Bus Driver Assistant

General Job Function:      

To assist the driver and the students.

Education/Training/Experience: 

Prefer High school diploma or GED.       This position will  require drug and alcohol testing as detailed in the DOT regulations.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

Ability to read and write and understand basic verbal and written communication.  Demonstrated interest in children and education. Must know the federal, state, local school district and company rules, regulations, procedures and laws as they relate to passengers in a school bus. Must have the ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.  Must have the ability to maintain effective pupil behavior management control over groups of children.  Must be able to meet or exceed the state required physical examination.  Must be willing and able to submit to, and pass, substance abuse testing as prescribed by local board policy. Must have and maintain a satisfactory criminal background that reflects a professional and which meets all school district, state and federal requirements.  Must be able to communicate well with people including clear and understandable verbal skills.  Must have the writing and arithmetic skills to accurately complete the assigned forms and reports.   

Such additional health and age characteristics the Board may require. Must be able to operate lift equipment and secure devices on special needs equipment.  Must attend in-service training classes and safety meetings as required by the Transportation Department, Local Board and State or Federal Government.

Resources Used in Performing Job Include (but are not limited to): 

School bus related records.  New Mexico State Department of Education School Transportations Standards for providing transportation for eligible students #6.41.4 NMAC.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements:

Climbing: Getting on and off the bus to assist challenged riders.  Walk to the vehicle in the parking lot, walk in aisles on board the bus. Pushing: Closing door, pushing wheelchairs, opening emergency door.  Reaching: Opening and closing the door.  Repetitive Motions: Assisting students with seat belts, and with getting in and out of the bus. Sitting: While in the vehicle, attending meetings.  Talking: talking with passengers, talking on the radio.  Seeing: keeping aware of general traffic conditions, monitoring passengers.   Hearing: Listening to traffic sounds, for emergency vehicles, passenger inquiries, monitor the radio, detect mechanical problems.  Standing: Operating lift controls.  Stooping/Stretching: Picking up and securing young or challenged passengers, securing wheelchairs.  Lifting: Handling challenged passengers into their seats, wheel chairs, tire chains and securing devices.

Conditions include operating in inclement weather, heat and cold (buses are not air-conditioned), and exposure to possible injury due to traffic accidents.   On occasion psychological factors may include dealing with mentally challenged children and adults, dealing with life-threatening emergencies as well as coping with screaming children. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Environmental Conditions: 

Conditions include operating in inclement weather, heat and cold (buses may not always be equipped with air-conditioning), and exposure to possible injury due to traffic accidents.

Essential Job Functions:

All functions are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures.  Functions are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the organization.  Current essential functions include the following:

1. Assists the bus driver in maintaining good student conduct on the bus.
2. Assists all students in getting on and off the bus, and with the seat belts.
3. Assures that students get on and off the bus in an orderly fashion.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT:       Upon an offer of employment, pass a pre-employment drug test and comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1968, pass a background check and provide necessary documentation qualifications.