SPED Non-CDL Driver - IDEA Palmview (Immediate Opening)
About the role
Mission: Provide safe transportation for SPED and/or RISE students to and from home and campus daily while reducing operational cost.
Responsibilities
- Safely transport students.
- Drive a SPED‑approved vehicle in accordance with time schedules.
- Transport students to and from their homes, various 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 proper 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 including mileage, routing, maintenance, and time schedules.
- Notify appropriate individuals of any delays in the scheduled route.
- Maintain and carry proper credentials updated according to DOT and IDEA policy.
- Take direction and feedback well; keep open communication with campus managers.
- Accept both positive and critical feedback; self‑reflect to improve continuously.
- Manage multiple tasks by prioritizing work and adapting to changing circumstances.
- Handle various tasks simultaneously within established time constraints.
Requirements
- Education: High school diploma or GED required.
- Experience: Minimum 1 year driving a non‑CDL passenger vehicle.
- Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
- Availability: Open calendar; must be able to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed.
- Workload: Minimum 32 hours per week (excluding extra‑curricular activities assigned by campus).
Competencies
- Assist the SPED Monitor and students with equipment such as wheelchairs, car seats, child safety restraints, and any other equipment required by the IEP.
- Participate in ARD and IEP meetings with Special Education personnel and principals.
- Conduct pre‑ and post‑trip vehicle inspections and report any maintenance‑related issues to the SPED Transportation Manager.
- Report morning availability status to the SPED Transportation Manager or Campus Leaders.
Pay
Hourly rate ranges from $15.34 (for 0 years of experience) up to $19.18. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of employee premiums for the base medical plan and subsidizing most costs for spouses/domestic partners 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, subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
- 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.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Potential relocation allowance, if applicable.
Schedule
Minimum 32 hours per week, with required availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as business needs dictate.
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 charter system serving over 80,000 college‑bound students across Texas, Florida, and Ohio. IDEA consistently ranks among top high schools nationally. Employees join a team focused on ambitious goals, professional growth, and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging.