Bus Driver - Special Education

Topeka Public Schools; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Topeka Public Schools is seeking a dedicated Bus Driver to transport SPED students to and from school and on excursions along predefined routes. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and clear communication with students, parents, and staff.

Responsibilities include pre/post trip inspections, maintaining a clean bus, reporting safety issues, and conducting state-mandated evacuation drills. A valid CDL-B, CPR/First Aid, and driving record are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of emergency evacuation techniques; area streets; basic vehicle maintenance; first aid; safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Assess incidents and emergencies to keep passengers safe.
• Attend meetings and trainings to maintain licensing.
• Communicate with students, parents and staff about routes and safety.
• Conduct periodic bus evacuation drills to meet state requirements.
• Drive buses safely and on schedule to transport students.
• Handle emergencies and contact emergency services as needed.
• Maintain records of routes, schedules and incidents.
• Monitor passengers to ensure a safe environment on the bus.
• Perform pre/post trip inspections and address safety concerns.
• Take on additional routes and trips as needed.

Skills

Safety practices

First aid

Record keeping

Customer service

Two-way radio

Wheelchairs/child safety seats

Emergency evacuation

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

CDL Class B

AAA Defensive Driving

CPR/First Aid Certificate

MANDT Certificate

Tools

Two-way radio

Fire extinguisher

Office equipment

Vehicle maintenance basics

Job description

Purpose Statement

The job of BUS DRIVER is done for the purpose/s of The job of BUS DRIVER is done for the purpose/s of of transporting SPED students to/from school classes and excursions over pre-defined routes; conducting pre/post trip safety checks; maintaining bus cleanliness; and reporting mechanical operational issues and safety concerns to appropriate personnel. Bus Drivers are responsible for ensuring safe and reliable transportation of passengers during transport, loading and unloading from buses.

Essential Functions

Assesses incidents, complaints, accidents and/or potential emergency situations (e.g. road hazards, medical emergencies, weather conditions, accidents, etc.) for the purpose of taking appropriate action to address the situation and ensure the safety of passengers.

Attends unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. (e.g. Safety meetings, in-service training, unit meetings, etc.) for the purpose of gathering information required to successfully perform the job's functions and maintaining licensing requirements.

Communicates with students, parents and other school personnel on a wide variety of issues (e.g. scheduled stops, established routes, route conditions, potential emergencies, student medical conditions, complaints, etc.) for the purpose of responding to inquiries, providing and/or clarifying important information or concerns, reporting observations that may impact the continued reliability and safety of transportation services.

Conducts periodic bus evacuation drills (e.g. Conduct 2 a year per state requirements, etc.) for the purpose of orienting students to safe procedures in the event of a need to efficiently and safely exit a bus during an emergency and complying with established regulatory requirements.

Drives school buses while adhering to all traffic laws and regulations (e.g. obey all traffic laws, etc.) for the purpose of transporting passengers safely and timely over defined scheduled routes to and from schools, extracurricular activities.

Handles emergencies such as an accident or medical issue (e.g. respond to accidents, incidents, medical situations, etc.) for the purpose of taking appropriate actions to ensure the safety and well-being of students and other passengers that may involve contacting emergency services or following established protocols.

Maintaining accurate records and documentation (e.g. routes, schedules, student attendance, incidents that may occur during transportation, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring and addressing any issues that may arise during transportation arise and ensuring conformance with established protocols.

Monitors students and other passengers during transit to maintain a safe and controlled environment on the bus (e.g. passengers requiring assistance entering and/or exiting the bus, student inappropriate and unsafe behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of taking immediate action and/or communicating with appropriate school personnel for follow- up of issues that need to be addressed to ensure the safe transportation of all passengers.

Monitors students and other passengers during transit to maintain a safe and controlled environment on the bus (e.g. passengers requiring assistance entering and/or exiting the bus, student inappropriate and unsafe behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of taking immediate action and/or communicating with appropriate school personnel for follow- up of issues that need to be addressed to ensure the safe transportation of all passengers.

Performs pre and post trip inspections before and after each trip to address any immediate mechanical issues or safety concerns (e.g. clean interior and exterior, adequate fuel/oil/water levels, tire pressures ,lights, breaks, mechanical operations, etc.) for the purpose of taking the appropriate action to maintain assigned vehicles in a safe and clean operational condition and addressing established mandated requirements.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned (e.g. Taking on additional routes and trips, taking on emergency request for drivers, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: emergency evacuation techniques; area streets and locations; basic vehicle maintenance; first aid; health standards and hazards; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; safe driving practices; safety practices and procedures; two way radio communication; and utilizing wheelchairs, tie downs, child safety seats, lifts, etc. (by assignment); Document and report accidents and other incidents.

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; administering first aid; applying pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; operating district vehicles, fire extinguisher, two-way radio, and standard office equipment; and preparing and maintaining accurate records, customer service focus.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with similar types of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups including school age riders; displaying tact and courtesy; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; exercising sound judgment; maintaining an understanding of the special needs of students and their parents; maintaining confidentiality; working independently while managing multiple situations effectively with constant distractions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, 10% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience is required.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

Required Testing Certificates and Licenses

None Specified AAA Defensive Driving

CDL - Class B SNP Endorsement

CPR/First Aid Certificate

Mandt Certificate

Valid Class B Kansas Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability

Continuing Educ./Training Clearances

None Specified Criminal Background Clearance

DOT Physical

Drug Test Clearance

Physical Capacities Test Clearance

FLSA Status Approval Date Salary Grade

Non Exempt