BUS ASSISTANT (Hourly Rate May Vary) 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR (2879)

Bus Assistant

The Bus Assistant works with the Bus Driver to monitor students to ensure the students' safety and keep the bus clean. Operates a wheelchair lift and assists students with entering and exiting the school bus. Essential functions include assisting students with getting on and off the school bus, operating the wheelchair lift and tying down wheelchairs as needed, monitoring and assisting with the behavior, safety, and medical needs of students on the school bus, participating in cleaning and sterilizing buses, and communicating regularly with parents, supervisors, school staff, co-workers, and students. The Bus Assistant also completes all required paperwork to include route changes, MIPS, mileage reports, and student counts. The position requires demonstrating courteous and professional behavior when interacting with students, parents, visitors, and school staff; maintaining absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and school information; following Governing Board Policies; and performing all other related duties as required or assigned.

Required qualifications include a high school diploma or GED equivalent, six months of experience assisting adults or children with special needs preferred, an active Arizona Department of Public Safety IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card, a current Red Cross first aid certificate and CPR certificate, and a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety IVP Fingerprint clearance card within 90 days of employment.

Ideal candidates will have skills in understanding, explaining, and applying relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; resolving problems among children; safely operating a school bus wheelchair lift; maintaining order and safety on a school bus; following verbal and written instructions and procedures; identifying and addressing student needs; communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; providing excellent customer experiences; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; and using initiative within organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Physical demands include climbing up and down bus stairs, bending, kneeling, crouching or stooping, pulling, and lifting up to 100 pounds. The working environment may expose the employee to hot and cold temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and infectious diseases.

Why work at PXU? The Phoenix Union High School District offers highly competitive pay, comprehensive employee benefits, participation in the Arizona State Retirement System, education loan forgiveness (if eligible), vacation and personal leave plans, and paid winter and spring breaks. The Board is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation, as well as gender identity, gender expression, and immigration status.