Bus Assistant

Primary Purpose Responsible for the safe and orderly transportation of students on assigned route. Assist the driver of a school bus that transports students with disabilities and other authorized personnel to and from schools or designated locations.

Probationary Period First two months of each current school year will serve as a probationary period for all bus assistants.

Qualifications Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or GED

Must be at least 21 years old

Special Knowledge/Skills Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to manage student behavior

Ability to operate equipment on the bus

Ability to read a map preferred

Training on emergency evacuation procedures

Knowledge of student discipline procedures

Complete Special needs in-service training

Experience Two years' experience working with students, preferred.

Major Responsibilities And Duties Vehicle Operation

• Attendant must help driver to follow assigned route and adhere to established schedules.
• Operate all special needs equipment i.e. (wheel chair straps, vest, wheel chair lift).
• Help driver check bus for mechanical defects before and after each operation. Complete district forms.
• Assist Driver in reporting all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, mechanical failure, and complete required reports.
• Help keep assigned bus and equipment clean.
• Complete all forms and reports. Assist the driver in maintaining the Special Needs bus binder of student and bus information.

Student Management

• Help students get on and off bus according to their individual needs.
• Supervise students as they board and leave bus.
• Learn and adapt to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Maintain appropriate discipline for students and report student discipline problems to appropriate administrator.
• Instruct students and enforce safe riding rules and regulations.
• Provide direct supervision of students while bus is in motion.

Safety

• Help Driver to inspect bus to ensure bus can be operated safely before driving.
• Help Driver to ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and reflectors.
• Correct unsafe conditions in work area that could cause an accident and inform supervisor of any conditions that are not immediately correctable
• Assist Driver in reporting any hazardous conditions along scheduled routes.
• Adhere to all procedures regarding wheelchair loading and unloading or tie down.

Other

• Operate two-way radio equipment to communicate with transportation office. (When Driver is off the bus.)
• Work irregular hours as needed.
• Attend and complete required training program specific to special needs children. Physically guide the bus driver's actions whenever the bus is being backed or when required when bus is close to obstacles.
• All other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Equipment Used School bus, wheelchair lifts ramp, 6 point wheel chair straps, locks, seatbelts, vest, car seats, special adaptive equipment, safety equipment (reflective signs), and fire extinguisher.