Bus Driver/Floater

Location: Salisbury, NC, 28144

Department: Head Start

Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Transportation Manager

Schedule: Full-Time

Position Purpose: This position is responsible for transporting children enrolled in Salisbury Rowan Community Action Agency's Head Start Early Head Start program in a school bus in a manner that meets SRCAA Policy and Producers, Head Start Performance Standards, State of North Carolina DMV School bus traffic safety Laws / Regulations and consistent with requirements established by the North Carolina Child Day Care License Laws. In addition to transporting children, duties also include communicating verbally in a pleasant and respectful manner with families and Co-workers. Working with teaching staff to implement School-Readiness aboard the bus. This position requires a culture of safety and positive reinforcement with continuity of care which includes active supervision strategies and encourages parent /family/ community engagement in all aspects of the program.

Bus Driver Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a valid CDL license, School bus driver's pocket card and DOT physical.
• Follow fixed transportation routes to ensure the safest and shortest route possible.
• Maintain consistent timely bus schedule.
• Transport children for regular class days, organized field trips and occasional evening events.
• Occasional transport Policy Council members, Staff and Parents to meetings and special occasions.
• Complete monthly Emergency Bus Evacuations drills with bus riders and bus riders.
• Fuel bus as needed to maintain a fuel level of a half tank.
• Ensure that children are always accounted for and correctly released to their Parents/Guardian or an Authorized adult.
• Communicate and Inform Bus Monitor of rules and regulations to ensure compliance with all Head Start policies.
• Ensure that Bus monitors, parents, family members and children follow Head Start / Early Head Start policies and procedures for safe transportation, pickup and drop off of passengers.
• Ensure Bus Monitor and children are secured in seatbelts and safety restraints.
• Ensure program materials to parents on route via the children.
• Perform daily Pre and Post inspections of the bus before each trip to ensure and maintain proper maintenance.
• Report vehicle damage and/or malfunction immediately to Center Director who submits to the Transportation Manager.
• Maintain the exterior and interior of the bus in a clean and orderly manner.
• Maintain a valid CPR/First Aid certification.
• Complete daily and monthly transportation forms and submit to Center Manager on or before required time.
• Share appropriate information regarding enrolled children with appropriate staff daily.
• Performs any other duties as requested by management.
• Maintain child staff ratio according to day care License Laws.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Attend required training when offered.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Responsible for maintaining compliance with Agency Policy and Procedures, Administration for Children and Families Performance Standards, and North Carolina Day Care Rules and Regulations.
• Establish and monitor services that ensure program quality and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Responsible for reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (*whether witnessed or made aware of) to immediate supervisor (Center Director) and/or Head Start/EHS Director within one hour of activity.
• Responsible for maintaining training hours as directed by the Division of Child Development and Day Care Licensing requirements through Agency pre-service and in service, workshops, conferences, etc. (as applicable to position).
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality, seamless customer service.

Environmental Health and Safety:

• Responsible for the operation and maintenance of a safe, clean, healthy and productive work environment, including the bus.
• Responsible for adhering to NC Sanitation regulations (i.e. safety seats, handrails and windows).
• Demonstrate knowledge of center safety requirements (Bus evacuations).
• Responsible for adhering to NC Sanitation regulations (i.e. floors cleaned, trash cans covered, water temperature maintained, and equipment sanitized).
• Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate procedure for mixing sanitation solution (*If applicable).
• Demonstrate knowledge of center safety requirements (tornado, fire drills, fire extinguisher inspection, and fire inspections).
• Responsible for following emergency preparedness plan and procedures.

Parent Family Community Engagement (PFCE):

• To ensure parents escort child to and from Bus Monitor at each stop.
• Work in association with the Center Director, Family Development Specialist, or other designated partner to support center-based recruitment activities/plans.
• Actively work to identify and support volunteer efforts/engagement that promote HS/EHS programs and children.

Floater Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for assisting in all areas of the Center, including but not limited to, the classroom, or other duties as deemed necessary by the Center Manager.
• Responsible for supervising children always by providing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment.
• Responsible for assisting with preparing materials and activities for individual children and small or large groups in a classroom setting as part of the curriculum.
• Escort the children to board and exit the bus, as well as to and from the classrooms.
• Complete the daily sign on and off sheets, accounting by name all children getting on and off the bus.
• Use age-appropriate communication skills with children.
• Responsible to do walkthrough of bus (looking for children and or items left behind) prior to being dropped off.
• Assist driver with evacuation drills.
• Assist with paperwork flow between homes and sites.
• Maintain positive communications with parents, drivers and site staff, relaying information to appropriate parties as needed.
• Responsible for attending meetings/training sessions to enhance job performance.

Professional and Ethical Standards:

• Responsible for adhering to professional development plan including renewal of annual credentials (*which may be required for continued employment in this position).
• Follow all agency, program and state/federal guidelines.
• Perform pre-trip and post trip bus inspections before and after each route with assistance from Bus Monitor.
• Maintain valid NC Driver's license and valid NC Bus Driver's Pocket Card.
• Must be able to periodically attend out of town conferences and training sessions as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Able to perform the following or similar tasks with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Open and close a manually / air powered operated bus entrance door control with a force of at least 30 pounds.
  • Climb and descend steps with a maximum step height of 17-1/2 inches.
  • Operate two hand controls simultaneously and quickly.
  • Have a reaction time of 3/4 of a second or less from the throttle to the brake control.
  • Carry a child or children to safety.
  • Depress a brake pedal with the foot to a pressure of at least 125 pounds.
  • Exit from an emergency door opening of 24 x 48 inches at least 42 inches from the ground in ten seconds or less.
  • Open all emergency exits installed in any school bus they drive.
• Possess the visual and hearing acuity sufficient to pass the physical requirements of a school bus driver as determined by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Education (DMV).
• Possess the emotional and mental ability sufficient to drive a school bus and transport 0-5year old pre-school age children and/or family members in a manner that is safe, controlled, and professional in all situations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum: Must have a High School Diploma. Possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Commercial Driver's License with "P" and "S" endorsements. Possess a North Carolina School Bus Driver Pocket Card registered to SRCAA and must possess a valid Department of Transportation Physical. Be proficient in the English language and have the ability to read the English language. Be able to converse with the general public, understand highway signs and signals in the English language. Be able to respond to official inquires and make entries on reports and records. Maintain a driving record that is sufficient to pass a check of driving and criminal records by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Have the ability to work and communicate effectively with children and family members and work as a team member with teachers and other Head Start employees.

SRCAA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.