Bus Driver / Maintenance

Title: Bus Driver / Maintenance
Reports To: Operations Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Mission Statement: The mission of the Black Belt Community Foundation is to forge a collective stream of giving from the community and other sources so we, the people of the Black Belt, can enhance our continuing efforts to lift ourselves by taking what we have to make what we need.
Job Summary: The Bus Driver is responsible for safely operating the bus or alternative vehicle to transport children to and from their homes and the Head Start centers. In this capacity, the Bus Driver is often the first and the last person that both a parent and a child see each program day. A Head Start agency must ensure that prospective candidates for a Bus Driver position meet the federal requirements for qualifications in addition to state requirements according to 45 CFR 1310.16.
Secondary duties: Perform routine maintenance work as requested.
Responsibilities:
● The bus driver responsibilities chiefly fall within the following core functions, although s/he may
● perform other tasks as needed:
● Bus Driver is responsible for safely operating the bus or alternative vehicle to transport children to and from their homes and the Head Start centers.
● Bus Drivers must maintain accurate records regarding their vehicle and children who are being transported. The record-keeping includes:
○ Accident reports
○ Pre- and post-trip inspections for the operation of the vehicle
○ Regular ongoing maintenance records
○ Contact information for release of a child to a parent or guardian
○ Establish written fixed bus routes and if necessary, alternate routes
●Bus Drivers may escort children to their classroom and convey any messages from parents to the teacher, as well as any incidents on the bus.
● Bus Drivers need to collaborate with the Bus Monitor to teach children safe riding practices and safety procedures on and off the bus.
● Bus Drivers need to maintain a safe and clean environment inside and outside the bus through regular cleanings.
● Bus Drivers need to maintain their assigned vehicle and ensure that appropriate safety inspections have been completed for its operation as required by federal, state, Tribal, or local authorities.
● Bus Drivers need to attend regular training for reporting child abuse and neglect and topics related to caring for disabled children.
● Each Bus Driver must have an annual evaluation that includes an on-board observation of their performance while driving a bus route.
● Bus Drivers need to serve as a role model for children riding the bus and in contacts with parents or guardians. Requirements:
● Possess a valid CDL - commercial driver’s license
● Prior EXPERIENCE with safely transporting children.
● Prior experience with children ages 0-5 years.
● Able to lift a child weighing 40 pounds, 20 times a day if needed.
● Pass physical examination and all Head Start/licensing required background checks. Maintain current Physical/TB screen requirements including but not limited to:
○ possess a clean driving record
○ passes a criminal background check
○ passes a screening for alcohol and drugs
○ passes a physical examination and is able to lift 50 pounds
○ passes a tuberculosis (TB) test
○ has good hearing and at least 20/40 vision with or without glasses
○ Bus Drivers are REQUIRED to be of legal age
○ hold a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an "S" endorsement in those states conferring such licenses.
Ideal qualifications
● Basic computer literacy in email usage, word processing and internet navigation.
● Bus Drivers should have KNOWLEDGE about federal, state, local, or Tribal transportation requirements.
● Further, they should know the geographic locale and, whenever possible, the language spoken by the families served.
● Bus Drivers should have SKILLS AND ABILITIES to problem solve and provide leadership whenever an emergency situation occurs.
● Bus Drivers who are hired must receive a combination of classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel instruction PRIOR to transporting any children. This training involves the following:
○ operating the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner;
○ safely running a fixed route;
○ administering basic first aid in case of an injury;
○ handling emergency situations, including vehicle evacuation procedures;
○ operating special equipment such as a wheelchair lift; assistance devices or special occupant restraints;
○ conducting routine maintenance and safety checks of the vehicle;
○ orientation on the goals and philosophy of Head Start and how they are implemented by the program.
BBCF CORE VALUES
The Bus Driver has a deep track record demonstrating the following:
● Integrity - Demonstrate consistency between what we say and what we do. Demonstrate consistency in how we behave across contexts and people. Reliable. Honest. Keep commitments and when that is not possible, be direct in communicating what is/is not possible.
● Transparency - Be clear and explicit in sharing what can and cannot be shared about projects, processes, goals, results and lessons learned. Provide visibility to as much information as is possible with consistency across groups so that there are not ”favored” groups or individuals with access to information that others do not have with no business case to support “favored” access.
● Joy and love of community and the work - Find and celebrate successes and learnings – small and large; our own successes and learnings and those of our teammates and community. Proactively name and notice – and invite others to share in – the delights in our day-to-day work.
● Innovative/creative/generative - Surface – through our own work and in collaboration with others – novel ideas, solutions or strategies that challenge established thinking so that we are able to provide positive impact in our community. Identify and implement new approaches and ideas in service of community. Share what we learn.
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy workplace.