing individuals with disabilities.
Residential Services of Madison County, an Affiliate Organization, was formed with a single group home. The State of Illinois requested that the agency take over a large residential facility in Troy, IL. That facility was downsized and ICF-DD and CILA homes were built to provide 12 homes for approximately 100 residents. This company is now known as Residential Options, Inc.
Through a partnership with NISH, the company expanded its social business model to provide Facility Management Services to the Federal Government. The first contract was at Scott Air Force Base.
Specialized Services rebrands and becomes Challenge Unlimited, Inc.
Alpha Industries was formed as an affiliate organization of Challenge Unlimited. The nonprofit organization was created to broaden production service contracts while creating work related opportunities for individuals with economic, cognitive, social and educational disadvantages.
President & CEO, Tom Moehn, retires after 46 years of service impacting thousands of lives.
Challenge Unlimited hires Charlotte Hammond as President and CEO to further expand and increase the footprint for inclusion and integration in the community for people with a disability.
Challenge Unlimited receives 2013 St. Louis Regional Chamber Arcus Award for Achievement in Economic Inclusion.
Challenge Unlimited expands its footprint to Ohio, South Carolina, Indiana, and Texas.
Job Specifications
Alton, IL
20.5 - 20.5 HOUR
14 days ago
Part Time
Entry Level
Last Jobs You Viewed
On-Call Shuttle Bus Driver
At Challenge Unlimited, our vision is to become a national leader in providing employment services to people with disabilities that empower them to reach their full potential. We intentionally provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities which will assist them to live, work, and participate in the community.
Challenge Unlimited is driven by its core values: community, helpfulness, abilities, leadership, learning, ethics, innovation, growth, and effective outcomes. It is these values that have powered Challenge Unlimited to its success and has helped over 600 disabled individuals find meaningful work across all of our locations.
Positions Summary:
Reporting to the Fleet and Facilities Manager, the Driver (Bus or Van) is responsible for transportation services which provide people who have different abilities opportunities to work with integrated teams and receive work support as needed achieving the highest level of independence possible.
Transports clients safely to and from the Company Skills Training Center and/or residential homes for work and special events utilizing company vehicles which may include shuttle buses, vans or cars. Assists clients entering and leaving the vehicle. Inspects, fuels, and cleans the vehicle, and submit receipts, logs, and reports.
- Pay Rate: $20.50 per hour
- Shift: On call as needed, 6:00- 10:30am &/or 1:00pm-4:30pm
- Location: Alton, IL
- Must have a valid driver's license
Key Responsibilities:
1. Client Relations: Promote a culture of person-centered services that advances the Company’s mission to provide quality care and services in a community-based setting to individuals with disabilities. Ensure a high rate of client satisfaction by treating clients with dignity and respect. Ensure the health and safety needs of all clients are met during transportation to/from designated sites.
2. Client Transportation: Assist clients with entering and exiting the vehicle as needed and secure wheelchair safety fasteners. Transport clients utilizing company vehicles in a safe and professional manner along to assigned route. Make every effort to be on time while ensuring safety. Obey all traffic laws and transportation practices per the department’s policies and practices. Drive clients and staff to special events as assigned.
3. Administrative Support: Job Description –Driver – Shuttle Bus/Van Refuel and clean the bus inside and out daily. Complete daily mileage/rider pickup reports for vehicle(s) driven and forward reports and gas receipts to Manager. Conduct vehicle pre‐trip and post trip inspections to ensure client and staff safety; document findings and notify supervisor of any maintenance, insurance, or license registration needs.
4. Communication: Notify the proper authority in cases of mechanical failure, safety deficiencies, when off schedule, or other incidents. Coordinate with site managers/staff regarding client behavior or needs requiring additional follow-up, resolving issues as they arise. Attend and participate in department meetings and training as scheduled. Report all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; assist injured persons until services arrive; and complete required accident reports. Maintain a professional, positive image and attitude.
5. General: Assist with collecting vehicle information for grant tracking if/as needed. Assist Transportation Manager or Transportation Lead with related duties as assigned. Maintain all required licensing and training such as valid driver’s license, DOT physical and drug screening as needed, DOT required trainings.
Position Qualifications:
- Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- Experience: 1+ years of driving a bus or van preferred.
- Certifications or Licenses:
- Pass Company-provided training certification for First Aid, CPR, CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) within 4 months and maintain valid certification during employment.
- Pre-employment Tests or Other Criteria: Physical Capacity Test, Drug Test.
- Computer Skills: Basic skill level with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Background Checks:
- Must pass criminal background check.
- Must pass various State and Federal registry checks.
- Must pass DCFS Abuse and Neglect Tracking System check.
- Must pass driving history check and Company policy criteria, maintain valid driver’s license and be 25 or older to drive.
- Use of personal insured vehicle for Company related travel is not required.