Bus Driver (Substitute)

Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Transportation Manager, this position is responsible for transporting children to and from assigned locations, performing daily inspections and minor maintenance requirements, and delivering food and/or supplies as required. As a substitute position, this role works on an irregular as needed schedule and does not have guaranteed or regularly scheduled hours. Employees will be offered work opportunities as they become available and may be assigned to different routes, vehicles, or locations based on program needs. Longer term substitute assignments may be available. To remain active in the substitute employee pool, employees must work at least one shift during each 90 day period when work opportunities are available. Failure to meet this requirement may result in removal from the substitute pool and separation from employment, except when otherwise approved by management.

Essential Functions:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Transport children to and from Head Start center and on field trips. Maintain and update daily routes, student roster, authorized escorts, student attendance, chain of custody log and emergency information on each student assigned to the bus route.


• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections according to DOT regulations; report defects and major mechanical difficulties to the Lead Driver and Transportation Manager.  Perform minor maintenance and repairs such as replacing fuses, bulbs, lenses, mirrors, lubricants, water, etc.  Keep the interior of the vehicle clean at all times.


• Assist with transporting vehicles to have routine maintenance performed under the direction of the Lead Driver.


• Deliver food and supplies daily; store food and supplies as appropriate, assemble and move furniture and equipment as necessary.  Assist with food service to the classrooms at all centers.  Deliver snacks to the classrooms for PM children. 


• Conduct bus evacuation drills three (3) times a year and submit required documentation to the Center Education Coordinator and Lead Driver.


• Assist teachers in the classrooms, monitor children on the playground and/or play areas.


• Perform miscellaneous duties such as delivering inter office mail/correspondence, answering phones, miscellaneous office duties and conducting follow-up phone calls when children are absent.


• Attend required staff meetings and training. 


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety: Responsible for the safe transportation, active protection, and proper release of children; completion of required vehicle inspections and child checks; enforcement of transportation safety procedures.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience: One year of experience as a professional driver or other related experience driving a larger vehicle required. Experience transporting young children and working in a social service agency is preferred.

Licensing Requirements:  Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement with no passenger restrictions. No major violations and no more than two minor violations in the last five years.  Clean driving records are preferred.  Must be able to meet other requirements of the Minnesota Motor Vehicle Department.  Because of the multiple locations of centers throughout Ramsey County, reliable transportation on a daily basis is required.

Abilities and Skills: To ensure compliance with program requirements, and safety of staff and clients, the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is required. 

Certifications: Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire; must maintain certifications

Work Knowledge: Knowledge of the St. Paul Metro area and ability to read a street map. Ability to use email as a form of communication. Ability to use a computer to complete an electronic timecard.

Physical Requirements:  Must be able to successfully pass Head Start pre-placement physical and Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination (including ongoing random drug and alcohol screening).  Must be able to safely lift 55 pounds; must be able to assist in emergency evacuation of children from bus; must be able to tolerate sitting for extended periods of time; must be physically able to perform routine servicing, minor maintenance and repair of vehicles, and assemble classroom equipment.

Working Conditions:  May be exposed to fluctuating temperatures, gas fumes, and vapors. Assignments may include early mornings, split shifts, daytime hours, occasional evenings, field trips, and different routes or locations. Hours are irregular, based on program needs, and are not guaranteed. 

Mental Requirements: This position requires the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, and the ability to function both independently and as a team member at the center.  This person must also possess good mechanical aptitude, personal initiative and sound judgment.  Must be able to work with children and individuals of various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Benefits

Department: Head Start

Salary: $28.00/hr

Locations: Multi-Site – This position may be assigned to different routes, vehicles, Head Start centers, and program locations based on operational needs.

Schedule: This position works on an as-needed basis and does not have a regular, set schedule or guaranteed hours. Work opportunities will be offered based on program needs and may include early mornings, split shifts, daytime hours, occasional evenings, field trips, and assignments at different routes or locations. Longer-term substitute assignments may also be available.

To remain active in the substitute employee pool, employees must work at least one shift during each 90-day period when work opportunities are available. Failure to meet this requirement may result in removal from the substitute pool and separation from employment, except when otherwise approved by management.

Employees must have reliable access to and use their own phone, tablet, or computer to receive work opportunities, communicate their availability, manage their schedule, and respond to scheduling updates.

Hybrid Capability: This position has 0% remote capability. 

Posting Dates: This position will be reposted until all vacancies are filled.

Benefits: Relief employees are eligible for Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST), workers’ compensation coverage, unemployment insurance benefits as applicable, overtime pay in accordance with applicable laws. 

Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.

Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We recruit, select, hire, place, transfer, promote, demote, layoff, discipline, terminate, recall, compensate, and train without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other basis protected by applicable laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies or agencies. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities whenever possible.