Job Description

Title:   BUS DRIVER - SPECIAL NEEDS

Position Type: Non-Exempt

Primary Function:

Performs bus driving duties transporting special education students to and from assigned schools; transports special education students for special events and field trips on a non-regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Valid Virginia motor vehicle operator's license.
• Ability to meet Virginia School Bus Commercial Driver License requirements:
• Minimum hours of instruction
• Satisfactory score on written examination
• Local and state standards for driving test
• Local and state standards for driving record check (DMV report)
• State required physical (as administered by York County School Division contracted provider; physical includes alcohol and controlled substance testing)
• Ability to operate all vehicle types (from 15-passenger van buses to 64-passenger vehicles) used in transporting students.
• Sufficient knowledge of automotive vehicle operation with emphasis on large equipment with standard 4 or 5-speed transmissions.
• Thorough knowledge of State highway operating rules and procedures.
• Excellent driving record without a moving traffic violation within two years.
• Ability to operate radio communication.
• Ability to deal with exuberant behavioral characteristics of youthful riders.
• Completion of defensive driving course and multimedia first aid prior to employment preferred.
• Ability to operate specially equipped or adapted vehicles.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and dexterity needed to assist students who are physically/mentally challenged.
• Ability to recognize and move quickly to solve problems.
• Be familiar with the proper use of wheel chairs, braces, crutches, etc.
• Ability to determine when a child is behaving abnormally for his/her disability.
• Possess personal characteristics of flexibility, sympathy, understanding, patience, friendliness, and emotional stability

Performance Responsibilities:

• Maintain valid Virginia School Bus Commercial Driver License
• Inspect vehicle prior to and after daily operations for maintenance discrepancies
• Operate a school bus over established routes in an efficient and punctual manner
• Maintain student discipline while operating a school bus following the guidelines established by the School Board
• Drive defensively under varying traffic conditions
• Perform housekeeping duties inside and outside the school bus
• Refuel and check oil on equipment as needed
• Demonstrate knowledge of rules and regulations promulgated by local, state, and federal authorities
• Act in a professional manner exhibiting a positive image in dealing with students, parents, and school division personnel
• Maintain availability to drive doubled bus runs within the normal contracted hourly day as circumstances require and perform such doubled runs as assigned
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills in keeping with division regulations
• Attend workshops and safety meetings as directed
• Operate a school bus on special trip assignments
• Report personal absences to supervisor allowing sufficient time to secure a substitute
• Report vehicle maintenance problems to supervisor or Manager of Vehicle Maintenance
• Assist in preparation of route schedules
• Operate hydraulic-lift equipped bus for the purpose of loading and unloading students utilizing wheelchairs.
• Secure each student into his/her location with either harnesses, seat belts, wheel chair locks, or other safety equipment
• Be aware of the health and/or behavior problems of each child riding the bus
• Be familiar with the medical, psychological, and physical background of each child and at the same time respect their right to confidentiality
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager of Transportation Services, Bus Driver Lead, and School Principal

Reports to:

Bus Driver - Lead. Each driver shall be directly responsible to the principal of the school(s) served on matters related to student discipline and patron relations.

Terms of Employment:

182 or 260 days contracted yearly. Workshop/in-service as required.

Evaluation:

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of non-licensed personnel.

6/12/2019