Bus Aide

Job Title: Bus Aide

Building/Department: Transportation Department

Reports to: Transportation Supervisor

Summary:

Bus Aides play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students during their daily commute. They work collaboratively with the bus driver to create a positive and orderly environment by:

• Maintaining a safe ride: Assisting students with boarding, disembarking, and proper seatbelt use.
• Promoting positive behavior: Monitoring student conduct, de-escalating situations, and enforcing bus rules.
• Providing individualized support: Helping students with special needs navigate the bus ride, utilize assistive devices, and address any concerns.
• Supporting the driver: Assisting with loading and unloading procedures, maintaining clear communication, and acting as an extra set of eyes during emergencies.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 18 years of age and possession of a high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to safely lift and maneuver up to 45 pounds to assist students with boarding, equipment, or in emergency situations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills to effectively interact with students, parents, and staff members.
• Strong sense of responsibility, patience, and a genuine desire to work with children in a fast-paced environment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

(These duties and responsibilities are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA)

• Adhere strictly to all established policies, practices, and procedures as outlined by the Transportation Supervisor regarding assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Accompany students on the bus to their individual stops both in the morning and afternoon, ensuring punctuality is maintained.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students by properly securing them and their equipment (e.g., restraints, wheelchair tie-downs, seat belts) during transit.
• Prevent distractions to the bus driver, thereby promoting safe vehicle operation.
• Maintain a safe environment within the bus at all times.
• Attend to students' personal needs (e.g., hats, coats, mittens, personal hygiene) as necessary.
• Supervise and report student activity and behavior to the Transportation Supervisor.
• Monitor students until they are released to a teacher, instructional assistant, transfer bus, or parent/guardian.
• Remain vigilant regarding student medical conditions.
• Promptly notify the driver of any changes in a student's condition.
• Address parent inquiries and provide relevant information about the students' bus ride or condition whenever possible.
• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the vehicle's interior.
• Ensure no child is left unsupervised on the bus under any circumstances.
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Uphold student confidentiality at all times.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned
• Maintain a consistent and reliable on-site work schedule

Qualification Requirements: 

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Language Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with students, staff, and parents/guardians in a professional manner. This may include giving instructions, providing feedback, and resolving conflicts.
• Mathematical  Skills: Basic math skills are necessary for tasks keeping track of student attendance on the bus or occasionally assisting with route planning (distance or timing).
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to prioritize tasks, make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment, and solve problems independently. Ability to follow established procedures and adapt to changing situations

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit; frequently  walk and stand and reach with hands and arms; frequently required to bend, kneel or squat; occasionally  lift and carry up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; very good depth perception; and the ability to communicate through speech. The position requires a high amount of physical activity.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment for Bus Aides is primarily on school buses, both during transportation routes and while parked at school locations. This role involves frequent interaction with students, bus drivers, and school staff. Bus Aides may encounter varying weather conditions and must be prepared to assist students in safely boarding and exiting the bus in all circumstances. 

Union Representation:

Please note: This position Union.   Salary, terms and other conditions of employment established by the TRESPA Master Agreement.

FLSA Status:

This is a Non-Exempt FLSA position. Non Exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Reasonable Accommodations:

Three Rivers Community Schools  is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities.  To request an accommodation during the application process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 269-273-1104.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

Three Rivers Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Three Rivers Community Schools that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program, activity, in hiring or in employment. 

Additional Information:

• Schedule: 180 days per year, generally following the TRCS Academic Calendar. Includes non-working days during winter, spring, and summer breaks, as well as designated holidays.
• Application: Open until filled. Internal and external candidates are welcome.

How to Apply:

• External Candidates: Submit application, resume, and relevant credentials through the school district's online portal:https://trschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx