School Bus Driver

About the role

This role involves safely transporting students and adult learners to and from James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy in Indianapolis. It requires flexibility with hours, including potential shifts outside of normal school hours.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a school bus or other commercial passenger vehicle, keeping student safety first at all times
• Follow legal and defensive driving practices, and drive efficiently and courteously in all road and weather conditions
• Treat all passengers, colleagues, and community members with courtesy and professionalism
• Follow assigned route sheets and itineraries, and communicate with dispatch about any concerns that could affect safety or create an unsafe stop
• Obey posted speed limits and report mechanical issues according to company policy
• Keep the interior of the vehicle clean
• Attend all mandatory safety training and update meetings, including the Indiana annual school bus driver safety meeting
• Use only federally compliant, hands-free communication (Bluetooth or radio). Never text or use a handheld phone while operating the bus
• Conduct scheduled emergency bus evacuation drills
• Report any incident affecting student safety immediately
• Aid with loading and unloading students with physical or cognitive disabilities when needed, including securing wheelchairs
• Report all accidents or injuries to dispatch and safety personnel immediately
• Use effective student management techniques and follow procedures for reporting student behavior concerns
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, including a post-trip child check to confirm no student is left on the bus
• Maintain a clean driving record free of major traffic citations and major at-fault accidents
• Report any personal moving violation or seat belt infraction to safety personnel immediately
• Report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities without delay
• Stay busy and productive during downtime between routes, taking on other duties as assigned that support the school (JRP) and Skilled US, and jumping in wherever help is needed with a positive attitude

Requirements

• Valid Indiana CDL, Class B, Interstate, with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements and no air brake (L) restriction
• Completion of Indiana's state-mandated preservice school bus driver safety education course (up to 40 hours, through the Indiana Department of Education, Division of School Traffic Safety and Emergency Planning). A Certificate of Enrollment (blue card) is required to begin behind-the-wheel training
• Current DOT physical from a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry, plus the Indiana Title 20 physical fitness certificate filed with the employer. The physical certificate is valid for up to 24 months
• Successful completion of the local physical performance tests
• Pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol test, with enrollment in the DOT random testing pool
• Criminal history background check and an annual driving record review
• CPR and first aid training required; will be provided if needed
• At least 24 years old

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of two years of experience in passenger transportation or a similar field preferred
• Fluent in English (read, write, and speak)
• Bilingual a plus
• Valid CDL-B with School Bus and Passenger endorsements (see certification requirements above)
• Clean driving record
• Valid DOT medical card, maintained throughout employment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Able to drive safely in a variety of weather conditions

Skills

• Safe driving practices
• Customer service
• Emergency response
• Vehicle maintenance
• Physical stamina

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Pay

The pay rate for this position is $18.50 per hour.

Schedule

Day shift, Monday through Friday. 7:45 AM to 11:45 PM. Extended day hours, weeknights, and weekends as needed, but not mandatory.

About Skilled US

At Skilled US, we help adults change their lives through education, career training, and workforce readiness. We operate a full-service, brick-and-mortar adult education campus that combines high-quality instruction, career pathways, and wraparound support to help students succeed in training and employment. We are a student-first organization guided by our core values: Students First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude. Our work is fast-paced, mission-driven, and focused on meeting both learner needs and workforce demands.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service. By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary. You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.