32609* Special Education Assistant (Bus Monitor)

Special Education AssistantAssist the driver of a school bus that transports students with special needs to and from school and/or other designated location. Responsible for safe and orderly transportation of students on route as assigned.Qualifications:High school diploma or GEDSatisfactory annual criminal history checkMust pass pre-employment physical examination and drug screenPrior experience as a bus aide/monitor and/or daycare settingSpecial Knowledge/Skills:Ability to work well with students with special needsAbility to secure wheelchairs and operate wheelchair lift as trainedAbility to operate safety and adaptive equipment as trainedAbility to annually complete required training as assignedAbility to verbally interact with staff, parents, and the public in a positive mannerAbility to communicate effectively and appropriately via two-way radiosAbility to read maps/interpret directions for assigned routeAbility to follow written and verbal instructionsAbility to physically perform front and rear door bus evacuationsAbility to read and understand documents, including policies and procedures manualsMajor Responsibilities and Duties:Assist on assigned route daily while adhering to established schedules.Assist in the completion of accurate updated and timely records including weekly attendance rosters as assigned.Operate equipment according to established safety procedures to ensure that the seat belts, safety vests, and/or car seats are used properly.Assist students on and off the bus according to their individual needs.Assist students with the use of safety equipment as outlined in the students' Individualized Education Plan (IEP).Maintain confidentiality of information regarding students with special needs as required by law and Garland ISD policies and procedures.Follow assigned bus route as directed.Display professionalism in dealing with students, parents, staff, and community.Approach problem solving tactfully with directness and integrity.Exert a positive influence and work in harmony with associates.Respond to suggestions for improvement in a positive manner.Keep assigned bus clean as required.Maintain professional appearance.Be mentally alert and physically able to perform all job functions.Report all accidents and incidents to proper authorities with required information and within the appropriate time frame.Manifest support for and compliance with the philosophy, policies, and procedures of Garland ISD.Follow district policies and departmental procedures pertaining to individual assignments.Maintain discipline and use appropriate and effective behavior management control over groups of students with special needs as trained.Ability to maintain emotional control and de-escalate problems for students with special needs as trained.Report student discipline problems to the appropriate administrator as required.Attend monthly in-service or safety meetings as required.Perform other duties as assigned.Supervisory Responsibilities: None.Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors Tools/Equipment Used: School bus wheelchair lift operation; safety equipment; fire extinguisher; special adaptive equipment; and radio communication equipment. Posture: Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time, occasional bending/stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting. Motion: Prolonged sitting and reaching; repetitive hand and arm motions. Lifting: Frequent heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive equipment. Environment: Work outside and inside with moderate exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) and weather conditions; moderate exposure to vehicle fumes; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases); work around vehicles and machinery with moving parts; work irregular hours as needed. Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.