Bus Driver Substitute

TITLE: Bus Driver Substitute
REPORTS TO:  Early Childhood Director
FLSA:    Non-Exempt, Non-Medical (NE-NM)

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the safe and timely transportation of children according to all laws and regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Utilizes checklist for children to ensure that all children are accounted for when entering or exiting the bus. The Bus Driver has primary responsibility for child safety while transporting children or while children enter and exit while ensuring a child is never left alone on the bus. 
2. Inspects and maintains buses on a daily basis and meets all requirements as outlined by IDOT, Secretary of State, DCFS, and the Head Start Performance Standards.
3. Completes daily, weekly, monthly, and annual forms as outlined in Head Start procedures and Transportation Manuals.
4. Maintains emergency information bus files on each child on the bus.
5. Conforms to all DCFS and Head Start Regulations as outlined in Bus Manual.
6. Reports potential problems and concerns to Site Supervisor and Transportation/Facilities Specialist.
7. Ensures bus is kept neat, clean, and safe for the transportation of children.
8. Participates in the federal and annual program review process.
9. Responsible for carrying out best practices for safety procedures concerning children, staff, families, and community individuals, and for assessing current practices and finding ways and areas needing improvement.
10. Responsible for developing a partnership relationship with parents and caregivers in the Head Start program and encourages each parent/caregiver to take an active role in the child’s Head Start experience.
11. Responsible for recruitment of Head Start eligible children, in coordination with other Head Start staff, for enrollment into the Head Start program.
12. Responsible for participating in activities and attitudes that promote positive public relations and positive image for the program and agency.
13. Complies and is familiar with the requirements of the policies and procedures adopted by Southern Seven Health Department as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assists with cleanliness of facility and playground, and other areas applicable to the well-being and image of the program.
2. Participates on the site safety committee and/or any other site/agency committees as assigned by Supervisor.
3. If employed for more time per day than bus run (s) will be assigned to duties by Supervisor such as assisting in the classroom, custodial work, or assisting in the kitchen.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education, Training, and Experience:
   1. High School Diploma or GED AND
   2. Minimum age: 21 years of age AND
   3. Possess a current Illinois State CDL license AND a current Illinois State Bus Permit
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
   1. Must be able to complete a daily bus inspection.
   2. Communicate with others in a clear and tactful manner.
3. Certifications and Other Requirements:
   1. Required: DCFS background/criminal check, IDOT Physical, Mandated Reporter, CPR, First Aid, Drivers Safety Course, and must submit to random drug and alcohol testing.
   2. Recommended: Hepatitis B Vaccine
4. Physical Requirements:
   1. Strength:  Life/carry up to 40 pounds on occasion and 10 pounds frequently.
   2. Movement:    
      1. Routine: Sit, walk or stand for prolonged periods of time.
      2. Lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, climb, reach above shoulder level.
      3. Hear and understand speech at normal room levels and while operating the telephone.
   3. Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure:  Occasional Occupational Exposure.

"Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled"