School Bus Driver

Overview of Position

As a Skilled US School Bus Driver for James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy in Indianapolis, you are responsible for the safe transportation of our students. This role places you inside a workforce development organization operating within a top-notch high school, and it may require flexibility with hours, including potential shifts outside of normal school hours. Drivers play a critical part in getting students safely to and from our high school and trade schools, and in transporting adult learners to work-based learning opportunities.

This is an hourly position. Because driving schedules include gaps between routes, drivers could experience downtime during the workday. Downtime is paid working time: drivers remain on the clock and on-site, and are expected to stay busy and productive at all times. During those periods, you may be assigned other work that supports the school and Skilled US. Our team jumps in wherever help is needed, on whatever task, with a positive attitude.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Safely operate a school bus or other commercial passenger vehicle, keeping student safety first at all times.
• Follow legal and defensive driving practices, and drive efficiently and courteously in all road and weather conditions.
• Treat all passengers, colleagues, and community members with courtesy and professionalism.
• Follow assigned route sheets and itineraries, and communicate with dispatch about any concerns that could affect safety or create an unsafe stop.
• Follow all Department of Transportation (DOT) and Indiana school transportation regulations for commercial passenger vehicles.
• Obey posted speed limits and report mechanical issues according to company policy.
• Keep the interior of the vehicle clean.
• Attend all mandatory safety training and update meetings, including the Indiana annual school bus driver safety meeting.
• Use only federally compliant, hands-free communication (Bluetooth or radio). Never text or use a handheld phone while operating the bus.
• Conduct scheduled emergency bus evacuation drills.
• Report any incident affecting student safety immediately.
• Assist with loading and unloading students with physical or cognitive disabilities when needed, including securing wheelchairs.
• Report all accidents or injuries to dispatch and safety personnel immediately.
• Use effective student management techniques and follow procedures for reporting student behavior concerns.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, including a post-trip child check to confirm no student is left on the bus.
• Maintain a clean driving record free of major traffic citations and major at-fault accidents.
• Report any personal moving violation or seat belt infraction to safety personnel immediately.
• Report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities without delay.
• Stay busy and productive during downtime between routes, taking on other duties as assigned that support the school (JRP) and Skilled US, and jumping in wherever help is needed with a positive attitude.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Indiana Certification and Licensing Requirements

• Valid Indiana CDL, Class B, Interstate, with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements and no air brake (L) restriction.
• Completion of Indiana's state-mandated preservice school bus driver safety education course (up to 40 hours, through the Indiana Department of Education, Division of School Traffic Safety and Emergency Planning). A Certificate of Enrollment (blue card) is required to begin behind-the-wheel training.
• Current DOT physical from a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry, plus the Indiana Title 20 physical fitness certificate filed with the employer. The physical certificate is valid for up to 24 months.
• Successful completion of the local physical performance tests.
• Attendance at the Indiana annual school bus driver safety meeting to maintain certification.
• Pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol test, with enrollment in the DOT random testing pool.
• Criminal history background check and an annual driving record review.
• CPR and first aid training required; will be provided if needed.
• At least 24 years old.
• Certification may be suspended or revoked for a disqualifying conviction or a positive drug or alcohol test, in accordance with Indiana rules.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two years of experience in passenger transportation or a similar field preferred.
• Fluent in English (read, write, and speak).
• Bilingual a plus.
• Valid CDL-B with School Bus and Passenger endorsements (see certification requirements above).
• Clean driving record.
• Valid DOT medical card, maintained throughout employment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to drive safely in a variety of weather conditions.

Physical Demands

This role is mostly sedentary, with frequent use of the hands for operating controls and fine motor tasks. It requires occasional bending, squatting, climbing, reaching, and lifting. The work environment includes exposure to moving equipment, temperature and humidity changes, automotive equipment, and dust, fumes, and gases.

Schedule

• Day shift, Monday through Friday. 7:45 AM to 11:45 PM
• Extended day hours, weeknights, and weekends as needed, but not mandatory.

Job Type and Benefits

Job Types: Hourly. Full-time and Part-time.

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

About Skilled US: 
At Skilled US, we help adults change their lives through education, career training, and workforce readiness. We operate a full-service, brick-and-mortar adult education campus that combines high-quality instruction, career pathways, and wraparound support to help students succeed in training and employment. We are a student-first organization guided by our core values: Students First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude. Our work is fast-paced, mission-driven, and focused on meeting both learner needs and workforce demands.

PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

Please read carefully.

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.