The Bus Driver/Custodian provides regular transportation services for Head Start / Early Head Start children while following the safest and most efficient routes, obeying all applicable laws, Head Start/Early Head Start regulations and Department of Transportation, (DOT), regulations, maintaining route schedules, and reporting all concerns to supervisor and relevant family services staff. Responsibilities also include regular bus maintenance, including vehicular fluid levels, essential maintenance paperwork, safety checklist, and the reporting of damage/malfunctions to supervisor, as participating bus safety drills. The Bus Driver ensures internal and external vehicular cleanliness, recordkeeping, damage/malfunction reporting, safety equipment/seat belt maintenance, bus entry/exit monitoring, educational/social interaction with children, and communication with parents/families as needed. Additional responsibilities may include acting as a custodial, kitchen, and disabilities aide, and supporting program operations as necessary.
Custodian responsibilities in the position include providing safe and healthy facilities that meet all local, state and Federal regulations, which is crucial to the operation of a Head Start/Early Head Start program. Ensure clean, safe, functional facilities by performing cleaning and maintenance activities as well as some repair activities, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry and painting when professional licensure is not required.
As a front line representative of Save the Children the position holder is required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she come in contact with and represent the agency values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.
Bus Driver Responsibilities (50%):
- Provide regular transportation services for Head Start children while following the safest and most efficient routes, obeying all applicable laws, Head Start/Early Head Start regulations and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, maintaining route schedules, and reporting all concerns to supervisor and relevant family services staff. Provide regular bus maintenance, including vehicular fluid levels, essential maintenance paperwork, safety checklist, and the reporting of damage/malfunctions to the transportation supervisor, as well as performing bus safety drills. Ensure internal and external vehicular cleanliness, recordkeeping, damage/malfunction reporting, safety equipment/seat belt maintenance, bus entry/exit monitoring, educational/social interaction with children, and communication with parents/families as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.
Custodial Responsibilities (50%):
- Cleaning assigned facilities (classroom, hallways, floors, kitchens, offices, entrances as applicable) on a daily basis with particular attention to ensuring that buildings and outlying areas are hazard free and reporting safety, sanitation and fire hazards to the supervisor or staff in charge. Precautions are maintained, including the usage of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination, to protect personal health and safety as well as the health and safety of children, families and staff.
- Performing routine maintenance such as replacing light bulbs and maintaining equipment.
- Maintaining supply inventory and MSDS record keeping.
- Collecting information and participated in planning for upgrading and minor repair of facilities.
- Complies with federal, state and local safety and building code requirements related to Head Start/Early Head Start facilities, including OSHA, MSDS, chemical inventory and other pertinent guidance and training.
- May perform minor plumbing, painting, carpentry, some electrical repairs and general repair work in assigned facilities where a professional license is not required and it is appropriate and assigned.
- May preform or facilitate snow removal, sweeping, mowing raking, tree and shrub trimming and parking lot clearing as appropriate and assigned.
- Maintains confidentiality concerning children, families and staff in accordance with policies and procedures and positive cooperative relationships with co-works, children, families and the public.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Current in-state Commercial Driver’s License (with a School Bus and/or Passenger endorsement), good driving record, and must be insurable by Save the Children’s insurance carrier.
- Minimum high school diploma/GED (or willingness to take GED preparatory courses and continue to retain job).
- Willingness to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification. Knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children (e.g. Department of Transportation rules and regulations). Bilingual skills helpful (English/Spanish).
- Acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal background check including fingerprinting and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment.
- Ability to drive agency vehicles (if applicable), must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Save the Children Head Start insurance carrier and have a Motor Vehicle Record acceptable to Save the Children Head Start.
- Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.
Required Background and Experience, Skills and Behaviors
- Current in-state Commercial Driver’s License (with a School Bus and/or Passenger endorsement) with a good driving record.
- Must be insurable by Save the Children’s insurance carrier.
- Willingness to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification
- Knowledge of the basics skills working with preschool children (e.g. Department of Transportation rules and regulations); bilingual skills are a plus (English/Spanish)
- Ability to perform medium to heave physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping. This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding and computer use.
- Ability to clear criminal records check (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and pass all state and local health requirements required post job offer and prior to employment. To drive agency vehicles (if applicable), must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Save the Children Head Start insurance carrier and have a Motor Vehicle Record acceptable to Save the Children Head Start. Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.