Substitute Bus Driver, Head Start

Tri--valley-Opportunity-Council; Bethel (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Tri-Valley-Opportunity Council is seeking a Bus Driver to safely transport children to and from the Head Start center. The role includes ensuring bus safety, completing pre- and post-trip inspections, and assisting with parent outreach about program services.

You will work with a Bus Monitor to maintain secure routes and timely pickups. The position requires a valid CDL with School Bus endorsement, a current medical card, and clean driving record.

Qualifications

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License with School Bus and Passenger Endorsement.
• Current Medical Examination card.
• Negative result on pre-employment and random drug screening.
• Minimum age of 21 years if required to drive bus across state line.
• Cleared Driver's License Check on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.
• Proof of current personal vehicle insurance.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Enjoy and respect young children and their families.
• Acceptable MVR results upon hire, and annually thereafter.
• Minimum of three years of driving experience.
• Acceptable FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse results upon hire, and annually thereafter.

Responsibilities

• Operate school bus to transport children safely to and from the Head Start center.
• Ensure all children/adults are in approved safety equipment during transit.
• Adhere to scheduled routes and pickup points; report incidents promptly.
• Maintain the bus in clean, safe condition and perform pre- and post-trip inspections.
• Assist in recruitment by sharing information about program services and benefits.

Skills

Communication

Job description

SUMMARY OF PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Bus Driver is responsible for ensuring the safe transportation of children to and from the Head Start center with the assistance of the Bus Monitor. The Bus Driver is responsible to ensure the bus is safe to drive. The Bus Driver is responsible for ensuring buses are checked at the end of each route to assure no children are left on the bus. Helps recruit potential parents by providing information to them about the various program services and benefits offered to enrolled children and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Safe Transportation

1. Ensures that all children/adults are in approved safety equipment (i.e. car seats, STAR Systems, or seat belts) while riding in the bus.
2. Remains alert and focused on driving at all times; is aware of potential weather and/or driving conditions that may affect the safety of the passengers.
3. Plans and carries out emergency procedures.
4. Releases young children into the care of their parent or guardian designated by the parent according to program policy.
5. Practices evacuation drills as directed.
6. Ensures children are safely picked up, transported and dropped off, utilizing a fixed route and pick-up points, according to program policy.
7. Immediately reports vehicle accidents, regardless of damage, breakdowns, and passenger accidents/incidents to the Center Manager.
8. Complies with traffic laws and regulations.
9. Complies with CDL requirements and regulations.

Bus Maintenance

1. Maintains appropriate care of the bus (oil change, lube, tune ups, etc.).
2. Maintains bus in clean and good working condition.
3. Completes a thorough preand post-trip inspection of the bus.
4. Completes and maintains Bus Driver Binder with all updated forms.
5. Informs Center Manager of any major service work needed.
6. Maintainsinventory of all material and/or equipment, located on the bus, and in SharePoint.
7. Ensures bus complies with MN DOT regulations in regards to having a fire extinguisher, biohazard kit, flashlight and proper securements.

Communication and Training

1. Disclose all moving traffic violations, regardless of penalty. Also, upon conviction of any moving violation by any state or local jurisdiction, must notify Tri-Valley, in writing, within 30 days of such conviction.
2. Must participate in subsequent drug/alcohol testing and background searches as appropriate to maintain employment.
3. Notify Tri-Valley, in writing, of any suspension, revocation, cancellation, loss of privilege, or disqualification before end of the business day following the day you received notice of suspension, revocation, cancellation, loss of privilege, or disqualification.
4. Assists in preparing fixed routes, schedules, and updates as needed.
5. Participates in parent registration, meetings, etc. as requested or required.
6. Provides ongoing contact with families and assists in the exchange of information between parents and center staff.
7. Completes and returns required paperwork to the office/Center Manager in a timely manner.
8. Provides orientation to children and adults, who will be riding bus, on proper transportation practices, policies, and required processes.
9. Receives classroom and behind the wheel instruction as required by Head Start Performance Standards.
10. Participates in Child and Restraint Systems training as needed.
11. Receives Tri-Valley Transportation training.
12. Participates in On-Board Evaluation/Observation of road performance, including Appendix A, B, D and E from the Minnesota State Patrol.
13. Participates in all other required trainings for the position.
14. Attends meetings, trainings, professional development opportunities for the purpose of maintaining skills and meeting requirements.

Safety

1. Have or obtain within 90 days of hire a First Aid and CPR Certification as well as maintain the certification during employment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Valid Commercial Driver’s License with School Bus and Passenger Endorsement upon hire and maintained thereafter.
2. Current Medical Examination card, upon hire and maintained thereafter.
3. Negative result on pre-employment and random drug screening.
4. Minimum age of 21 years if required to drive bus across state line.
5. Cleared Driver's License Check on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.
6. Proof of current personal vehicle insurance.
7. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
8. Enjoy and respect young children and their families.
9. Acceptable MVR results upon hire, and annually thereafter.
10. Minimum of three years of driving experience.
11. Acceptable FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse results upon hire, and annually thereafter.