Bus Assistant - Greenville

Position: Bus Assistant 

Classification: HS 01-03 ($13.94 - $15.22 - $16.47)  

Hours: 24-29 per week 

Supervisor: Bus Staff Supervisor 

Positions Supervised: None 

Mission Statement 

EightCAP, Inc., improves our community by collaborating with private, government, and community organizations to deliver programs that alleviate the causes of poverty and its effects, allowing individuals to become self-sufficient. 

Role Overview 

As a Bus Assistant, you are responsible for assisting the Bus Driver in providing safe and reliable transportation for children enrolled in the Head Start program. As a Bus Assistant, you ensure that children are properly supervised, assisted, and secured in appropriate safety restraints during transport. This position supports the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children by providing care, reassurance, and positive interactions while maintaining compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and Agency policies. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Safety and Compliance: Ensure the safety of children during transport by maintaining appropriate ratios, utilizing active supervision strategies and adhering to policies and procedures. 


2. Loading/Unloading: Work collaboratively with the Bus Driver to assist children during boarding, riding, and exiting the bus. Follow established procedures to ensure children are never left unattended on the bus. 


3. Behavior Management: Monitor children's behavior during transport to promote a safe and respectful environment, use positive redirection strategies when necessary.  


4. Education: Provide activities on the bus such as playing games, singing songs, and reading books to the children, and engage in appropriate conversations. 


5. Communication: Maintain clear lines of communication with parents/guardians regarding transportation schedules and any issues that may arise. Report any transportation-related concerns to the Bus Staff Supervisor. 


6. Emergency Preparedness: Be familiar with emergency procedures to respond effectively in case of an emergency. 


7. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate child information paperwork and attendance records. Report any incidents in a timely manner. 


8. Collaboration: Address challenges that may arise between staff and/or parents/guardians in a respectful manner while maintaining confidentiality. 


9. Professional Development: Actively participate in professional development and training opportunities, ensuring compliance with regulations.  


10. Perform Other Duties as Assigned 

Our CORE Values at Work 

1. Accountability: By carefully monitoring children at all times, ensuring every child is properly secured in appropriate safety restraints, and maintaining accurate attendance records, the Bus Assistant shows a commitment to the safety of children. 


2. Communication: The Bus Assistant engages in respectful and professional communication with children, families, and staff to build trust and rapport. 


3. Compassion: The Bus Assistant develops trusting relationships by actively engaging with children, acknowledging their feelings, offering reassurance, and displaying patience and understanding.  


4. Empowerment: The Bus Assistant provides a supportive environment for children to learn and grow by using positive redirection, celebrating achievements, and encouraging independence. 

Qualifications 

• High school diploma or GED. 

• Experience working with young children. 

• Ability to physically assist children, which may include carrying children to and from the bus in case of an emergency. 

• Ability to safely and repeatedly climb up and down bus steps to assist children on and off the bus. 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. 

• A criminal records background check, including fingerprint checks. 

• A valid Michigan driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record. 

Benefits 

Part-time (≤29 hours/week) benefits include vision insurance, voluntary life insurance, and lump sum disability insurance.  

Staff in this position may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits during periods of layoff, in accordance with state unemployment regulations. 

EightCAP, Inc. is an equal Employment Opportunity Agency.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.