Job Details

  • Department: Early Head Start
  • Reports To: Lead Teacher
  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
  • OSHA Category: Category 1

Early Head Start Bus Operator Summary

Provides safe transportation services for children enrolled in the Early Head Start program. Assists classroom staff with food service, classroom activities, cleaning, and maintaining a safe learning environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Transports children safely to and from designated locations according to established schedules.
  • Maintains compliance with all local, state, federal, and Head Start transportation regulations.
  • Completes vehicle inspections and monitors vehicle maintenance schedules.
  • Cleans agency vehicles and ensures vehicles remain safe and operational.
  • Maintains daily mileage, fuel, maintenance, and service records.
  • Reports vehicle concerns and operational deviations promptly.
  • Attends required staff meetings, trainings, workshops, and in-service activities.
  • Supports efforts to maintain minimum attendance requirements.
  • Assists classroom staff with cleaning and maintaining instructional and play environments.
  • Assists with classroom activities, field trips, fire drills, handwashing, tooth brushing, and toileting routines.
  • Assists with food preparation and meal service according to approved menus.
  • Maintains clean kitchen, dining, and food storage areas.
  • Completes grocery orders and assists with inventory management.
  • Processes purchase requests according to agency procedures.
  • Communicates professionally and respectfully with children, families, staff, and community members.
  • Maintains confidentiality.
  • Collaborates with agency colleagues to achieve agency goals and objectives.
  • Participates in agency committees as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned to enhance, improve, and accomplish the agency’s mission and strategic goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Quantity: Completes work in a timely manner; works quickly.
  • Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work when scheduled and on time.
  • Dependability: Follows instructions and responds to management direction.
  • Empathy: Values the feelings of others to ensure pleasant workplace relationships and customer satisfaction.
  • Teamwork: Goes above and beyond assigned tasks and collaborates with colleagues to achieve agency goals and results.

Core Values

  • Empathy/Compassion
  • Teamwork
  • Equality
  • Respect
  • Inclusiveness
  • Considerate
  • Innovation
  • Ethics

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements described are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Basic computer skills are preferred, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications. Must possess strong communication, organizational, and listening skills. Ability to safely operate agency vehicles and maintain required transportation and program documentation.

Education and/or Experience

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate passenger and school bus endorsements required.
  • Safe driving record required.
  • Must maintain required DOT physical certification.
  • Must complete Bus Sweep Training.
  • Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification as required.
  • Must complete OSHA training.
  • Must maintain a valid Food Handler’s Permit.
  • Must meet all applicable federal, state, and Head Start performance standards.

Required Credentials

Must possess a valid West Virginia driver’s license, clear criminal background, APS/CPS check, and be bondable.

Language Skills

Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from children, families, customers, and the public.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Regularly required to stand and walk.
  • Frequently required to sit, reach, hear, and talk.
  • Must be able to sit and drive for extended periods.
  • May be required to lift and/or move up to 45 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment includes classrooms, kitchen areas, outdoor activities, and transportation vehicles. The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate and temperatures may vary depending upon work location and weather conditions.

Additional Information

ALL PERSONNEL ARE AT-WILL EMPLOYEES

MountainHeart Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Approved by Policy Council: July 29, 2024