Job Details

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

Head Start Bus Operator Summary

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

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Operate transportation vehicles according to designated schedules, transporting children to and from assigned locations.
  • Ensure the safety of all passengers while complying with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
  • Follow vehicle preventive maintenance schedules, including weekly cleaning and routine servicing.
  • Attend in-service trainings, staff meetings, and other required program functions.
  • Follow established procedures necessary to maintain a minimum daily average attendance of 85 percent for program participants.
  • Maintain accurate records including daily mileage logs, service logs, fuel purchases, and oil purchases.
  • Report any deviations in daily vehicle operations.
  • Assist the Center Teacher and Assistant Teacher in maintaining clean and safe play areas, instructional spaces, rest areas, restrooms, and storage rooms.
  • Assist the Center Teacher and Home Visitor with classroom activities, field trips, tooth brushing, toileting, fire drills, and food preparation as needed.
  • Communicate with children and families in a warm, caring, and professional manner.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to enhance, improve, and accomplish the agency’s mission and strategic goals.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Collaborate with agency colleagues to achieve agency goals and objectives.
  • Participate in agency committees as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have 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 responsibilities 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.

Requires some computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, excellent communication skills, and familiarity with office equipment. Must possess strong recall memory, organizational skills, and listening skills. Applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age to operate a bus.

Education and/or Experience

  • Valid West Virginia driver’s license required.
  • Must pass criminal background screening.
  • Must successfully complete APS/CPS checks.
  • Must be bondable.
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with School Bus and Passenger endorsements required.
  • Physical examination required every two years.
  • Must maintain a current DOT physical.
  • Must successfully complete required DOT drug screening.
  • Must complete an initial Tine Test or TB Risk Assessment.
  • Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification as required by Head Start Performance Standards.
  • Must complete OSHA training.
  • Must maintain a Food Handler’s Permit.
  • Must comply with all applicable federal, state, and program requirements.

Required Credentials

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

Language Skills

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

  • Requires prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the classroom.
  • Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds.
  • Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day.
  • Must be able to bend, kneel, or squat to maintain eye-level interaction with children.
  • Frequently required to sit, reach, hear, and talk.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed in classrooms, transportation vehicles, and other Head Start program environments. Indoor temperatures are generally maintained at a comfortable level.

Additional Information

ALL PERSONNEL ARE AT-WILL EMPLOYEES

MountainHeart Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Approved by Policy Council: July 29, 2024