School Bus Driver

Hmong American Partnership; Minnesota; On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established community-focused organization is seeking a dedicated school bus driver to ensure the safe transportation of children. In this vital role, you will be responsible for maintaining the bus in excellent condition, conducting thorough inspections, and adhering to safety protocols. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the cultural backgrounds of the community served and possess effective communication skills. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and retirement plans, along with opportunities for professional development. Join this mission-driven team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401K

Sick Time

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Must maintain satisfactory motor vehicle and criminal background records.
• Ability to read and follow traffic signs and instructions.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport children and ensure their health and safety.
• Complete pre-trip inspections and maintain bus cleanliness.
• Communicate effectively with staff, parents, and students.

Skills

Bilingual (English, Hmong, Karen/Karenni, Burmese)

Knowledge of Southeast Asian cultures

Effective organizational skills

Ability to multitask

Problem-solving skills

Time management skills

Ability to maintain discipline

Education

High school diploma or GED

Class B CDL Driver's License

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: HAP Transportation - SAINT PAUL, MN

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: None

Salary Range: $26.00 - $30.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage: Road Warrior

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Transportation

Description

Organization Description

Hmong American Partnership (HAP) is a social service and community development organization whose mission is to empower the community to embrace the strengths of our cultures while achieving our potential. HAP accomplishes its mission by:

• Improving the lives of individuals and families in our diverse communities by providing culturally sensitive social services.
• Strengthening neighborhoods by providing housing, community, and economic development opportunities.
• Promoting the rich heritage of our ethnic communities.

HAP's vision is to reach out to the world with profound social, economic, and educational transformation.

Primary Function of the Position

The school bus driver is responsible for safely transporting children and ensuring their health, safety, and welfare. The school bus driver is expected to guarantee bus cleanliness and assure the vehicle is in working condition at all times.

Position Responsibilities

Driver Expectations:

• Safely transport children to and from school and on field trips.
• Operate the school bus safely and appropriately at all times to minimize the risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life.
• Ensure that the school bus or van is in good operating condition at all times.
• Complete a thorough inspection of the bus before every trip. Accurately and thoroughly complete a daily pre-trip inspection form that is signed and dated and submitted to the office staff that identifies any needed repairs or maintenance.
• Complete a thorough inspection of the bus after every trip to ensure no child is left behind on the bus before continuing onto the next routes or ending of shift.
• Maintain fuel level at a half tank to keep the vehicle at maximum efficiency and usage.
• Perform minor maintenance duties and clean the bus as scheduled; including upkeep to remain free of debris by sweeping, dusting, and cleaning windows.
• Attend and participate in all meetings and pieces of training.

Transporting Students:

• Arrive on time for all assigned routes and complete the route as specified on your route sheet.
• Pick up and drop off school children according to your schedule; follow safe bus loading and unloading procedures.
• Maintain order and security on the bus, and obey all laws, regulations, rules of conduct, and HAP's policies and procedures.
• Do not deviate from your route. All changes must be communicated to and approved by the Office Team beforehand.
• Make a note of any behavioral or disciplinary problems or other incidents; upon returning to base, complete and submit a Student Incident Report, allowing the office team to follow up with the school and resolve any ongoing issues.
• In case of an accident or incident, ensure all handling and reporting procedures are followed, and the report is completed and submitted immediately upon returning to base.
• Adhere to uniform code. All drivers must wear a safety vest/badge while on duty.

Communication:

• Communicates with courtesy, respect, honesty, confidentiality, and professionalism to all staff, children, parents, school administrators, and public members.
• Must exhibit professional communication at all times on the radio and in person.
• Ensure that the two-way radio is in proper working order before each trip.
• Handle complaints about schedules and levels, and quality of service politely and professionally.
• Communicate all issues and problems to Transportation Manager as soon as possible and complete the necessary paperwork.

Strong Team Player:

• Contributes to the overall effectiveness of HAP in fulfilling its mission and objectives.
• Maintain a close working relationship with the Transportation Manager, Dispatcher, office staff, and other drivers.
• Other duties as needed to accomplish program goals and outcomes to support the organization's mission and plans.

Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Maintain satisfactory motor vehicle and criminal background records to pass routine checks.
• Remain compliant with state and federal regulations regarding the use of controlled substances and alcohol as applied to school bus drivers and must agree to submit to random drug testing when selected.
• Driving violations must be reported to Transportation Manager within ten days of the incident.
• Duties are performed on a school bus; Must be able to move through the bus physically.
• Must be physically able to perform and demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures; have the physical ability to use emergency exits at any location on the bus.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, flexible and adaptable to high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of the Hmong, Southeast Asian, and or immigrant and refugee cultures and traditions.
• Bilingual is highly desired in English, Hmong, Karen/Karenni, and or Burmese.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to read and speak basic English and comprehend and follow traffic signs as required.
• The capability of working independently and possess the ability to understand and follow through on oral and written instructions.
• Effective organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly and accurately learn, local street signs and road systems.
• The ability to recognize and report any unsafe act or condition.
• The ability to maintain discipline and ensure that student behavior is not a distraction to safe driving.
• The ability to perform responsibilities while remaining calm under pressure in an accident or other emergencies.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• A Class B CDL Driver's License with passenger and school bus endorsements.
• Must obtain, keep current, and submit proof of required DOT medical certification.
• School Bus Driver experience is preferred.
• Remain knowledgeable and comply with all policies, processes, and procedures; Driver Safety Manual, school policies, processes, procedures, and school licensing requirements.

Benefits

All full-time (30+ hours per week) Hmong American Partnership (HAP) employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, STD, LTD, Accident & Critical Illness, Sick Time, 401K, and more!
• Career Development: Training & Professional Development Opportunities!

HAP is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Our organization will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership, or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation should contact us at [e-mail].