Position Function/Purpose

Assist school bus driver in maintaining discipline and provide physical assistance to special education students while the bus is in operation; maintain proper records and documentation; assist student loading, unloading and seating arrangements as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

 This is an entry level position in the Transportation Department. An employee in this classification contributes to the care and safety of students by freeing the bus driver to operate the bus in a safe manner. Work involves physically assisting special education students and attending to their behavior. Work is performed under general supervision and in accordance with specific guidelines and procedures for transporting students with identified special needs.

Major Responsibilities

1. Must have interest in and empathy for children
2. Assists the bus driver by providing physical assistance in helping special education

students on and off the bus; assists in the operation of wheelchair lift equipment

1.  Assists the driver in the use of special equipment such as harnesses, seat belts, and

wheelchair tie-downs; assists students in braces and on crutches

1. Keeps students in correct seats and enforces established bus rules
2. Monitors attends to student behavior while in route; comforts and cares for sick students; monitors behavior and physical problems
3. Attends training sessions to maintain a high proficiency level needed to care for special education students requiring critical care services such as, suctioning, tracheostomy cleaning, and other special procedures
4. Attends in-service training meeting
5. Learn and adapt to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs
6.  Provide students with constructive behavioral and disciplinary direction for safety, order, and respect for the rights and belongings of others; drivers will produce written documentation of those students who fall short of safety or behavioral expectations
7. Any medical problems experienced by the students while being transported must be reported by the driver and/or monitor to the campus nurse. Follow up with a written report
8. Complying with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) to assure students records, behavior and ridership confidentiality
9.  Provide directions to students on proper loading and unloading techniques
10. Provide aid in emergency response or rescue in the event of natural or man-made disaster
11.  Must be physically able to climb in and out of the school bus emergency door to evacuate the bus in an emergency
12. Communicates with office staff or parents on issues which, for the benefit of the students, need attention

Routes and Schedules/Safety and Others

1. Operate equipment according to established safety procedures. Make sure that seat belts, harnesses or car seats are used correctly and help students use safety devices when needed.
2. Follow emergency procedures including evacuation of students as needed and assist the driver to administer first aid, if necessary.
3. Follow established procedures and techniques to perform job duties including lifting and assisting students.
4. Become familiar with and follow procedures established by transportation and special education departments.
5. Assist driver keeping bus clean and performance of pre-and post-trip inspections.
6. Comply with district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
7. Adhere to the district’s safety policies and procedures.
8. Maintain confidentiality in the conduct of district business.
9. Must be able to perform the essential functions of walking and interacting with students and/or district employees in the specific work site assigned (classroom or office setting).
10. Maintain good work habits through timeliness and low absenteeism for daily assignment and extra trips
11. Maintain a cooperative attitude with colleagues, supervisors, parents, and school personnel, always promoting district goodwill.
12. Maintaining and updating student records on a timely basis as required (ei. SHARS, daily attendance sheets, etc.).
13. Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation.

Special Knowledge/Skills and Abilities: 

29.   Some knowledge of the policies, procedures, methods, techniques and equipment involved in transporting and caring for special education students.

30.   Some knowledge of the precautions and safety measures associated with the work.

31.   Ability to operate wheelchair lift equipment and to use harnesses, seat belts, wheelchair tie-downs, and other special equipment. 

32.   Ability to monitor and attend to students’ behavior while in transit, and to enforce bus rules.

33.   Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. 

34.   Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

35.   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, parents, students, and school personnel. 

36.   Skill in the use of wheelchair lift equipment and other special equipment used in transporting special education students. 

37.   Skill in caring for special education students requiring critical services.

Qualification Requirements

1. The ability to read and write English
2. Minor computer skills
3. Valid Texas Driver License and acceptable driving record; must adhere to Midland ISD’s vehicle safety and use program.
4. successful completion of Special Education Monitor training and testing upon hiring.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Mental Demands

1.       Reading, ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written);

2.       maintain emotional control under stress;

3.       interpret policy, procedures, and data

Physical Demands

Work is performed on and around a school bus, and requires sufficient physical strength, agility, and dexterity to perform all essential tasks, including moderate lifting (45 pounds or over) and carrying, positioning of students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non ambulatory students, lifting adaptive equipment, moderate pulling and pushing, reaching in front of body and stretching overhead. Duties also require repetitive hand motions, frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, squatting, stooping, and climbing. Work also requires acuity and physical dexterity in the frequent use of hand-eye coordination and manipulative skills using fingers, limbs and body in operating special equipment and assisting special education students. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. District and state travel may or may not be required; frequent prolonged and irregular hours possible.

Equipment used

1. First aid and (Health Equipment)(PPE)
2. Two way radio
3. Bus lifts (special Education)
4. Computer
5. Designated District Devices
6. Security Cameras

Work Environment

Employees are exposed to potential road hazards, including accidents, fumes from exhausts, loud noises, and adverse weather conditions. Employees are also exposed to potential physical hazards when operating wheelchair lift and other special equipment, and when assisting students on and off the bus. Work may expose employees to potential biological hazards from student body fluids and possible biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases. Work requires compliance with safety procedures and may require the use of safety clothing and equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities.  Additionally, the minimum level of education noted as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) as determined by the hiring manager.

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