The Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center (SIRAC) is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families across rural Southern Illinois. SIRAC provides a wide range of services, including recovery support, mental health resources, parenting support, workforce development, and assistance with basic needs. At the heart of SIRAC’s work is a commitment to meeting people where they are—with compassion, respect, and real-world understanding. What sets SIRAC apart is its family-driven approach, where people with lived experience help shape and deliver services, creating a welcoming environment built on trust, connection, and hope.

Transportation Specialist Position Description

Program: Community Action Program

Organization: Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center (SIRAC)

Location: Marion, IL

Employment Type: Part-Time (20–30 hours per week)

Compensation: $15.00 - 16.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Transportation Specialist supports SIRAC’s Community Action Program by providing reliable, safe, and timely transportation for program participants, with a primary focus on access to substance use treatment, recovery services, medical appointments, and other essential supports. This role is critical in reducing transportation barriers—a key social determinant of health in rural communities—and improving engagement, retention, and outcomes in care.

The Transportation Specialist will utilize a SIRAC-provided vehicle and coordinate closely with program staff to ensure participants can access needed services consistently and with dignity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide daily transportation for program participants to and from:
• Substance use treatment services (outpatient, inpatient, MAT, etc.)
• Medical and behavioral health appointments
• Recovery support services and community-based programs
• Maintain a consistent and organized transportation schedule in coordination with program staff
• Ensure safe vehicle operation at all times, including:
• Adherence to all traffic laws and safety protocols
• Routine vehicle checks and reporting maintenance needs
• Document all transportation services in accordance with program and grant requirements, including:
• Trip logs (date, time, location, purpose)
• Participant attendance and engagement
• Maintain professional and respectful interactions with participants, recognizing the impact of trauma, stigma, and rural access barriers
• Communicate regularly with organization staff regarding scheduling changes, participant needs, or barriers to service access

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability to meet organizational insurance requirements for operating a company vehicle
• Experience working with individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, or other complex needs
• Familiarity with rural community dynamics and transportation barriers
• Experience in human services, peer support, or community-based programming

REQUIREMENTS:

• Reliability and time management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Basic organizational and documentation skills
• Cultural humility and trauma-informed approach to service delivery

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Position requires frequent local and regional travel
• Flexible scheduling may be required based on participant needs
• Must be comfortable working independently while maintaining communication with a broader team

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

• Competitive wages.
• Paid Holidays
• Sick Leave & Paid Leave
• Flex Time Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Statement

SIRAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic under applicable law. We value lived experience and encourage applications from individuals with personal experience in recovery, caregiving, disability, or system involvement.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be modified to meet organizational and programming needs.