Van Driver

About the Role

The Van Driver is responsible for transporting SPED students to and from school classes and excursions over pre-defined routes. This includes conducting pre/post trip safety checks, maintaining bus cleanliness, and reporting mechanical operational issues and safety concerns to appropriate personnel. The role ensures safe and reliable transportation of passengers during transport, loading, and unloading from buses.

Responsibilities

• Assess incidents, complaints, accidents, and potential emergency situations (e.g., road hazards, medical emergencies, weather conditions) to take appropriate action and ensure passenger safety.
• Attend unit meetings, in-service training, and workshops to gather information required for job performance and maintain licensing requirements.
• Communicate with students, parents, and school personnel on issues such as scheduled stops, route conditions, emergencies, student medical conditions, and complaints to provide or clarify information.
• Drive school vans while adhering to all traffic laws and regulations to transport passengers safely and timely over defined routes to and from schools and extracurricular activities.
• Handle emergencies such as accidents or medical issues by taking appropriate actions, including contacting emergency services or following established protocols.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation, including routes, schedules, student attendance, and incidents, to monitor and address transportation issues.
• Monitor students and other passengers during transit to maintain a safe environment, addressing behaviors or assistance needs and communicating with school personnel as necessary.
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections to check for mechanical issues or safety concerns (e.g., cleanliness, fuel/oil/water levels, tire pressure, lights, brakes) and take action to maintain vehicle safety and operational condition.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• Knowledge of emergency evacuation techniques, area streets and locations, basic vehicle maintenance, first aid, health standards, and safety practices.
• Familiarity with pertinent codes, policies, regulations, safe driving practices, and use of equipment such as wheelchairs, tie-downs, child safety seats, and lifts.
• Ability to perform basic math, read manuals, write documents, and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Skills in adhering to safety practices, administering first aid, operating district vehicles and standard office equipment, and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to schedule activities, gather and collate data, and use job-related equipment.
• Flexibility to work independently and with diverse groups, including students with special needs, while maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and courteously with diverse groups, including school-age riders and parents.
• Work under limited supervision, following standardized practices, and manage multiple situations effectively with constant distractions.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Job-related experience is required.
• CPR/First Aid Certificate.
• Defensive Driving certification.
• Valid Driver’s License and evidence of insurability.
• Criminal Background Clearance, DOT Physical, Drug Test Clearance, and Physical Capacities Test Clearance.

Work Environment

The role requires significant physical demands, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and fine finger dexterity. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness. The position typically involves 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing.