Description

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet offers 41 paid days off per year, excellent medical benefits, and an employer-sponsored 403b plan that requires no contribution from employee. We prioritize your well-being and financial security.

Discover the unique rewards of working in a Head Start program, where you can ignite young minds and provide comprehensive early childhood education that sets the stage for lifelong success.

Catholic Charities’ Head Start program is NAEYC Accredited as well as a Gold Circle Quality and a US Model Head Start Program.

By joining Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Head Start, you will make a lasting impact on children's lives, and have the opportunity to uplift families by empowering them to thrive and create a brighter future for themselves.

General Responsibilities

1. Responsible for transporting passengers safely and efficiently.
2. Stay alert to ensure their passengers’ safety, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather. A school bus driver transports children to and from school and other activities, such as field trips when school is in session safely and on time every day.
3. Act as the face of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Early Childhood Service Division, and while driving skills are a crucial part of this, your ability to interact with children, parents, staff, and volunteers is also especially important.
4. A friendly smile goes a long way as it makes every passenger feel welcome, comfortable, and appreciated. People remember kindness and friendliness, and when they have a positive experience, they will remember you as a good person as well.
5. Report for work on time to pre-trip the vehicle for safety and to leave the terminal to arrive at the first stop five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time
6. Report any bus malfunctions or needed repairs to the Safe Environment Coordinator and Senior Site Supervisor, or designees
7. Maintain a current Commercial Driver License and School Bus Permit with a Passenger Endorsement
8. Obey traffic laws, safety procedures, and transit regulations to avoid ticket citations
9. Pick up and drop off passengers at designated locations
10. Follow a specific timetable while on duty
11. Maintain a functioning communication system on the vehicle to keep Head Start staff informed of delays, and in the event of an emergency
12. Report any incidents, accidents, and maintenance service issues timely to the Safe Environment Coordinator, and Senior Site Supervisor or designees

Essential Functions

1. Maintain enough fuel for the bus run and re-fuel the vehicle to full capacity on a regular basis
2. Maintain a current/updated child roster, emergency contact information, route sheet in the vehicle, and authorized child release controls
3. Complete a daily pre-trip and post trip vehicle inspection
4. Daily run a fixed route timely and safely as designed by the driver team (driver, bus monitor, and center staff)
5. Ensure all safety equipment is on the vehicle
6. Ensure the Certificate of Insurance, proof of licensure and registration is in the vehicle, and a current Certificate of Safety is affixed on the windshield
7. Children are seated in child restraint systems based on height and weight
8. Vehicles are not loaded beyond maximum passenger capacity at any time
9. Use of alternate routes in case of hazardous conditions, as approved by Safe Environment Coordinator.
10. Participate is regularly required trainings to maintain the school bus credentials
11. Perform three (3) bus evacuation drills during the program year
12. Perform CPR and other first aid procedures, when necessary
13. Locate stops to minimize traffic disruptions and provide a good field of view in front and behind the vehicle.
14. Assist the bus monitor to escort children across the street if curbside pick-up and drop off is not possible.
15. Perform a child check after unloading children at the center, before leaving, and at the last drop off stop, before returning to the terminal
16. Notify the center that all children are dropped off and the route is complete
17. Assist transporting agency vehicles to the safety lane, maintenance shops, car dealerships, bus washing facilities, and Secretary of State facilities.
18. Record-keeping and reporting of information related to transportation services.

Great Employer Provided Benefits

• Time-off: 14 Holidays - 15 Vacation Days -12 Sick Days
• Medical/Dental/Vision Health Insurances
• Flexible Spending Account
• Short-term Disability Insurance (employee paid optional)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• 403B Retirement Plan with employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Requirements

1. High School Diploma or GED. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited education institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.
2.  Commercial Driver’s License (Class B) (Passenger Endorsement) and School Bus Permit
3. Minimum of 1 years' experience in school bus operations or comparable work experience.
4. Knowledge of general vehicle maintenance and basic mechanical issues.
5. Ability to work constructively with people from diverse backgrounds.
6. Organized, motivated and independent worker.
7. Passage of complete background clearance, physical, passage of a drug test and subject to random drug testing and Tuberculosis (TB) Test.
8. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) with a good driving record
9. CPR and First Aid credential (CCDOJ in-house training)
10. Annual State of Illinois refresher training to renew the School Bus Permit each year
11. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, has adopted and follows the Codes of Ethics established by Catholic Charities USA, the National Association of Social Workers and the American Psychological Association. As an employee of the Agency you are expected to support these codes to the extent doing so is consistent with and allowed by applicable law.
12. A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.