Van Driver

TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS is seeking a dedicated Van Driver to transport SPED students and other passengers to and from school and activities on defined routes. The role requires safe driving, pre/post trip inspections, and routine maintenance reporting.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, valid driver's license, and the ability to communicate with students, families and school staff, while maintaining student safety and confidentiality throughout daily operations.

Qualifications

• Basic math and reading skills required; ability to follow written directions.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and safe driving practices.
• Ability to maintain records and communicate with students and parents.

Responsibilities

• Assess incidents and emergencies to keep passengers safe.
• Drive school vans on defined routes with adherence to laws.
• Perform pre/post trip inspections for safety and maintenance.
• Communicate with school personnel and parents as needed.

Skills

Basic math

Safety practices

First aid

Customer service

Two-way radio

Record keeping

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Two-way radio

Fire extinguisher

Office equipment

Job description

Purpose Statement

The job of Van 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.

Purpose Statement

The job of Van 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. 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.
• Drives school vans while adhering to all traffic laws and regulations 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 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 the vehicle (e.g. passengers requiring assistance entering and/or exiting the van, 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 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).

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 CPR/First Aid Certificate

Defensive Driving

Valid Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability

Continuing Educ./Training

Clearances

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses Criminal Background Clearance

DOT Physical

Drug Test Clearance

Physical Capacities Test Clearance