Bus Driver

Bus Driver

Empower Community School influences change in our community by forging collaboration between a diverse group of scholars, educators, families, and partners to educate the next generation of community leaders and advocates. Our personalized approach to learning supports the academic, social, and emotional development of each scholar and prepares them to excel in every endeavor with the courage and ability to advocate for themselves and the community.

Empower unapologetically believes:

• Every student can learn and grow in rigorous academic settings with the appropriate support.
• Schools are a place for equitable collaboration between educators, scholars, families, and the broader community.
• Empathy, interpersonal skills, and social-emotional development are the foundation of a positive culture.
• Technology can be an educational equalizer when used for personalized learning, content creation, and community connections.

Reports To: Director of Business and Facilities Operations

Job Goal: To provide safe and efficient transportation for students.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates support for the school system and its vision, mission, goals, and priorities
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus and completes and submits forms as required; reports mechanical failures to the proper authority
• Picks up and discharges students at authorized stops in accordance with assigned route and schedule
• Maintains and uses communications and/or surveillance equipment on buses according to school system regulations
• Maintains cooperative and appropriate relationships with administrators, peers, students, parents, community members, and other employees
• Performs duties in a courteous, professional manner
• Reports all accidents immediately to the transportation office and other appropriate officials; follows school system procedures related to accidents and post-accident activities
• Adheres to all traffic laws and driving safety rules
• Properly cares for tools, equipment, and material resources of the school system
• Maintains order and discipline while on the bus; reports students with disciplinary problems to the proper authority
• Transports students on field trips and outings, athletic events, and other extracurricular or co-curricular events (evenings, nights, or other times) as assigned
• Demonstrates initiative in identifying potential problems and/or opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility
• Responds to inquiries and requests in a timely and positive manner
• Prepares for and assists students in evacuating the bus when necessary; participates in emergency evacuation drills as required
• Attends scheduled professional development, meetings, and training
• Prepares, maintains, and submits required reports, records, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters in accordance with state and federal law
• Adheres to local Board policies, administrative procedures, and other like directives, as well as state, federal, and local laws
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by Supervisor(s)

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Possess and maintain a valid Alabama bus driver license (ABL) and commercial driver's license (CDL) with P/S endorsement
• Maintain a current Alabama School Bus Physical or ALDOT Health Card as required by state law or the Alabama State Department of Education
• Possess and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record including the ability to remain insurable under school system insurance requirements
• Ability to pass a drug test in accordance with applicable law
• Proficient in written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to operate a school vehicle over an assigned route according to a defined time schedule, which may require driving during pre-daylight and dusk periods
• Ability to lift objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds and to exert up to fifty (50) pounds of force
• Physical, mental, and emotional ability and stamina to perform all duties and responsibilities as specified by state and federal regulations, including but not limited to pre-trip inspections, post-trip inspections, and bus evacuations
• Ability to be punctual and in regular attendance
• Ability to meet suitability criteria under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act No. 2002-457
• Such Alternatives to the above qualifications as state, federal, and local law and the Board may require

Professional Culture:

• Commit to doing and being their best, and to growing their skills as professionals and as individuals.
• Attend all professional development meetings and opportunities that may exceed the regular school day hours of 7:30a-4:30p.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Empower Schools of Alabama considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, Empower Schools of Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law, in providing education services, activities, and programs.