Bus Driver

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Responsible for providing safe and timely transportation of children for Head Start program activities.  Responsible for ensuring efficient and safe operating status of center vehicles.

MAJOR DUTIES:

1.       Conduct all required pre-trip inspections of every vehicle driven every day. Report suspected serious mechanical problems immediately to appropriate Coordinator. Complete daily vehicle Inspection reports accurately and on time.

2.       Conduct a thorough post-trip inspection at the conclusion of every trip.

3.       Conduct a monthly check to ensure that emergency supplies including, but not limited to, fire extinguisher, safety equipment, tool kit, and other equipment are maintained and properly stored or mounted in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

4.       Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to execute approved emergency procedures.

5.       Ensure children are released only to an authorized individual, according to Head Start policy and procedure.

6.       Immediately report situations which place a child at risk for their personal safety. Report any incidents, accidents, or other situations which involve personal injury using agency approved forms for documentation.

7.       Adhere to routes as approved by supervisor. Changes necessary due to weather, detours, absence of a child, etc. should be determined in collaboration with supervisor and/or Center Liaison.

8.       Complete driving responsibility and delivery of children in a safe and timely manner.

9.       Conduct and document effective evacuation drills for children and provide training to parents on transportation safety procedures according to SENCA Head Start procedures.

10.   Maintain a clean environment inside the vehicle at all times and clean the outside of the vehicle as necessary.

11.   Comply with all State and local laws and follows all transportation procedures as stipulated in the transportation handbook.

12.   Complete and update all required paperwork accurately and submit to appropriate Coordinator on time.

13.   Perform or supervise routine maintenance and maintain required vehicle and passenger records.

14.   Assist in training of Bus Monitors.

15.   Assume the duties of the Bus Monitor when not operating as the Bus Driver, including but not limited to, escorting children on and off the bus, securing children, maintaining required documentation, maintaining a safe environment, and leading appropriate learning activities.

16.   Assist with classroom activities as assigned, including but not limited to, supervising, engaging and supporting children.

17.   Assist with cleaning and janitorial duties of assigned center.

18.   Effectively communicate transportation related information to center staff, as needed.

19.   Responsible for taking, tracking, and submitting attendance reports.

20.   Performs any additional duties related to ongoing effectiveness of Head Start program as directed by supervisor.

21.   Actively participate in efforts to meet the SENCA Head Start goals identified within the current SENCA Head Start Strategic Plan.

22.   Actively participate in efforts to meet the SENCA goals identified within the current SENCA Strategic Plan.

23.   Actively participate in setting, tracking, and attaining the three national ROMA Next Generation Goals.

24.   Demonstrate active employee engagement by using individual talents, providing a consistent level of high performance, building connections and professional networks, having high energy, broadening responsibilities, and building on those responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1.       Must possess high school diploma or equivalent.

2.       License or Degree: Must possess or be willing to obtain and retain a valid Commercial Driver’s with school bus and passenger endorsement, as required to operate a school bus as determined by assignment.

3.       Must have or obtain within 60 days of being hired: First Aid and CPR Certification.

4.       Minimum Age: 21 years of age

5.       Experience: Providing transportation services or working with young children preferred.

6.       Communicates effectively and efficiently, and comprehend various forms of communication.

7.       Basic knowledge of computers to perform assigned or required tasks.

8.       Ability to complete daily documentation as outlined in position description.

9.       Ability to lift weights up to 60 pounds occasionally.

10.   Ability to interact effectively with co-workers and parents.

11.   Can stoop, bend, crawl, and stand to perform vehicle inspections or assist children in boarding, exiting, or securement in seats.

12.    Ability to work with others using a team model and to follow basic teamwork principles.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1.       Must be able to travel on agency business and attend out of area training meetings and/or conferences as required.

2.       Maintain an effective working relationship with staff, program participants, general public, and other state and federal agencies.

3.       Maintain ones’ self at all times so as not to bring discredit upon themselves or the agency.

4.       Must successfully complete any additional training or orientation for the position required by SENCA or by funding source/grantor standards of eligibility.

5.       Understand and comply with the agency’s Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Policy, Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy, Confidentiality of Information Policy, Safety Plan and Personnel Policies.