DENTAL VAN COORDINATOR/DRIVER - 40009750

Date: Jul 2, 2025

Location: Durham, NC, US, 27701

Company: Durham County

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DEPARTMENT:       

PUBLIC HEALTH

DATE POSTED:            

JULY 2, 2025

CLOSING DATE:           

JULY 16, 2025

SALARY RANGE:

$41,315.00 - $70,186.00

POSITION NUMBER:            

40009750

JOB TYPE:

FULL-TIME (37.5 HOURS, NONEXEMPT)

 

 

**MUST BE FLEXIBLE WITH ASSIGNMENT AND SCHEDULE CHANGES TO ASSIST WITH EMERGENCY RESPONSE TASKS.**

 

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 

The purpose of this position is to operate and organize the Durham County Public Health Tooth Ferry, a 40-feet mobile dentist office to assign remote locations in the Durham community.

This class works under the supervision of the Dental Division Director.

 

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

 

  • Drive the Dental Mobile Van (Tooth Ferry) to various Durham County Public Schools.
  • When the mobile unit is not in service, the driver will be expected to assist with additional tasks within the Division or Department.
  • This may comprise clerical and/or maintenance duties, including transporting materials to other County locations and delivering, etc.
  • Perform daily pre-departure check of vehicle for proper operation, record any mechanical and safety issues and make sure all equipment is secure during transit, and all outside apparatus (stairs, compartments, etc.) are locked in place.
  • Follow established County rules and regulations related to the operation of the van.
  • Complete required setup procedures at each site location to ensure safety of patrons approaching and boarding the Tooth Ferry as well as those exiting the vehicle.
  • Operate vehicle wheelchair lift for customers in wheelchairs or with other physical limitations that may prevent them from using the vehicle stairs.
  • Engage the mobile dental unit’s generator, leveling system, and engage shore power when available.
  • Find appropriate and safe parking areas at sites to determine if vehicle can be safely accommodated.
  • Plan driving routes using navigation apps to determine the best route for the Tooth Ferry to reach site.
  • Perform daily inspections to ensure the vehicle is clean, in good working condition, check for any damage, and refuel the vehicle when needed.
  • Schedule approved preventative maintenance and repairs according to vehicle and equipment manuals and report any mechanical issues to the Dental Director.
  • Record all maintenance records in fleet maintenance database.
  • Assist dental staff with tasks such as loading and unloading materials and equipment onto the vehicle.
  • Assists in maintaining storage area and space at Leesville Road facility where the Tooth Ferry is stationed.
  • Assists the Tooth Ferry Coordinator in setting up and participating in dental screenings by recording each child’s screening results, preparing notes for parents, writing students names on letters, and marking the appropriate checkboxes (as needed).
  • Assist with driving the Department's Mobile Medical Unit to community events.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

  • Knowledge of safe and defensive driving practices for large vehicles.
  • Good customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, internet, and ability to learn County’s vehicle maintenance software.
  • Knowledge of record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques.
  • Attention to detail the ability to make sound decisions and use good judgment.
  • Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing; follow written and oral instructions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to make decisions and use good judgment.
  • Ability to lift, move and rearrange boxes and equipment in the Tooth Ferry and Mobile Medical Unit.
  • Ability to read, follow and understand maps and navigation apps.
  • Ability to perform basic vehicle maintenance related to the Tooth Ferry and Mobile Medical Unit. Sufficient technical vehicle and mechanical knowledge to clearly communicate with service providers and supervisor regarding maintenance and repair of the mobile unit.
  • Ability to learn County Vehicle Maintenance Software.

 

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

 

  • High School Graduation or GED equivalent
  • One (1) to two (2) years of related experience driving a vehicle that requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Class B and air brake endorsements. 

 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

 

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

  • Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

 

 

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT) 

 

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

  • NONE

 

 

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES 

 

  • Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Class B Commercial Driver’s License, with air brakes endorsement, with an acceptable three-year driving history.

 

 

STANDARD CLAUSES 

 

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

 

 

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

 

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.


Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

 

To further the mission of the Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) to partner with our community to advance health equity, protect the environment, and promote health and wellness for all, DCoDPH is implementing the employee vaccination and tuberculosis screening policies. All DCoDPH employees are considered healthcare personnel (HCP) working in a health care setting with the potential for exposure to patients and/or infectious materials and, therefore, are required to comply and provide documented proof of the following:

  • Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) vaccination/immunity 
  • Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chicken Pox) vaccination/immunity 
  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) baseline screening within the last twelve (12) months prior to employment
  • Hepatitis B vaccination/immunity – only required for DCoDPH employees with potential Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) exposures.

 

Identified DCoDPH HCP with potential Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) exposure have an additional requirement for the Hepatitis B vaccination. Required vaccination, serological testing to determine immunity, and baseline tuberculosis screening are available for all Public Health employees who elect to become DCoDPH patients upon request and at no cost.

Proof of vaccination and tuberculosis screening must be provided to Human Resources within seven (7) business days prior to the date of employment.

 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 


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Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh