Substitute Bus Aide

About the role

The primary purpose of this role is to ride buses and help the driver ensure safe and orderly transportation of students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist students on and off the bus according to their individual needs, including lifting and carrying students with disabilities.
• Supervise students as they board and exit the bus and cross the street, following established safety procedures.
• Escort students into the building and deliver to their assigned destination.
• Instruct students on safe entering, exiting, and riding rules and regulations.
• Learn and adapt to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Manage student behavior and report student discipline problems in a timely manner to the appropriate administrator.
• Communicate with teachers and parents regarding student behavior while on the bus.
• Complete and maintain accurate, updated, and timely records and reports, including route sheets and daily non-notification forms.
• Operate equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Make sure seat belts, harnesses, or car seats are used correctly and help students use safety devices when needed.
• Follow emergency procedures, including evacuation of students as needed, and assist the driver to administer first aid if necessary.
• Assist the driver in keeping the bus clean and perform pre- and post-trip inspections.

Qualifications

• Ability to understand and follow written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to operate safety equipment and adaptive equipment.
• Ability to manage student behavior.
• Ability to work well with children with disabilities.

Skills

None specified, but experience working with students with disabilities is likely beneficial.

Working Conditions

The role involves frequent standing and sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting. It also involves frequent walking and reaching, heavy lifting (45 pounds or over), and positioning of students with physical disabilities. The work environment includes exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather, noise and vehicle fumes, and biological hazards. The role may require working irregular or prolonged hours and maintaining emotional control under stress.