Bus Assistant

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Help driver follow assigned route and adhere to established schedules.
• Operate all special needs equipment (wheelchair straps, vest, wheelchair 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.
• Assist the driver in maintaining the Special Needs bus binder of student and bus information.
• 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.
• Help driver inspect bus to ensure safe operation before driving.
• Help driver ensure proper condition of emergency equipment (first aid kit, fire extinguisher, reflectors).
• Correct unsafe conditions in work area that could cause an accident and inform supervisor of any conditions not immediately correctable.
• Assist driver in reporting any hazardous conditions along scheduled routes.
• Adhere to all procedures regarding wheelchair loading, unloading, and tie‑down.
• 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 when backing the bus or when near obstacles.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• At least 21 years old
• Two years' experience working with students (preferred)

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
• Completion of special needs in‑service training