SUBSTITUTE DRIVER

Substitute Head Start Preschool Bus Driver

Self Help Inc. is currently looking for a reliable, safety-focused Substitute Head Start Preschool Bus Driver to join our team.

Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Job Summary

The Substitute Head Start Bus Driver provides on-call coverage for the safe and efficient transportation of preschool children enrolled in the Head Start program to and from centers, filling in as needed when a regularly scheduled driver is unavailable due to illness, vacation, or other absence. This position requires a commitment to the safety and well-being of young children, adherence to all traffic laws and Head Start policies, and positive communication with children, parents, and staff. Substitute Drivers must be ready to step in on short notice and quickly adapt to different routes, schedules, and buses, ensuring children continue to have reliable access to Head Start's educational and developmental opportunities even when a regular driver is out.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide on-call coverage for assigned bus routes when a regular driver calls out sick or is otherwise unavailable, often on short notice
• Operate the Head Start bus in a safe and responsible manner, adhering to all federal, state, and local traffic laws and regulations, as well as Head Start transportation policies and procedures
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus/van according to established checklists, ensuring all safety equipment is in proper working order (lights, brakes, tires, mirrors, seat belts, etc.)
• Report any mechanical defects or maintenance needs promptly to the Transportation Specialist
• Maintain a clean and orderly interior of the bus
• Quickly learn and follow assigned routes and schedules for the driver being covered, ensuring timely arrival and departure
• Adapt to occasional route changes or delays due to weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances
• Oversee the loading and unloading of children, ensuring they are properly seated and secured in child safety restraints according to program policy and state law with the assistance of the bus monitor
• Supervise children on the bus along with the bus monitor, maintaining a positive and safe environment and addressing any behavioral issues according to Head Start guidelines
• Prioritize the safety and well-being of all children on the bus at all times
• Follow established procedures for handling medical emergencies, accidents, or other incidents
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with children, parents/guardians, Head Start staff, and the public
• Maintain reliable availability and prompt response to on-call coverage requests
• Adhere to all Head Start policies, Massachusetts state transportation regulations, and agency policies and procedures
• Maintain a valid Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with a school bus certificate and a good driving record
• Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification as required by Head Start and state regulations
• Comply with drug and alcohol testing requirements as mandated by federal and state regulations and Head Start policy

Other Requirements

• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination, drug and alcohol screening, and background checks (including Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) checks)
• Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children

Schedule

• On-call / as-needed basis, covering routes when regular drivers are absent
• Hours vary based on coverage needs; may include morning and/or afternoon routes, Monday-Friday
• Must be able to respond on short notice
• Follows the Head Start program calendar.

Hourly Rate: $26$27

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to sit for extended periods while driving
• Ability to secure and release child safety restraints
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Visual acuity to operate a vehicle safely
• Hearing ability to understand conversations and vehicle signals
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with preschool children and their families
• Dependability, punctuality, flexibility, and a strong commitment to safety
• Ability to quickly learn new routes and adapt to different buses and schedules

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• You must be at least 21 years of age
• Valid Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B or higher with "S" (School Bus) and "P" (Passenger) endorsements
• Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) School Bus Driver Certificate (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Current First Aid and CPR certification
• You must have held a valid driver's license for 3 continuous years and possess a clean driving record
• Prior experience as a school bus or substitute driver preferred, but not required

Compensation

This is a per-diem, as-needed position paid on an hourly basis for hours worked.

Self Help Inc offers a comprehensive employee benefits package:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• LTD
• FSA
• 403B
• Vacation Time
• Optional Time
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Disability Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Direct Deposit

Self Help, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Its contents imply no contractual obligation and may be changed by the agency at any time.