Driver

Grant funded ARP-ESSR3. 180 days / 10 months.

About the role

Operate a five-to-eight passenger school vehicle to transport students in transition (homeless) to and from school routes, special-education, vocational, or extracurricular trips as authorized by the Department of Student Services and the local school system. Employees follow assigned routes and schedules to ensure safe and efficient operation of the vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Operate the school vehicle in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with Georgia state laws and local board of education policies.
• Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the school vehicle and its special equipment.
• Maintain orderly conduct of student passengers and report unsafe acts or conditions.
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills as required by the local school system.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with students, families, and school personnel.
• Complete legible, accurate, and required reports in a timely manner.
• Ensure maximum safety for passengers during transport, loading, and unloading.
• Transport students on field trips, after-school activities, and outings as approved by the Homeless Liaison and Transportation Supervisor.
• Assist wheelchair-bound students with boarding, securing wheelchairs, and operating life equipment according to safety procedures.
• Clean and service the school vehicle, including sweeping, washing, fueling, and checking oil and coolant levels.
• Report needed repairs and any hazards along existing routes to appropriate school officials.
• Load and discharge students only at designated stops.
• Work with the Homeless Liaison and school administrators to address discipline problems on the vehicle.
• Assist students who become ill and clean up as required.
• Report all accidents immediately to local police and the Transportation Department.
• Attend local safety meetings as required by the State Department or local Transportation Department.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors to support the efficient operation of the school system.

Requirements

• Completion of Georgia DOE Driver Training Curriculum and annual training on safe driving practices.
• Valid Driver’s License and minimum age of 21 to qualify as a school vehicle driver.
• Pass a physical examination by a licensed doctor prior to employment (DE form 0514).
• Minimum of two years driving experience with an acceptable record (does not have to be a school bus).
• Ability to safely transport K-12 students to and from school-related activities.
• Ability to complete pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections.
• Sensitivity, compassion, and confidentiality when working with families and students in transition (homeless).
• Must be placed in a drug and alcohol testing program; successfully complete a pre-employment drug test and be subject to random drug tests.
• No addiction to intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs.
• Pass criminal background checks and meet all state-mandated qualifications (e.g., physical exam, drug screening).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.
• Regularly required to talk, hear, walk, stand, and sit.
• Frequent travel is required.
• Must be physically able to enter and leave a vehicle quickly and traverse vehicle aisles as needed.
• Stooping, bending, and lifting are required.
• Work may be completed in split shifts and may require after-school or evening hours, often on an unscheduled basis.
• May be required to work activity trips outside the regularly scheduled work day.