SPED Non-CDL Driver - IDEA Palmview (Immediate Opening)

About the Role

Provide safe transportation for SPED and/or RISE students to and from home and campus daily while reducing operational cost.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport students in a SPED‑approved vehicle according to time schedules.
• Drive students to and from homes, multiple school sites, and assigned field trips.
• Oversee loading and unloading; release students only to authorized individuals and ensure safety belts are fastened.
• Maintain order and discipline of passengers, resolve disputes, and document severe disciplinary cases.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures.
• Conduct daily safety and operational inspections of the assigned vehicle.
• Maintain records and reports such as mileage, routing, maintenance, and time schedules.
• Notify appropriate individuals of any delays in the scheduled route.
• Keep credentials current in accordance with DOT and IDEA policy.
• Take direction and feedback well; maintain open communication with campus managers.
• Self‑reflect on performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks, adapting to changing circumstances and time constraints.

Requirements

Competencies

• Assist the SPED Monitor and students with equipment such as wheelchairs, car seats, and child safety restraints.
• Participate in ARD and IEP meetings with Special Education personnel and principals.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑trip vehicle inspections and report maintenance issues to the SPED Transportation Manager.
• Report daily availability status to the SPED Transportation Manager or Campus Leaders.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year experience driving a non‑CDL passenger vehicle.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Ability to work an open calendar, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and a minimum of 32 hours per week (excluding extracurricular activities).
• Willingness to work extended hours when necessary to meet business needs.

Compensation

Hourly rate ranges from $15.34 (0 years experience) to $19.18 (with experience). The role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plan with the majority of employee premiums covered; substantial subsidies for spouse/domestic partner and children.
• Paid Family Leave: up to 8 weeks of paid leave for birth or adoption, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement: up to 50% of tuition (maximum $5,250 per year) for qualifying degree programs, subject to manager discretion and budget.
• Employer‑paid mental/behavioral health: 5 face‑to‑face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and additional work‑life services at no cost.
• Dental and vision plans, disability and life insurance, parenting benefits, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
• Potential relocation allowance to defray moving costs, if applicable.

About IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools believes every child can go to college. Since 2000, the network has grown from a single school of 150 students to a multi‑state system of tuition‑free Pre‑K‑12 charter schools, serving over 80,000 college‑bound students across Texas, Florida, and Ohio. IDEA consistently ranks among top high schools nationally and is on track to maintain a 100% college‑going rate for its graduates. Employees join a team and family that values mission‑driven impact, accountability, urgency, and collaboration, guided by core values that promote integrity, respect, and belonging.