Mini Bus Driver (Special Needs Students)

Special Needs Student Bus Driver (Minibus)

The Roaring Fork School District is seeking a minibus driver for special needs students. No prior experience is necessary, all training is provided on the job and paid.

This position works closely with students with special support needs, giving drivers a rewarding opportunity to develop deep and meaningful relationships with a small group of incredible students.

DEFINITION

The Special Needs School Bus Driver is responsible for operating a school minibus to safely transport students with differing needs to and from school to ensure that every student develops the enduring knowledge, skills and character to thrive in a changing world.

This bus route can be driven in a minibus (14 passenger maximum) which does not require a commercial drivers license, only local training is required which is provided by the School District

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives supervision from the Director of Transportation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Safely operate a small school bus on a regular basis in all weather conditions.
• Conduct pre-trip inspection and maintain equipment in clean and safe operating condition.
• Assist students and other passengers for the purpose of providing safe loading and unloading from buses during normal transport and emergency situations.
• Advise students and other passengers of appropriate behavior for the purpose of reinforcing established guidelines and maintaining passenger safety.
• Clean assigned vehicles, both interior and exterior, for the purpose of ensuring safety, appearance, and sanitation.
• Fuel assigned vehicle, including oil, antifreeze, washer fluid, etc. May be required to perform minor maintenance tasks on the vehicle.
• Perform administrative responsibilities including but not limited to: development of seating charts, documenting student conduct, documenting maintenance related issues, documenting working hours, ridership logs, accident reports, etc.
• Participate in scheduled in-service training and attend relevant continuing education workshops and seminars as offered.
• Operate a bus mounted wheelchair lift. Secure wheelchairs, car seats, and other safety devices on the bus.
• Report all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; assists injured persons until services arrive; and completes required accident reports.
• Operate the two-way radio for professional use only.
• Report to work on time and accurately record time worked; may need to adjust work schedule due to weather conditions, emergencies or other work related projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Duties are performed on a school bus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to loud noise levels; fumes or airborne particles; noxious odors; vibrations from driving a bus; and traffic. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; use foot controls to drive; reach with hands and arms; climb; bend, stoop, and kneel; and talk or hear. The employee must be physically able to perform and demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures. This includes the pushing/pulling of up to 50 pounds. In addition, they have the ability to use emergency exits at any location on the bus. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, night/dusk vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must demonstrate the patient temperament and caring student relation skills necessary to work successfully in this unique position
• Employees must pass a pre-employment drug screening at the expense of the District by designated providers.
• Employees must pass a background check in order to work with children.
• Pass a prescribed DOT physical examination administered by a licensed physician
• English language usage and proficiency for testing and communication purposes
• Dual language speaking individuals are encouraged to apply (English & Spanish)

UPON COMPLETION OF TRAINING, DRIVERS WILL DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• All laws and regulations pertaining to safe and timely school bus transportation
• Emergency evacuation techniques
• Area streets and locations
• Basic vehicle maintenance
• First aid; health standards and hazards
• Safety practices and procedures
• Two way radio communication
• Special needs transportation requirements
• Positive discipline and behavior management techniques

UPON COMPLETION OF TRAINING, DRIVERS WILL DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO:

• Operate passenger buses using a variety of standardized methods
• Operate passenger mini buses in unfavorable weather conditions
• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• Work with a diverse group and individuals
• Communicate with diverse groups including school age riders displaying tact and courtesy
• Understand the special needs of students and their parents
• Maintain student discipline and ensure that student behavior is not a distraction to safe driving
• Obey all traffic laws and transportation practices, Bus Driver Handbook, School Board policy, and local ordinances. Abide by safety regulations.
• Communicate in a timely manner with parents, students, and staff
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A High School diploma or equivalent
• An established good driving record as determined by the School District.

• Meet all requirements of the State of Colorado “Rules for the Operation of School Transportation Vehicles” (1CCR-301-26).

SALARY RANGE AND DAYS WORKED

Compensation: Starting pay rate $26.49 /hour with additional pay for qualified experience. Wages will be earned during the school calendar for the number of days identified below, but will be paid over the twelve month contract period.

Days worked: This is an hourly position, scheduled to work 20 hours/week for 176 days/year on a weekday morning and afternoon driving schedule.

Benefits: For full time employees the Roaring Fork School District offers full district paid employee health benefits as well as voluntary vision, dental, and dependent coverage. Other benefits include: paid time off, paid parental leave for mothers and fathers, a robust retirement plan under Colorado PERA with a district contribution of over 20% of an employee’s wages each month, Employee Assistance programs, and access to discounted ski passes and other community benefits.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $26.49 - $32.81 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• Split shift

Ability to Commute:

• Carbondale, CO 81623 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Carbondale, CO 81623: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $33